The first 22 players who will represent Fremantle in the NAB AFLW Women’s Competition have been named for Saturday’s historic opening round clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Captain Kara Donnellan was named in the midfield alongside Kirby Bentley, Melissa Caulfield and ruck Gemma Houghton.
The game is Bentley’s second game of football in more than a year as she makes her comeback from an ACL injury, while Houghton, a former basketball player, will play just her third game of football.
Every named player has featured in at least one pre-season game, either in Darwin against Adelaide on 14 January, or against the WA State Talent Academy at Fremantle Oval on 23 January.
Ashley Sharp, who kicked three goals against Adelaide, has moved to the left back pocket, with 2016 WAWFL leading goal-scorer Amy Lavell taking the reigns at full forward.
Tayla Bresland and Belinda Smith remain in the backline after a strong performance against Adelaide, while Cassie Davidson has moved to the right half forward flank after an outstanding defensive effort in Darwin.
As per AFL rules, 16 players are named on the field for each side compared to 18 for the men’s competition, with six allowed on the bench as opposed to four in the men’s game.
Fremantle's bench consists of Gabby O’Sullivan, Demi Okely, Tarni Golisano, Akec Chuot, Stacey Barr, Taylah Angel, with unlimited interchanges allowed throughout the match.
Beatrice Devlyn and Taryn Priestly have been named as Fremantle's two emergencies.
The Team
Back: Belinda Smith, Tayla Bresland, Ashley Sharp
Half Back: Tiah Haynes, Hayley Miller, Stephanie Cain
Centre: Kara Donnellan
Half Forward: Cassie Davidson, Dana Hooker, Lara Filocamo
Forward: Ebony Antonio, Amy Lavell, Brianna Green
Ruck: Gemma Houghton
Followers: Kirby Bentley, Melissa Caulfield
Interchange: Gabby O'Sullivan, Demi Okely, Tarnica Golisano, Akec Chuot, Stacey Barr, Taylah Angel
Emergencies: Taryn Priestly, Beatrice Devlyn
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
