Fremantle captain Kara Antonio and coach Trent Cooper are expecting a heated battle when Fremantle and West Coast’s AFLW teams go head to head for the first time in an RAC Derby.
While the RAC Derby has always been a big occasion in the AFL competition, it’s often preceded with statements that ‘it’s just another game’ in the mid-week media conferences.
Ahead of the first RAC Derby in the AFLW, the responses were a little more lively.
Both Antonio and Cooper said the close personal connection between players on both teams could lead to an intense rivalry.
“There’s the crossover effect of so many of the Freo girls being at West Coast and them playing together all through the WAFLW as well,” Cooper said.
“We’ve got a lot of girls who have come through different pathways together.
“They know each other really well, probably more so than the men do, who come from all over Australia. Nearly everyone is from WA, so that rivalry will be pretty fierce I think.”
The senior coach of Swan Districts in the WAFLW, Antonio said it would feel strange to line up against players she has coached, including the likes of West Coast’s Imahra Cameron, Mikayla Bowen and former Freo teammate Kellie Gibson.
“No doubt there will be a bit of banter on the field on the weekend,” Antonio said.
“I have a number of good mates that I play with and some who I have coached at WAFLW level are playing at West Coast now.
“I’m extremely proud to see them drafted, playing AFLW and living their childhood dream but I suppose when you cross the white line, it’s business as usual.
“I think this one has a little bit more in it as you’re going up against your good mates and you want the bragging rights at the end of the day.”
Antonio downplayed Fremantle’s prior experience of playing at Optus Stadium against Collingwood in 2018, stating that many of her teammates in that clash will be taking part in the game in an Eagles jumper.
“I think a number of the girls that will pay on the weekend for both teams were a part of the historic game back in 2018,” Antonio said.
“We had 42,000 fans there which hopefully, if we can reach that, it will be fantastic.
“It’s going to be a fantastic event and a great day for AFLW and WA footy.
“Being the first RAC Derby, I think it’s a really proud moment to play in and come along and watch.”
