One day into her AFLW and Fremantle career, Amy Franklin already feels at home after being selected at no.14 in Tuesday’s 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.
Despite being one of WA’s highest rated prospects, Franklin was surprised to be the second player selected from the WA pool.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was just expecting to have a quiet night with the family just watching the draft. To hear my name for Freo…I have no words!” Franklin said.
“I think I’m still shaking a little bit from it. It’s been an amazing experience coming up to this.”
While Fremantle will be excited about Franklin’s ability and versatility as a key position player that can go forward and back, Franklin was just thrilled to become a part of the culture that has grown through in Freo’s AFLW group.
“I’ve heard a lot about their culture and I feel that’s amazing to have,” Franklin said.
“I feel like when you get to that kind of level, it’s more than just footy.
“The whole family aspect of it is a big part of it too, that’s why I’m really excited to be a part of it at Fremantle. They’re an amazing team and I feel in the past couple of years they’ve just been really amazing."
Franklin started her sporting in journey in soccer but was convinced to switch to Australian rules by some friends in 2018.
Since then she’s impressed with her athleticism and booming kick.
“It’s impossible to overlook a tall player with her athleticism that can play at both ends of the ground and has the potential to develop into a midfielder,” Fremantle senior coach Trent Cooper said.
“Someone with her height and athletic traits is really rare. We’re thrilled to have her on the list and look forward to seeing her develop into a long-term player for the Club.”
Franklin said she’s hoping to grow rapidly the more she plays the game.
“Hopefully, there’s some exciting things to come. I like being a tall player, it’s a good trait to have, but I also think I have a pretty long kick,” Franklin said.
“Comparing my 2021 season to last year, it was a lot better. Playing 15 games this year compared to seven last year (in a shortened season due to Covid), it was really good to try and ease into it than having a rushed year.
“I feel like I was pretty happy with myself, being moved up to half forward, getting more touches of the ball, so that was good to have.”
Franklin was one of six players drafted to Fremantle on the night, joined by Dana East (pick no. 31), Makaela Tuhakaraina (38), Airlie Runnells (44), Jess Low (52) and Sarah Wielstra (57).
Pick no.14 Amy Franklin
Pick no.31 Dana East
Pick no.38 Makaela Tuhakaraina
Pick no.44 Airlie Runnalls
Pick no.52 Jessica Low
Pick no.57 Sarah Wielstra
