Fremantle’s AFLW side recorded a resounding 109-point win over the WA State Talent Academy at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

More than 500 fans were on hand to see Fremantle go against the next generation of women’s players - giving head coach Michelle Cowan an important chance to test her troops before the season opener against the Western Bulldogs on 4 February. 

“I can’t really single anyone out from the weekend,” Cowan said.

“It was just a good team performance, and I’m really happy with where we’re at.”


Michelle Cowan adresses the troops (Photo: Phil Barnes)

Importantly for Fremantle, the scratch match saw a number of players show some positive progress from injury.

Brianna Green and Mel Caulfield made their first appearances for the side, alongside co-vice captain Kirby Bentley who returned to footy after missing more than a year with an ACL injury.

“It’s really good to have her back,” said Cowan of Bentley.

“It’s her ability on the field as well as the leadership she provides to the group.

“They rallied around her and loved having her out there, and there’s no doubt that after every game she’ll be getting better and better, and come back bigger and stronger.” 


Kirby Bentley's return is a big positive for Freo ahead of the AFLW season (Photo: Phil Barnes)

Australian Olympian Kim Mickle also had a positive showing in her first ever game of football.

Mickle kicked four goals, showing no signs of the shoulder injury she suffered at the Rio Olympic Games.

“For her first AFL game, Kim certainly made a statement,” Cowan said.

“She’s got a lot of areas that she’ll be working on over the coming months, and I’m looking forward to working with her, but she was really good in the forward-line for us.”


Kim Mickle looked the part in her first game of Aussie rules

The scratch match was just the second for Fremantle’s emerging side, with the squad becoming accustomed the women’s game format.

“It was a good opportunity for us to play 16 a side again,” Cowan said.

“We’ll take the opportunity to review the game with behind the goals vision and see where we’re at with our stoppages and structures, and provide feedback to the girls going forward.”

Fremantle's next match is the AFLW season opener, where they will face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday 4 February at VU Whitten Oval in Melbourne.

The side will return to Perth for the home opener in round two, where Freo will take on Brisbane at Fremantle Oval on Sunday 12 February, with bounce-down at 4:05pm.

Entry is free for Fremantle's round two and round four AFLW clashes at Fremantle Oval.

In rounds five and six, Fremantle will play double headers alongisde the men's JLT Community Series, click here to see ticketing information for those matches.


Stephanie Cain on the run for Fremantle with Gabby O'Sullivan in support (Photo: Phil Barnes)


All smiles, Demi Okely and Tayla Bresland after the siren (Photo: Phil Barnes)