Up and coming midfielder Dana East is showing she is the future of Fremantle’s engine room, according to vice captain Ange Stannett.
 
Stannett says the 20-year-old has been stepping up her leadership in her third season, with Stannett even leaning on East for guidance on game days.
 
East was heavily involved in the contest against Hawthorn with five clearances and seven contested possessions as she works in tandem with stars Kiara Bowers and Hayley Miller.
 
“Easty tends to fly under the radar but she’s an absolute workhorse for us,” Stannett said.
 
“We’re lucky to have her out there and her leadership has come a really long way as well.
 
“I spent a couple minutes in the midfield and she was telling me what to do, which was a big help.
 
“She’s someone that’s super reliable for us and we know exactly what we’re going to get when we run out alongside her every week, that’s exactly what you want in a teammate.”

Stannett also praised captain Hayley Miller, who was tasked with running with Emily Bates for the game.
 
Bates starred the previous week in Hawthorn’s win against the Western Bulldogs with seven inside 50s and 402 metres gained, compared to her two inside 50s and 107 metres gained against Fremantle.
 
“Miller was a rock for us, she had a massive challenge and a big role with Bates and managed to keep her out of the game,” Stannett said.
 
“We obviously tried to help her out out there but she stuck to her role and I can’t give her enough praise, she did an amazing job.”