A trio of Fremantle’s AFLW squad will line-up in the WAFLW this weekend, with round one of the 2022 competition to kick off on Saturday.
Maggie MacLachlan will take the field for Subiaco against Peel on Saturday, while Bianca Webb and Sarah Wielstra will line up for Swan Districts against Claremont on Sunday.
Fremantle AFLW Senior Coach Trent Cooper said the timing of the WAFLW season’s return was particularly important for a number of his players off the back of short breaks in the AFLW this season.
“It’s been really difficult for them to firstly, press their claims for selection and secondly, get some match fitness as well,” Cooper said.
“With our short breaks that we have been having this year, we haven’t been having as many meaningful sessions as we would normally have during the season.”
Cooper said this weekend would give an opportunity for MacLachlan and Wielstra to ‘press their claims’, while Webb will be on limited minutes as she returns from some minor injury complaints.
“This is a great opportunity for Maggie to play for Subiaco against a talented Peel forward line and show where she is at and press her claims,” Cooper said.
“Bianca Webb has a had a few little injury concerns and won’t be back to playing full minutes this week, but it will be great for her to run around and get some touch and contribute to the Swan Districts midfield.
“Finally, for Sarah Wielstra to be able to ruck and spend some time forward as well, she has been champing at the bit to get out there so we’re looking forward to seeing her play on Sunday.”
Cooper said the return of the WAFLW benefits both the players involved and the coaches watching on, with an eye on the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft to take place later this year.
“It’s great for two reasons, one that our players can come back and perform in that competition, but also add to their individual development,” Cooper said.
“It’s also great to watch the young talent that is around in the WAFLW, some of whom we’ll be looking to draft at the end of this year, so we’re looking forward to getting down and watching some of those games.”
WAFLW Round One Fixtures –
PEEL THUNDER V SUBIACO
Saturday 19 Feb
Lane Group Stadium
5:30pm bouncedown
SOUTH FREMANTLE V WEST PERTH
Sunday 20 Feb
Fremantle Oval
11am bouncedown
CLAREMONT V SWAN DISTRICTS
Sunday 20 Feb
Revo Fitness Stadium
12:30pm bouncedown
