THE Dockers’ women’s team have started their season on a high, with a dominant 22-point win over Port Adelaide in Adelaide last weekend.
Captain Ange Stannett, who missed the 2024 season due to an injured ACL, kicked two goals in a return that made a statement to other teams, while former captain Hailey Miller booted three to give Freo’s season an ideal kickstart.
Skilful goals to Megan Kaufman and Gabby Biedenweg-Webster also cemented the Dockers’ lead.
AFLW best and fairest 2021 winner Kiara Bowers also made a triumphant return after missing last year’s season due to the pregnancy and birth of her son and displayed all her hallmark grit with 22 possessions and 14 tackles.
• The Dockers’ Hayley Miller celebrates a dominant win.
It was Bowers’ 50th AFLW game, and teammate Gabby Newton also celebrated the same milestone with 22 possessions.
Speaking to media, Dockers’ Irish import Aisling McCarthy says her team’s dominance in the final quarter was dictated by the midfield’s ability to “win around the footy” despite only being five points up in the last.
“To win the clearances… and give our forwards something to work with, when we do get it in [the forward line], they’re really dangerous,” McCarthy said.
“When we give them the opportunity and good ball in there, they get to work, and that’s exactly what they did in the last quarter which gave us a nice lead going into the last few minutes.”
McCarthy also heaped praise on the Dockers’ backline, which she describes as “one of the most connected” groups in the side.
“It’s just so inspiring to see them come attack the footy…everyone had their moments,” she said.
“Seeing them all run off half-back just gives you a bit more energy, and they all really clamped down on their players.
“…with players like [Emma O’Driscoll, Laura Pugh, Ash Brazill, Gabby O’Sullivan], it was brilliant for the team to get the ball rolling.”
Freo will be taking on a rampant Brisbane Lions this weekend in a hopefully more successful stint than their male counterparts, on Saturday, August 23, at 3.05pm at Fremantle Oval.
by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER