In her first year at the club, new recruit Evie Gooch said the introduction of the NAB AFL Women’s competition was a great initiative by the AFL.

“It’s incredible, the support behind us and just everyone getting around (the league) and the positivity with it all,” Gooch said.

“It’s just awesome in general for women’s sport, not just for footy.”

Drafted from East Fremantle Football Club, Gooch originally decided to play soccer because of the minority of female football clubs in her area.

“I did Auskick when I was younger, but then really got into soccer,” she said.

“I initially started soccer because there weren’t many female footy teams around and I couldn’t join any of the boys teams anymore.”

Making the switch from soccer to football, Gooch said she was excited by the AFLW competition.

“I saw how AFLW took off and thought I would jump in and see how I go and this is where I am,” she said.

“I’ve fitted in really nicely, the girls have been so supportive and same with the support staff and the coaches.”

With Freo’s first win against Collingwood in round two, Gooch said her first home game in Freo colours was one to remember.

“It was pretty surreal, it was incredible, having that whole crowd behind us and running up with your teammates was something I could never have imagined,” she said.

“It was definitely a huge help having our home supporters there with us.”