AFL.com.au's Nathan Schmook provides his season preview on Fremantle ahead of the 2022 AFL Women's season.
Club: Fremantle
Coach: Trent Cooper
Captain: Hayley Miller
2021 best and fairest: Kiara Bowers
2021 in a nutshell: Fremantle started the season on a mission and went 4-0, but a late slump saw them lose their final two matches and finish fifth on the ladder with six wins.
Boasting star power on every line, it was a disappointing result and Fremantle would have rued inaccuracy early in matches.
Their list continued to build, with the development of winger Steph Cain, after returning from an ACL injury, and All-Australian key defender Janelle Cuthbertson gave them more weapons.
Star midfielder Kiara Bowers remained a dominant force in the competition, winning her third club champion award, sharing the AFLW best and fairest, and winning the AFL Coaches Association champion player of the year award.
Full squad: Ebony Antonio, Kara Antonio, Kiara Bowers, Steph Cain, Janelle Cuthbertson, Dana East, Amy Franklin, Mikayla Hyde, Gemma Houghton, Jessica Low, Maggie MacLachlan, Ann McMahon, Hayley Miller, Mikayla Morrison, Emma O'Driscoll, Gabby O'Sullivan, Laura Pugh, Airlie Runnalls, Roxy Roux, Matilda Sergeant, Philipa Seth, Ange Stannett, Jasmin Stewart, Mim Strom, Aine Tighe, Tiah Toth (nee Haynes), Makaela Tuhakaraina, Sarah Verrier, Bianca Webb, Sarah Wielstra
Recruits: Nil
Draftees: Dana East, Amy Franklin, Jessica Low, Airlie Runnalls, Makaela Tuhakaraina, Sarah Wielstra
Inactive: Sabreena Duffy (work), Ash Sharp (pregnancy)
Out: Evie Gooch (West Coast), Leah Mascall (retired), Katie-Jayne Grieve, Tarnee Tester, Jess Trend, Alex Williams (delisted)
2022 opponents: Adelaide (H), GWS (H), Richmond (A), Collingwood (A), North Melbourne (A), Carlton (H), Geelong (A), West Coast (H), Melbourne (H), Western Bulldogs (A)
Circle it: This season's RAC Derby will be held at Optus Stadium under lights, falling in round eight. A highlight of the season, it will take place in Indigenous Round, with Fremantle looking to extend their 3-0 record against their crosstown rivals.
Player to watch: Sarah Verrier showed she can play across all lines in her debut season, with her skill and football smarts standing out. Damaging on the outside with her penetrating kick, she could also move into an inside role as she adds size and strength.
Best NAB AFLW Rising Star chance: Amy Franklin
2022 prediction: After setting the pace early in 2021 but bowing out in the first week of finals, Fremantle should be playing finals again and aiming for the club's first premiership.
They boast the game's best midfielder in Kiara Bowers, a potent forward line led by Gemma Houghton, and a high-pressure game style that is hard to score against.
Fearsome at their Fremantle Oval base, the key could be how much time they are forced to spend on the road.
Fremantle are chasing at least one AFLW flag by 2025 and they are right in their window.
