After finishing last for hitouts in their first three seasons in the AFLW, Fremantle went into round one against Geelong on Saturday relying on debutants Mim Strom and Roxy Roux to give Freo’s mids first use.
The 18-year-old duo were thrust into sharing the ruck duties after a season-ending injury to Irish recruit Aine Tighe stretched Freo’s ruck stocks.
But they shone in their first taste of AFLW, helping Freo win the hitouts 33-21 and the clearances 26-25 in a 16-point victory against Geelong.
With 15 hitouts and a goal, Roux played the forward/ruck role perfectly, while Strom collected 13 hitouts and impressed with her ball use and movement around the ground.
Versatile defender Mia-Rae Clifford highlighted the duo as two of Freo’s stars on the day.
A former Cat playing her first Freo game, Clifford was impressed with what Freo’s youngest players brought to the table.
“I loved Mim and her work-rate around the ground,” Clifford said.
“She was coming up against one of the most experienced rucks in the competition in Aasta O’Connor.
“Mim was taking marks and getting in good positions and competing all day.
“And Roxy, she was all over the ground, going up in the ruck and going forward. They all did their role today and I just couldn’t be prouder.”
Clifford also had praise for fellow defender Janelle Cuthbertson, a former tennis player who had only previously played at WAFLW reserves level for Perth Angels.
“JC had to play on one of my best mates, Phoebe McWilliams, who is one of the best forwards in the competition.
“Janelle did so well on her today and I was so proud, who’s not played many games of footy and none at this level.
“For her to come out and play on one of the best forwards in the competition and shut her down well, I’m so proud of her.”
Fremantle now turn their focus to the first women's RAC Derby, played at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
Tickets for the clash are $3 through Ticketmaster, with all proceeds going to bushfire relief.
