AFLW
Baby boy gives Turbo a new motivation

Fremantle ruck coach Aaron Sandilands pulled a surprise on Freo’s AFLW playing group at training on Wednesday night when he announced that young ruck Mim Strom would make her debut in round one against Geelong.

Freo could have more than a handful of debutants for Sunday’s clash at Fremantle Oval, and Sandilands got the ball rolling when he presented Strom with her no.21 jumper.

The announcement was welcomed with huge cheers from the playing group and Strom was equally elated.

I was presented with my playing jumper for round one by Aaron Sandilands! I don’t think you could ask for a better legend of the game to present your jumper

- Mim Strom

“It’s pretty crazy. Obviously I was hoping to play, but once I heard the news I couldn’t stop smiling. I’m so excited to get out there. I’m obviously nervous too, but that’s good.”

The talented 18-year-old was selected at no.21 in the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s draft as a long-term prospect for Freo, but after to the season-ending knee injury to fellow ruck Aine Tighe, Strom became a near certainty for a round one debut. 

Mim Strom working with Aaron Sandilands at training on Wednesday night

Impressed with her quick development, Sandilands said Strom had done more than enough to earn her spot.

“To be able to debut in round one this year is huge for her and also huge for Freo,” Sandilands said.

“Her willingness to learn and work ethic is outstanding. I just love the way she goes about it and there’s no doubt she’ll fit in well in the team this Sunday.

“She’s so young and there’s so much potential for Mim a couple of years down the track. The more games we get into her, the better she’ll become.

“She’s going to compete, she’ll have a crack, and seeing some of the vision from the past couple of weeks, she doesn’t mind backing back into the pack. She has plenty of courage and, hopefully, she can give our mids first use.” 

AFLW Training: 5 February

See all the photos from Wednesday night's training session
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Strom was able to celebrate straight after training with her parents, who were at the club for a post-training function leading into the season.

“My parents were so happy. Every interview I do I forget to thank them and I really need to thank them as they are the drive behind everything I do,” Strom said. 

“I’m just trying to make them proud and I think they’re pretty proud now.

“My parents have been incredible, they always push me to follow any dream I’ve had and playing round one is my dream.

“Freo are such an amazing club so it’s a dream come true.”