Fremantle has elevated Alicia Janz onto their list ahead of this weekend's round five NAB AFL Women's clash with Collingwood at Rushton Park.
Janz has previously played for Melbourne in a 2016 exhibition game against the Western Bulldogs, and comes in to ensure Fremantle has 24 fit players ready for selection.
Taylah Angel, who was a late withdrawal from last week's loss to Adelaide, remains out of the side due to an abdominal strain, while Stephanie Cain has been omitted, but listed as an emergency alongside Tarni Golisano.
A former netballer and West Coast Fever player, Janz made the switch to football at the encouragement of Fremantle co-vice captain Kirby Bentley, and played as a ruck and forward for Melbourne University for two seasons in the Victorian Women's Football League.
Janz comes with a working knowledge of playing with and against her teammates, after training with the side in the pre-season and playing against Freo for the WA State Talent Academy in January.
Senior coach Michelle Cowan said she’s been impressed with what she has seen from Janz.
“Alicia’s been a train-on with us as a tall that we wanted to be a part of our program,” Cowan said.
“She’s certainly earned her spot. She’s a fantastic character, really competitive and gives great effort all the time.
“I love her intent around the footy and competitiveness. She’s really proactive with the girls and very encouraging.
“She’s a team player and I think she’ll be electric for us out there.”
Janz will wear the number 30 and has been named on the bench, alongside Brooke Whyte, Demi Okely, Lara Filocamo, Beatrice Devlyn and Kira Phillips.
With a draw from the opening four rounds, Fremantle head into Saturday's game still chasing their first win in the AFLW, against a Collingwood side who won their first game of the season last weekend against the Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval.
Fremantle v Collingwood AFL & AFLW Double Header
Saturday 4 March - Rushton Park, Mandurah
AFL Women's: 10.35am
AFL Men's: 1.40pm
Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com.au
