Fremantle have almost completed their list for the inaugural AFL Women’s league after selecting 18 WA players at the AFLW National Draft on Wednesday.
The draft was held at the NAB Arena at Docklands in Melbourne, with each club presenting their first round picks to the rest of the league.
Coach Michelle Cowan announced Coastal Titans’ defender Hayley Miller as Fremantle’s first pick, taken fourth overall at the historic draft.
Miller, who played for Cowan at Melbourne in the recent exhibition match, said she was thrilled to continue their relationship.
“As a coach she understands her players and knows how to get the best out of everyone,” Miller said.
“Every experience I’ve had in being coached by her has been a positive one.”
The selection process followed a ‘snaking order’, with the initial order decided by a lottery, as each club selected between 15 and 19 players depending on their number of pre-signed players.
Fremantle followed Miller’s selection picking East Fremantle’s Brianna Green.
Green had an outstanding WAWFL season and will add some class to a midfield already boasting marquee player Kara Donnellan.
Cowan said the Sharks recruit was a great inclusion to Fremantle’s squad.
“I’ve coached Brianna for a number of years and her athletic ability, her football knowledge and her passion for the game will hold us in good stead,” Cowan said.
Miller is Freo's number one
“She is really excited to take her game to the next level and I know she will do well in this competition.”
Cowan also highlighted that the group were all local products.
“We are really proud that this group of girls we have drafted is 100 percent WA talent.
“We are really looking forward to getting them on the track and seeing what happens in 2017.”
Following the draft, Fremantle had four free agency spots to fill on the list, using players from any of the State draft nominations.
One of the spots was immediately filled when they selected Tarnica Golisano from the Coastal Titans.
The three remaining positions will be filled in the coming weeks.
The club is thrilled to welcome Tarnica, along with the following players via today’s draft:
Pick 4 – Hayley Miller
13 – Brianna Green
20 – Ashley Sharp
29 – Lara Filocamo
36 – Tiah Haynes
45 – Kira Phillips
52 – Tayla Bresland
61 – Amy Lavell
68 – Stacey Barr
77 – Mel Caulfield
84 – Cassie Davidson
93 – Taylah Angel
100 – Belinda Smith
109 – Stephanie Cain
116 – Kelly Clinch
125 – Demi Okely
130 – Dana Hooker
139 – Akec Makur Chuot
