Fremantle have picked up their second player of the AFLW free agency period, securing the signature of GWS defender Alex Williams.
The East Fremantle product was selected by the Giants as a priority signing for the 2017 season and will return to WA to play for Fremantle in 2018.
The 171cm Williams was one of the Giants’ strongest in the inaugural season, averaging 10 possessions and three tackles during her seven appearances.
Senior coach Michelle Cowan said she was delighted to see Williams return home to WA.
“Alex is a really exciting signing for us,” Cowan said.
“She’s a key defender but also brings versatility to our team,” Cowan said.
“She’s taken on some skillful key forwards in the 2017 AFLW season and played that role really well.”
Williams joins Adelaide Crows premiership player Kellie Gibson as Fremantle’s two big signings of the free agency period.
Both Williams and Gibson were signed prior to the inaugural AFLW draft with Gibson a marquee player and Williams a priority signing.
The 24-year-old will be a familiar face at Fremantle, re-joining her East Fremantle team mates Brianna Green, Belinda Smith, Gabby O’Sullivan, Melissa Caulfield and Cassie Davidson at Fremantle.
“Alex knows everyone really well,” Cowan said.
“She’s captain of the East Fremantle league team which is fantastic. She’s got exceptional leadership and already has those established relationships among the group which is great.”
The free agency period, which allows for the movement of players not re-contracted to their 2017 clubs, ends on Thursday, 1 June when final list lodgements are submitted to the AFL.
