Fremantle are set to bring a number of new faces into the starting lineup as their third NAB AFL Women’s campaign begins this Sunday against Melbourne at Casey Fields.

Senior coach Trent Cooper flagged that Fremantle could select up to nine debutants for the clash against their fellow Conference A opponents. 

“It’s been a good pre-season, we couldn’t have asked for more from the girls and we’re ready to go for round one,” Cooper told Seven News on Monday night.

“We haven’t finalised selection yet, but there will probably be between six to nine new faces this Sunday, so it’s exciting for the club and exciting for those girls who will make their debut.” 

Cooper said he’s excited about what the group will bring to the team and highlighted the efforts of ruck Parris Laurie and rookie Angelique Stannett this pre-season.

Laurie will shoulder the ruck load with Alicia Janz – Freo’s lead ruck in 2018 – expected to miss the opening rounds due to injury.

“Parris will lead our ruck and she’s been sensational through the pre-season,” Cooper said.

“She’ll give us a lot of drive through there and Ange Stannett, she’s only played two games of footy in her life. She’s a former Perth Glory player and she’ll give us some really good solid defence down back.” 

Cooper said his team is up for the challenge in strong Conference A, drawn alongside Melbourne, 2018 premiers Western Bulldogs, 2017 premiers Adelaide and newcomers North Melbourne, who recruited strongly in the off-season.

At the end of the regular season, the top two teams of each conference will play in a preliminary final for a spot in the Grand Final. 

Cooper said he is confident a skill-focused game-plan will help see Freo rise up the ladder in 2019.

“It seems we’re in the strongest conference but to win the AFLW you have to beat the best,” Cooper said.

“We’re embracing the challenge and looking forward to playing the good teams each week. 

“We’ve worked hard on our kicking, we want to make sure we’ve got players in front of the ball at all times to give the midfielders something to kick to and we think that will help us hit the scoreboard a little bit more often.”