Star Fremantle midfielder Kiara Bowers is hopeful Fremantle can continue to be a force to reckon with in the AFLW after being impressed with what her teammates have delivered so far this pre-season.
 
Competing in one of the fastest-improving competitions in Australia, Bowers and her teammates know that there is no room for stagnation in the AFLW as Freo look to build on their unbeaten season in 2020.
 
Bowers believes she’s seen the results required on the training track ahead of round one against GWS on Sunday 31 January at Fremantle Oval.
 
“We’re fitter, we’re stronger. We have new and young girls in who are going to bring so much to the team. I can’t wait to see what they do,” Bowers said.
 
“We want to come in round one fit and ready to go. The girls definitely are, I definitely am, and I’m ready to crack in and go hard in round one.”

One of those ‘new’ players is Tiah Haynes, who was redrafted to Fremantle after an injury-challenged stint at the club between 2017 and 2018.
 
With the midfielder at full fitness, Bowers expects her teammate to have an exciting return to AFLW football.
 
“Tiah’s back this year and she’s an absolute ball magnet,” Bowers said.
 
“I’ve never seen someone to be able to grab that many ground balls so cleanly. I’m excited that she’ll be in there with us and running amok.
 
“There’s also (new draftee) Sarah Verrier, who is a quiet little achiever. Her hands, she takes some balls that I wouldn’t dare to be able to grab. I’m keen to watch her get in and under.”
 
Bowers said Fremantle benefited from working hard over Christmas and New Years, where the players ramped up their fitness training.
 
“There wasn’t much turkey or drinks,” Bowers said.
 
“We had a couple of running sessions and lots of boxing sessions with ‘Springa’ (boxing coach Gary Ingraham), which was really enjoyable.
 
“They were sweaty sessions but there’s enough time to recoup and get ready for round one.”