Fremantle’s final AFLW rookie spot has been filled with the signing of tall, athletic winger Lindal Rohde.
Rohde has trained alongside Fremantle’s AFLW team as part of its academy program and is teammates with midfielder Hayley Miller at Subiaco in the WAFLW competition.
“It’s really exciting to join the Dockers…and I’m keen to get started,” Rohde said.
“I love the academy so far; it’s been great to train with some experienced AFLW players.
“The girls have been so welcoming and really eager to pass on their knowledge.”
Rohde comes from a strong netball background, training with the West Coast Fever for a number of years and winning the highest individual honour in WA netball in 2016, the Jill McIntosh Medal.
The 28-year-old believes her netballing skills have helped with her football development.
“I’m five games in now so I’m learning every time I get an opportunity to play,” Rohde said.
“Coming from a netball background, there are some pretty transferable skills and I’m getting my fitness up to be able to run on that wing position.
“My goal for 2020 is obviously to debut…to soak everything up and enjoy the opportunity.”
That 2020 debut is a chance for Rohde, with her new coach Trent Cooper impressed by what she has brought to the table so far.
“She is tall, athletic, can play on the wing, and I can easily see her playing in Round 1,” Cooper said.
“I’ve been really impressed with her one-touch and coming from a netball background she takes the ball really cleanly.
“Miller, who she plays with (at Subiaco) gave us the heads up early and their senior coach Sarah Michell gave her a big wrap.
“We have loved what we’ve seen so far.”
The signing of Rohde means Fremantle now have 20-listed players and three rookies, leaving seven spots available to take into the NAB AFLW Draft.
