Fresh off signing a two-year contract extension, Senior Coach Lisa Webb said she wasn’t sure what to expect from the announcement to the players.
Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty revealed the news to the AFLW playing group ahead of their Thursday afternoon training session last week, keeping the squad on their toes until the end.
“It was good; I didn’t know how it would go and (the players) were wondering what was going on,” Webb said.
“For them to be so happy, it obviously means a lot to me. We’re really connected, and it is exciting news for me, but also that we get to stick together – we’re a big family here.
“I absolutely love coming to work every day, and I know I’m really fortunate to be in that position.
“They make it all worthwhile; I just love to see the smile on their faces, the growth that comes with that, and our aim is to continue being the best group we can be.”
Reflecting on her coaching journey so far, Webb highlighted the extent of the side’s growth from 2023 to 2024, and puts it down to the ‘all in’ mentality.
“In our first season finishing 13th and then up to 5th last year was really rewarding,” Webb said.
“The buy in comes from the players; we’re really connected and I’ve felt really well supported since I got here.
“I’m proud of the growth and what we’ve worked through but we’ve got a big few years ahead.”
Although the side faced multiple hurdles with key players in Kiara Bowers, Ange Stannett and Áine Tighe being ruled out of the season, Webb said the adversity the side faced only made them stronger.
“I truly believe most of our growth comes from those challenging moments, and that happened last year,” Webb said.
“Although there were challenges, we saw some players play across multiple positions and they really grew in that aspect; so through challenges, we’ve obviously got some positive moments from it.
Webb said Stannett, Tighe and Bowers continue to have a huge impact on the playing group both on and off the field.
“Before they even step foot on the oval, the work they do to try and support their teammates is exceptional, so having those three back (on-field as well) as leaders is actually incredible,” Webb said.
Fremantle’s upcoming NAB AFLW fixture was released recently, with the side set to face all of the other teams that placed in the top eight in 2024.
Pleased with these opportunities, Webb said the side would relish every game, and that no side would be underestimated.
“We’re certainly here to win a premiership; we’re not going to shy away from that,” Webb said.
“We want to beat the best, and to be able to beat the best we’ve got to (face) them week in week out.
The side will also spend a week in Melbourne for third season in a row, playing back to back games in Victoria in Rounds 7 and 8.
“It's great; we get to spend a lot more time together as well, bring the families along, and there’s just great buy in,” Webb said.
“Being on the road is really exciting for us as we get to do things we wouldn’t normally (because) girls work hours or they’ve got Uni so to be able to spend some quality time, sit through some education blocks and spend more time with the assistant coaches is something we really (cherish).”
