To say Fremantle defender Evie Gooch has had an interesting week would be an understatement.  

She felt the full impact of the COVID-19 crisis earlier this week when she lost her job at a Perth café. But showed resilience to brush it all aside and be one of Freo’s most influential players in Saturday’s semi-final win over the Gold Coast SUNS. 

Praising her teammates, and the club as a whole, Gooch said the circumstances brought the team closer together in the lead up to Fremantle’s 70-point win at Fremantle Oval.

“It’s been a really tough week but having all the girls and the club around me, everyone’s been so supportive, so I really feel like I’ve got somewhere to turn to.

“I definitely don’t feel like I’ve been left out in the open, it’s been amazing this week and really brought the girls together.”

Gooch finished the game with seven rebound 50’s to her name in a dominant performance down back, collecting 11 disposals along the way.

Locking down her direct opponent, as well as peeling off when required to break through half back, the 24-year-old had arguably one of her best games of the 2020 season. 

“After missing a game earlier in the season, I felt that hunger to get back out there and prove myself and the girls have been really great around me, it’s been awesome this season,” Gooch said.

The defender also applauded her fellow backs, as they held the Suns to just one goal for the entire game from 26 entries inside 50. 

“Having confidence in the backline, being composed, it sort of sets the tone for the rest of the game. 

“Us being nice and composed in the back is really good for the rest of the girls and it was a big focus of ours this week.”

“It shows that even though we’re getting pressed with the ball coming in, our backs are really great at absorbing that pressure, being composed and getting it back out,” Gooch said.