Kiara Bowers has every reason to feel she can improve on her 2019 Fairest and Best winning season.
The midfielder is undertaking her first full pre-season in her fourth year as a Freo Docker but admits she’s feeling the pressure to keep up with the new faces at the club.
It’s a good sign for Fremantle, who are looking to build on their 2019 preliminary finals appearance despite losing a number of players through the AFLW’s expansion to 12 teams in 2020.
“The new faces are dominating us older girls to be honest, it’s a bit scary,” Bowers said.
“We like to say that we’re a little bit better than them but to be honest, they’re jumping beyond us and they’re incredible, so it’s going to be good for the times to come.
Bowers wouldn’t be surprised to see the likes of 18-year-old Bianca Webb make an impact in the coming seasons.
“I hate playing out on ‘Webby’ in the midfield, she runs all day,” Bowers said.
“She does the one percenters, she’s learning everything, she’s going to be incredible in the years to come, if not this year.
Bowers added that Irish recruits Kate Flood and Aine Tighe are handling the oval ball well and transitioning to their new sport.
“Even though they sometimes kick it the same, it goes in every single time,” Bowers said.
“It’s great to have them on our team as they’re going to be the x-factor that we need.”
After dominating in her first AFLW season coming off multiple knee injuries, Bowers said she’s enjoying being able to focus purely on her football.
“I haven’t done a full AFLW pre-season before so it feels good,” Bowers said.
“I’ve had the off-season to work on my fitness and work on my skills and knuckle down on everything.
“Now I’m not so worried about making the team, I’m just focusing on doing what I can for the team. I’m good, I’m fit, happy and healthy and I’m ready to go out there.
“I’ve got all the tools that I’ve had in previous years. Now it’s about getting out there and doing as much as I can.”
Bowers said she’s counting down the days until Fremantle open their season at home against Geelong on 9 February at Fremantle Oval.
“If you look at my phone, it’s got the countdown on there and I see that every day. I’m so excited for round one and running out there with the girls.”
