AFLW captain Kara Antonio gave a rousing speech as Fremantle launched their season at a function at the club on Wednesday night, calling on her teammates to not hold anything back in 2020.
She said she felt something special brewing at Freo, praising her club for fully embracing its AFLW program.
“Success doesn’t build culture, great people build culture and that’s what we have here and I’m so proud to be a part of what we continue to build,” Antonio said.
“I walk in each and every day and I feel like this is my club just as much as it’s Nat Fyfe’s club. I feel safe, I feel valued and I feel like I belong.
“What this club is doing to make us feel valued and respected is something that needs to be acknowledged.”
The midfielder spoke of her pride leading Fremantle for the fourth straight season, highlighting the important influence all AFLW players are having on the game and on Australian society.
“Being able to lead you each and every week…it’s an overwhelming emotion that I still don’t know how to articulate,” Antonio said.
“I want to thank you all for putting the trust and belief in me to lead you. I will never take this for granted and I promise I will never let you all down.
“There’s a much bigger purpose to what we are and what we do. This game goes well beyond training and games, it’s the influence we’re having on the next generation of young boys and girls.
“They all look up to us as strong women, as role models. We are changing the game, own that and be proud of it.”
Freo commence their season this Sunday against Geelong at Fremantle Oval, and Antonio called on her teammates to rise to the occasion.
“You’ve all done the hard work, you’re all here because you deserve to be,” Antonio said.
“Lets take this year by the scruff of the neck and stamp our mark on this competition and on this game.
“Everyone’s writing us off so let’s prove them wrong. We want to make sure everyone knows that the Fremantle Dockers are coming.”
Fremantle face Geelong on Sunday 9 February at Fremantle Oval. Bounce down is at 2:10pm and entry is free.
