Up to six players could make the NAB AFL Women’s debut and another their Freo Dockers debut as Fremantle takes on the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at VU Whitten Oval.
Fremantle’s initial squad of 23 includes seven new faces, including former GWS Giant Alex Williams as well as first-year players Jodie White, Evie Gooch, Leah Mascall, Ashlee Atkins, Tayla McAuliffe and Lisa Webb.
The squad shows Freo’s prioritisation of recruiting height in the off-season, with three of these new faces lining up along the centre of the ground, including Williams at full back, White at centre half back and Gooch at centre half forward.
Alicia Janz, a top up player for Fremantle in the inaugural AFLW season, is another draftee set for a key role in the ruck.
Captain Kara Donnellan headlines Freo’s engine room, joined by Mascall and 2017 Fairest and Best winner Dana Hooker.
Webb, a rookie who was recently promoted to the main list, is joined by McAuliffe, Belinda Smith, Amy Lavell, Cassie Davidson, Ashley Sharp and Lara Filocamo on the extended bench.
The extended bench of seven will be cut to five on Friday afternoon, when Fremantle announces their finalised team of 21.
WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE
Sunday 4 February
4:35pm at VU Whitten Oval
| Backs | Brianna Green | Alex Williams | Tiah Haynes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Back | Hayley Miller | Jodie White | Ebony Antonio |
| Centre | Dana Hooker | ||
| Half Forward | Stephanie Cain | Evie Gooch | Gabby O'Sullivan |
| Forwards | Mel Caulfield | Stacey Barr | Ashlee Atkins |
| Ruck & followers | Alicia Janz | Leah Mascall | Kara Donnellan |
| Interchange | Belinda Smith | Tayla McAuliffe | Amy Lavell |
| Cassie Davidson | Lisa Webb | Ashley Sharp | |
| Lara Filocamo |
