Eight Fremantle-listed players were in action in round 12 of the WAFLW.
Senior Fremantle coach Trent Cooper talks us through his thoughts on the round.
Swan Districts 9.7 (61) def Claremont 1.3 (9)
Swan Districts were very dominant. It was fourth playing third but Swans got a few players back and they really hit their straps on the weekend. They started really well and by the five minute mark of the first quarter, both Ebony Antonio and Gemma Houghton had took two marks each inside 50 and they didn’t look back.
Ebony Antonio (Swan Districts)
It was Ebony’s first game for the year after coming back from some injuries and she was really good. She reported that her match fitness could improve despite the fact that she’s in really good condition. She was a really good contributor with a goal and a hand in a couple of others as well. We’re really happy with her first up game.
Ebony Antonio competes for the footy against the Tigers. Pic: Tom Campbell
Gemma Houghton (Swan Districts)
Gemma’s had a week off and she returned really strongly and it was great to see her match up by a quality opponent too, playing on Sophie McDonald for most of the game. It’s good for her to play on players of that quality at WAFLW level to prepare her for the AFLW season. Gemma was really strong in the air, finished with a goal and she competed well and put on a lot of forward pressure.
Two of Gemma Houghton's contested grabs against the Tigers. Pics: Tom Campbell
Stephanie Cain (Swan Districts)
Steph was playing a solid game until she got a head knock – She passed all of the tests straight away but Swans coach Kara Donnellan decided to put her on ice, which was a wise decision with Swan Districts so far up.
Ashley Sharp (Swan Districts)
Swans were really dominant out of the midfield early so the ball didn’t really get out to Ashley on the wing. She worked into the game nicely and she helped out well in defence, which was pleasing to see, and she got going the other way with some good inside 50s. Ashley finished with a lovely goal, and created a couple of other chances as well, so we’re really happy with her game.
Laura Pugh (Claremont)
Laura’s been in really good form but she was probably beaten on the weekend for the first time in a while. The Swan Districts midfield was really strong and Claremont had a few out, so it was just the weight of numbers and Claremont were fighting a battle through there. Laura took a couple of nice intercept marks and used the ball well when she did get hold of it.
Subiaco 3.7 (25) def by East Fremantle 5.4 (34)
This was the game of the round. Subi got off to a good start and looked in control of the game but East Fremantle finished really strongly.
Hayley Miller (Subiaco)
Hayley was one of the reasons why Subiaco were up early. She was really dominant through the midfield, some great centre clearance work, driving the ball inside 50. She spent a bit of time up forward and when she did do that, Subi lacked that drive through the midfield and never really got it to her. It was nice to see her up forward and playing that different role, but unfortunately when she was there, it didn’t get to her too often.
Lindal Rohde (Suboaco)
Lindal continued her amazing form. She continues to rack up possessions and she uses the ball nicely. We’re really happy with her progress.
Evie Gooch (East Fremantle)
Evie started down back and then East Freo had a few inside 50s but didn’t look like scoring. Their coach Nikki Harwood made a few tactical changes and threw her forward and she responded with two goals, which was really pleasing to see. Evie was a big part in East Freo finishing over the top of Subiaco. She’s shown a lot this WAFLW season, we know she can play back, she’s played through the middle a lot and now she’s gone forward as well. We’re rapt to see that.
