Senior coach Michelle Cowan says she won’t let the hype around Fremantle’s historic first home game in the NAB AFL Women’s competition distract her chargers in their crucial clash against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.
On a weekend that saw more than fifty thousand fans attend the round one games, Fremantle felt the heartbreak of a 32-point defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs.
With a top-two place necessary to earn a place in the Grand Final, Cowan is hopeful that Freo can rise to the occasion behind the support of a home crowd.
“The girls loved it but were a little bit overwhelmed by it as well,” Cowan said.
“There was a fantastic response from the AFL community in Australia which is great to see.”
“But we’re really focused on the sixty minutes of football, and we want to have a lot of focus on the game this weekend and focus on getting the job done.
“It’s an important game for us in the competition.”
After an extensive review, Cowan has been pleased with the results on the training track.
“Our centre clearances and inside fifties have been our focus,” Cowan said.
“We clearly need to get better in that area and I’m really happy with the review on Monday, and really happy with their training and performance on Wednesday.”
“With 15 minute (quarters), when you get the opportunity to go forward you need to kick goals - so we need to get better in that area as well.”
With prior experience of coaching the WA women’s side at Melbourne in the exhibition matches, Cowan knows what to expect from many in the Brisbane line-up.
“They’re great contested ball winners. They’ve got great contribution across the board and are really versatile as well,” Cowan said.
“You see girls line up in their forward line move into their midfield and in the backline as well with Tayla Harris, and some young WA girls that I’ve coached before.
“I’ve got a bit of knowledge about them, and I thought the way they played last weekend was exceptional. They’re certainly going to fly over here and give these girls a great contest.”
In the lead-up to the inaugural season, Cowan was quick to temper the expectations of many that had Fremantle among the favourites for the flag.
But after a disappointing start, Cowan knows her side has a lot more to offer.
“We did some great things during our game, but there was certainly a few fumbles,” Cowan said.
“We just need to tidy that up a bit. It’s been a key focus for us since our first training session and our skills have been something we’ve invested a lot of time in with the coaches.
“Whether it was environment or something else that got to them, we know we can do better and we’ll be out to prove ourselves on Sunday.”
Entry into the match is free however due to limited capacity at the venue, members and fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid dissappointment.
FREMANTLE V BRISBANE
Sunday 12 February
4:05pm at Fremantle Oval
Gates open at 2:30pm
