Fremantle have named a team featuring six debutants for Saturday’s RAC Derby against West Coast at Fremantle Oval.
Aine Tighe, Ann McMahon, Makaela Tuhakaraina, Jess Low, Airlie Runnalls and Dana East will all play their first AFLW game in the clash.
Low has been named on the half back flank and will be joined by Ange Stannett, Laura Pugh, Emma O’Driscoll and All Australian Janelle Cuthbertson in defence.
McMahon will start in the centre alongside Hayley Miller and Kiara Bowers in the midfield with Mim Strom in the ruck. Runnalls will be on the wing alongside Steph Cain.
Tighe and East will start at half forward, joined by Gabby O’Sullivan, Gemma Houghton and Kara Antonio in the forward line.
Forward Makaela Tuhukaraina has been named on the bench alongside Tiah Toth, Ebony Antonio, Sarah Verrier and Matilda Sergeant.
Mikayla Hyde and Jasmin Stewart are the emergencies.
Young forward Roxy Roux has not been named, with senior coach Trent Cooper saying she needs more time to build her fitness.
“Roxy’s has an interrupted pre-season with a few minor injuries, which has meant she hasn’t been able to complete the load that will have her ready to perform at her level for round one,” Cooper said.
“We expect her to come to hand pretty quickly and put her hand up for selection. We expect her to be playing while we’re on our extended road trip.
“It’s a long season and we just didn’t want to risk her in round one. She’s had a quad issue and minor knee issue to deal with and she’s over both of those.
"It’s a long season and we’ve got four games in 19 days coming up and we’re taking no risks with players at this stage of the season when we’ve got such a fit and healthy squad in general.
“It was really tough to pick the team, it was the hardest we’ve had. There were a lot of players who were unlucky to not get a game, and that’s a position we probably haven’t been in in the past and something that we think will hold us in good stead for what will no doubt be a challenging season.”
Tickets are still available for Saturday’s match and as an AFLW member you will be able to redeem your free ticket. If you have already redeemed a ticket for the previously scheduled match against the Adelaide Crows, this ticket will still be valid for the RAC Derby.
If you haven’t already claimed your ticket to the match as a member, follow the link below and enter your membership barcode(s) to secure your ticket.
Bouncedown is at 5.50pm and the game will also be broadcast nationally and into Perth from 5.30pm on 7mate.
TEAM v WEST COAST
B: Janelle Cuthbertson, Ange Stannett
HB: Laura Pugh, Emma O’Driscoll, Jessica Low
C: Airlie Runnalls, Ann McMahon, Stephanie Cain
HF: Dana East, Aine Tighe, Gabby O’Sullivan
F: Gemma Houghton, Kara Antonio
R/Fol: Mim Strom, Hayley Miller, Kiara Bowers
I: Tiah Toth, Ebony Antonio, Makaela Tuhakaraina, Sarah Verrier, Matilda Sergeant
E: Jasmin Stewart, Mikayla Hyde
