The Fremantle Dockers have made the final free-agency selections to bring their AFLW list to its total of 28 players.
Emily Bonser, Taryn Priestly and Gemma Houghton join Tarnica Golisano as Freo’s four free agent pickups after the inaugural AFLW draft on 12 October.
Golisano was selected immediately after the draft’s conclusion, while Bonser, Priestly and Houghton were notified ahead of today’s list lodgement deadline.
Priestly and Houghton are both relatively new to the game, with Priestly coming off an impressive debut season with Swan Districts and featuring in their premiership side.
Wade Spilcker, Fremantle’s AFLW academies and community manager, expects to see Priestly make a smooth transition into Freo’s ranks.
“Taryn’s really picked up the game quickly and adjusted well in the WAWFL. I’m sure we’ll see her step up into the AFLW too,” Spilcker said.
“She’s got very good skills, especially for someone coming from basketball who only has one year of footy experience.”
Houghton is yet to play a competitive match of footy, but impressed at a talent search held at Emmanuel College in August.
“Gemma went through a few trials and we were really happy with her athleticism,” said senior coach Cowan of Houghton, who posted the best result of the day in the beep test.
“She’s a great person as well so we know she’ll be a great fit. We’ve certainly got some development to go through in terms of football knowledge and ability, but she’ll be in the right environment to flourish.
“Everyone’s a chance to start in round 1 at this stage.”
Bonser, a hard-working midfielder also from Swan Districts’ premiership side, said she never gave up on her AFLW dream after initially missing out in the draft.
“It was pretty disappointing but I kept my eyes on the prize and gave Michelle (Cowan) a call maybe about a week after, asking about what positions were left,” Bonser said.
“I think missing out has almost made me hungrier and determined to really work hard and show that I deserve a place. It has definitely put fuel in my fire to continue to prove myself, which is a really good sign.”
Cowan, who said making the call to Bonser was among one of the best aspects of being a coach, is looking forward to seeing how the side shapes up over the coming pre-season, which starts Tuesday 22 November.
“Our free agents complement our list really well, and I’m excited to be submitting these players to the AFL,” Cowan said.
“I’m happy with the way we look. We’ve got some really good balance, we’ve got some young players, some new players, we’ve got some seasoned players and some great leaders so there’s a really good balance.
“I’m rapt about where we’re at.”
