Fremantle debutant Matilda Sergeant was “absolutely rapt” to experience her first AFLW win in Sunday’s hard-fought match against the Western Bulldogs at Fremantle Oval.
The 19-year old midfielder said she was excited heading into the must-win matchup and that she’d been waiting a long time for the opportunity to play at the elite level.
“I was a little bit nervous but I was a bit more excited than nervous,” Sergeant said.
“It’s been a long time coming for me, it’s been a long pre-season, so finally getting out there was really cool and (I’m) just stoked”.
Sergeant said the senior players and fellow midfielders gave her plenty of guidance on-field.
“People like Juddy, Hooks, Miller, and Turbo, their communication on the field helps enormously,” she said.
“Simple things like just getting in position really helps when you’re under the pump and everything’s going so quick so little things like that really give us a boost."
Freo defeated the Western Bulldogs by 18-points at Fremantle Oval in a competitive game until the home team hit the scoreboard hard in the final quarter.
Sergeant said the entire team’s pressure was what helped them stay in the match and bring home the win in front of the home crowd, including her friends and family.
“I think I brought half of Perth down today, I had a lot of friends, a couple of them made signs and they were stoked just to see me get out there.
“Mum and Dad were really proud so it was nice to get the win for them,” she said.
Fremantle take on Geelong next Saturday at GMHBA Stadium.
