The captains of the eight teams in the NAB AFL Women’s competition have given their predictions on the approaching season, with the Fremantle side polling well ahead of this weekend’s opening round.
Fremantle drew votes in every category, including in the poll for which team will take the 2017 AFLW flag, sitting alongside Carlton and one vote behind the heavily favoured Western Bulldogs side.
Young forward Ashley Sharp polled the most votes in the category predicting the NAB AFLW Rising Star award, while captain Kara Donnellan was among those expected to do well in the Best and Fairest.
If the poll is to be believed, this Saturday’s round one clash against the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval could be a blockbuster between two flag hopefuls.
Fremantle’s first chance to play in front of their home fans comes the following week, playing Brisbane at Fremantle Oval on Sunday 12 February.
The full survey results were (eight captains polled):
Which Team Will Win The 2017 NAB AFL Women’s Flag?
3 - Western Bulldogs.
2 – Fremantle, Carlton.
1 – Collingwood.
Who Will Win the NAB AFL Women’s Best and Fairest?
3 – Daisy Pearce (Melbourne).
2 – Kara Donnellan (Fremantle), Emma Kearney (Western Bulldogs).
1 – Chelsea Randall (Adelaide Crows).
Who Will Be The Best Player Coming From Another Sport?
3 –Erin Phillips (Adelaide Crows/basketball).
1 – Ellie Brush (GWS Giants/soccer), Bree Davey (Carlton/soccer), Gemma Houghton (Fremantle/basketball), Cat Phillips (Melbourne/frisbee), Helen Roden (Collingwood/basketball).
Who Will Top The Goalkicking?
2 – Mo Hope (Collingwood).
1 – Katie Brennan (Western Bulldogs), Mel Caulfield (Fremantle), Ellyse Gamble (Western Bulldogs), Taylor Harris (Brisbane Lions), Sarah Perkins (Adelaide Crows), Darcy Vescio (Carlton).
Who Will Win the NAB AFL Women’s Rising Star?
2 – Ashley Sharp (Fremantle).
1 – Nicola Barr (GWS Giants), Deanna Berry (Melbourne), Jasmine Garner (Collingwood), Shaleise Law (Brisbane Lions), Ebony Marinoff (Adelaide Crows), Hayley Miller (Fremantle).
HOW TO WATCH FREMANTLE'S UPCOMING AFLW GAMES
Round 1. Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, 4:40pm (WST) Saturday 4 February at VU Whitten Oval
Broadcast live nationally Channel 7mate and Fox Footy
Round 2. Fremantle v Brisbane, 4:05pm (WST) Sunday 12 February (WST) at Fremantle Oval
With free entry, there's every reason to get down to Fremantle Oval to support Freo in their first game at home!
AFLW fixture and broadcast information
