The day after Fremantle’s historic first win in the NAB AFL Competition, captain Kara Donnellan could hardly wipe the smile off her face.

Winless in the opening five rounds, Fremantle led from start to finish at Domain Stadium to defeat a Carlton Blues outfit chasing a Grand Final berth.

The win was iced by Donnellan’s fourth quarter goal that set off jubilant scenes on the field, on the bench and in the stands.

“It’s nice to wake up with a smile on your face, knowing that you’ve won from the night before,” Donnellan said.

“Your body always feels a little bit better after a win than a loss.” 

Donnellan’s individual performance was one of the most impressive in the inaugural AFLW season, consisting of 24 disposals, eight tackles and two goals.

But after fighting as a side throughout the season, Donnellan knew such a win could only come from a team effort. 

“We really had nothing to lose yesterday,” Donnellan said.

“We really wanted that win. 

“I think all of the girls that pulled on the jumper yesterday really proved that they wanted it.

“Each of them brought something to the team. Everyone was on the same page…they laid those tackles in the dying moments of the last quarter when we needed to lock it down.” 

When the dust settles on the inaugural AFLW season, Fremantle’s performance could be summed up with numerous “what ifs”.

Injuries hampered the side from the get-go, when marquee player Kiara Bowers was cut down with an ACL just days after being signed.

In season, there were two near misses in very winnable matches, drawing against the Giants and losing to Collingwood by a point.

Had Fremantle found something extra in those games, they’d be in contention for a Grand Final spot this weekend - instead they’re playing for positions when they take on Melbourne at Casey Fields next Saturday.

“Every game is like a grand final in this competition, you can’t afford to lose anything” Donnellan said.

“But you can never dwell on the past and think what could have been.

“We will look to each week, and our final game against Melbourne is a fantastic opportunity for us to back up our win and, hopefully, bring another big effort and set up a good transition into the 2018 season.”