AFLW: 2019 Season Launch
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Fremantle could have up to eight NAB AFL Women’s debutants for Sunday’s round one clash with Melbourne at Casey Fields, highlighted by the inclusion of star midfielder Kiara Bowers.
Bowers, who was a marquee signing for the inaugural season in 2017, has been named in Fremantle’s extended squad of 23 for the game, alongside fellow potential debutants Ange Stannett, Sabreena Duffy, Philipa Seth, Parris Laurie, Laura Pugh, Brianna Moyes and Courtney Stubbs.
Former Carlton player Katie-Jayne Grieve is also set for her Fremantle debut after playing two games for the Blues in 2018.
A five-time winner of the WAWFL Fairest and Best, Bowers is set to add her quality to the Fremantle engine room after missing the opening two seasons due to injury.
Senior coach Trent Cooper said Sunday will be a special day for not only Bowers but the whole club.
“It is really special, I feel privileged to be a part of it, it will be a very proud moment for the club when she runs out there,” Cooper said.
“The excitement levels that she brings to the whole group will add so much to the team, I guarantee the girls will all be walking a lot taller having Turbo out there with them."
Parris Laurie is expected to shoulder the ruck load in her debut game after an impressive pre-season with strong performances against Adelaide and in the club’s match simulations.
Cooper highlighted the character of Laurie and her commitment to pre-season.
“Parris has been first-class, she performed really well against Adelaide and we are confident she can have a big impact this year, not just in the centre hit-outs but around the ground as well,” Cooper said.
A former Perth Glory player, Angelique Stannett will debut in the AFLW and play just her third game of Australian rules football since making the switch from soccer.
Sabreena Duffy was drafted to Fremantle with pick no.17 in the NAB AFL Women’s draft after impressing for Peel in the WAWFL. The versatile 18-year-old had a solid performance in her first Fremantle hitout in a pre-season clash with Adelaide.
The final team of 21 players and two emergencies will be confirmed on Friday on fremantlefc.com.au at 11am.
EXTENDED SQUAD
Fremantle v Melbourne
Casey Fields, Melbourne
Backs: Evie Gooch, Tayla Bresland, Ange Stannett
Half Back: Alex Williams, Ebony Antonio, Stephanie Cain
Centre: Sabreena Duffy
Half Forward: Kellie Gibson, Gemma Houghton, Gabby O’Sullivan
Forwards: Philipa Seth, Ashley Sharp, Kiara Bowers
Ruck/Followers: Parris Laurie, Dana Hooker, Kara Donnellan
Interchange from: Hayley Miller, Katie-Jayne Grieve, Laura Pugh, Leah Mascall, Brianna Moyes, Courtney Stubbs, Mel Caulfield
