Fremantle will unveil their prize first round recruit Sarah Verrier when taking on GWS in round one on Sunday at Fremantle Oval.
The highly skilled Verrier has been hailed as a product of the next generation of female footballers who were able to play the game all through their childhood and teenage years.
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Her abilities with the ball by foot has been a highlight of Fremantle’s pre-season and it was more than enough to convince senior coach Trent Cooper to give the 18-year-old a debut.
“It’s surreal, I’m really stoked. I’ve obviously been waiting for this for many years and now it’s happened, I just need to take it in and take it easy over the next two days,” Verrier said.
“Since season one, I’ve been watching AFLW and it’s been a dream since to play AFLW Auskick.”
Fittingly, it’s the second-straight game at Fremantle Oval that will have huge significance to the Verrier family, with brother Steven taking part in South Fremantle’s WAFL Grand Final win at the ground last October.
Verrier’s brother Brendan has also played for South Fremantle with 77 league games to his name.
“My brothers, they’ll be there and they’ll be watching,” Verrier said.
“Obviously I’ve been there for quite a while watching them so now they get to watch me and I’m really excited.”
Senior coach Trent Cooper said he was confident Verrier could stand up to the rigors of AFLW football.
“We’ve always known, even when we drafted her, that there was a good chance she would play round one, as she’s a talented player,” Cooper said.
“She’s played Auskick all the way through and kicks it so well. She’s really keen. She’s a really unflappable character. She’s one of the most level people you’ll ever meet. For her, I’m sure there will be a few internal butterflies but she’s got great composure and it won’t worry her at all.
“She’s also really versatile, she can play across all three lines so we’re really happy that she’s going to be out there in round one.”
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