Fremantle have re-signed a significant number of their 2018 playing list in an important step toward preparations for the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s season.
Captain Kara Donnellan, 2018 fairest and best winner Ebony Antonio and inaugural marquee signing Kiara Bowers have put pen to paper alongside the likes of Kellie Gibson and Hayley Miller.
Also included in the group of 19 are Stephanie Cain, Ashlee Atkins, Gabby O’Sullivan, Evie Gooch, Alex Williams, Alicia Janz, Ashley Sharp, Tayla Bresland, Mel Caulfield, Tayla McAuliffe, Brianna Green, Gemma Houghton, Cassie Davidson and Leah Mascall.
A long-time Fremantle fan, Antonio was delighted to re-sign with Fremantle.
“It’s always been a childhood dream to play for Fremantle so you know when you get an extension for another year, I was never going to say no,” Antonio said.
“I’m really looking forward to progressing from where we left off last year.”
With the AFLW set to welcome two additional teams in 2019, Antonio said it was important for Fremantle to retain a significant number of their 2018 list.
“I think it’s really important that we’ve kept these players,” Antonio said.
“They’re sticking around for another year as it’s going to be really interesting to see how we go next year.
“What we achieved last year was better than season one and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can produce next year, knowing that we were only two games shy of being in a grand final – that’s just how close the competition is.”
Fremantle will head into the 2019 season without Lisa Webb, who will be unavailable due to family reasons.
Webb impressed in her debut AFLW season, going on to win the 2018 Best Clubwoman award for her contributions to the club on and off the field.
Following consultation with the AFL, Webb has been granted personal leave and Fremantle will be afforded priority opportunity to re-list the 2018 rookie at a future date, should she become available.
Fremantle’s inaugural Fairest and Best winner Dana Hooker has committed to a contract for the 2019 season since the 27-year-old advised her interest in exploring a move to Victoria.
As a highly valued and respected member of the playing group, Fremantle was keen to retain Hooker for the 2019 season and the contract offer has since been accepted.
Fremantle AFLW Manager Wade Spilcker said the club had been contacted by the Western Bulldogs late in the process in regards to an exchange for Hooker, however the Bulldogs could not provide any value to Fremantle in a trade.
