Dear Purple Army,

Just like that, it’s all over. In a matter of seconds, reading the headline “AFLW season cancelled, no premiership to be awarded” splashed across twitter. There are no exact words to describe the feeling. Equal parts heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. Countless hours on the track and in the gym, ice-baths, massages, physio appointments, scans and meetings. Pre-game rituals and post-game recovery. The gut running, hard hits, sensational goals and chase-down tackles all brought to an abrupt end.

I want to thank every single Fremantle member and supporter for their unwavering love, support and encouragement over the 2020 AFLW season and in particular the last few days. We loved seeing you all at Fremantle Oval and missed you so much in our final game of the season, but know you were screaming just as loudly at your TVs. We genuinely appreciate every message, tweet and comment we’ve received and continue to receive. Thank you for all the photos, the high fives and hugs, and despite the devastating end to the season, I loved every minute of playing the game I love, in front of all of you who share that love.

I am truly sorry we didn’t have the opportunity to play for what our club deserves the most. I can’t say we would have delivered the AFLW premiership, but we would have given it everything we had and left no stone unturned. 2020 will always be seen as the season of “what if” and “if only”.

I know you are all as upset, frustrated and disappointed as I am, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture. As much as it hurts and will continue to hurt for some time, in the midst of the worldwide crisis currently gripping the globe, this outcome is small and insignificant.

I’m so sorry that a lot of you have lost jobs and continue to lose jobs as so many of our Fremantle staff have. I feel the pressure too. It’s inevitable that some of you will get sick or have loved ones who will get sick and I send you every well wish and hope for a full recovery. Whilst I wish I could personally help each and every one of you, I know I can’t. But I do know that if we all show kindness, generosity and care, we will get through it all. It’s time we focus on keeping ourselves and our vulnerable friends and family in the community safe and healthy.

It is an incredibly unpredictable and uncertain time, and sadly for so many of us, football is an escape and an outlet. With no football to distract us from the reality of the situation it’s important to turn to your family, friends and loved ones for support and guidance. If you are overwhelmed, stressed or struggling please pick the phone up and call those who care for you most. Its ok not to be ok but you are never alone, we are all in this together.

Season 2020 is over but we will be back, bigger and better than ever.

Until next time.

Hayley Miller
Fremantle AFLW player