It’s been a whirlwind week for Brooke Whyte.
After defender Tiah Haynes suffered a season ending shoulder injury in round three against GWS, Whyte was added to Fremantle’s list as a top-up player.
On Sunday, the Coastal Titans product will run out for Freo as they take on Adelaide in front of a home at Fremantle Oval, but last week she was just expecting to be one of the many spectators in the crowd.
Whyte’s addition ensures Fremantle has 24 fit players to choose from, and she has since been named in Fremantle’s final squad of 22 for Sunday’s clash.
Forward Mel Caulfield makes her return after missing last week’s draw against the Giants, while Tarni Golisano and Beatrice Devlyn have been named as emergencies.
| Backs | Gabby O'Sullivan | Tayla Bresland | Cassie Davidson |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Back | Kara Donnellan | Akec Chuot | Stephanie Cain |
| Centre | Ebony Antonio | ||
| Half Forward | Lara Filocamo | Hayley Miller | Brooke Whyte |
| Forwards | Dana Hooker | Amy Lavell | Ashley Sharp |
| Followers | Kelly Clinch | Mel Caulfield | Kirby Bentley |
| Interchange | Taylah Angel | Demi Okely | Gemma Houghton |
| Kira Phillips | Stacey Barr | Belinda Smith | |
| Emergencies | Beatrice Devlyn | Tarni Golisano |
An experienced campaigner in women’s footy, Whyte has represented Fremantle, the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne in exhibition games leading up to the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s season.
Whyte said she feels that these games will help as she makes the step up to playing football at a national level.
“It’s always going to be a big game when you’re playing with and against the best footballers in the country,” Whyte said.
“I think having those experiences will help settle the nerves a bit.”
After being overlooked in the inaugural AFLW draft, Whyte used the disappointment as a motivator.
“It was pretty hard but at the same time I knew that I had a lot to work on,” Whyte said.
“Over the past 12 months I think I’ve lost around six to eight kilos.
“I just had to shed off a bit and just focused on losing weight to help me run faster. I think it’s a confidence thing too, the lighter you are the easier it is to run, but I’ve noticed that playing and training and just off the field I feel better about myself.”
Despite missing out at the draft, Whyte has thrown her support behind WA’s AFLW side, travelling to Melbourne to see Freo’s season opener against the Bulldogs, and also being in the crowd for Freo’s first home game against Brisbane
“It was great to be able to go and support the girls, but it just made me wish I was out there,” Whyte said.
“It’s good to support the girls, but sitting on that seat and wanting your opportunity to come, I just wanted to be out there and I’m grateful to get the chance.”
FREMANTLE V ADELAIDE
Sunday 26 February
4:05pm at Fremantle Oval
Gates open at 2:30pm
