Fremantle’s AFLW side took part in their second intraclub game of pre-season on Tuesday. Although the sky was once again blanketed in grey clouds, the rain stayed away as the Stealth and White teams went head-to-head. 

Here are three things we saw: 

Ange is back

In last week’s intraclub, we saw captain Ange Stannett make her long-awaited return to competitive play. But on Tuesday, the crafty forward and midfielder showed glimpses of the form that won her the Club’s Best and Fairest in 2023. 

In the first term, the 27-year-old showed that the ACL injury which sidelined her for the entire 2024 season was now a thing of the past. She battled for the ball deep in a pocket, weaving through traffic with a rapid change of direction before releasing the ball to Aisling McCarthy for a brilliant team goal. Not long after, she featured in another highlight - a big tackle in her defensive half to win back possession after some gut-running and repeat efforts.

Rolling the legs over in return

Madi Scanlon, Gabby Biedenweg-Webster, and replacement player Poppy Stockwell were all put through their paces in their first intraclub showing, after not featuring in last week’s five segments. 

Scanlon, now entering her fourth season with Fremantle, assumed her role in defence, participating in several link-up chains from the defensive 50 and using her voice to instruct younger teammates on defensive setups.

Biedenweg-Webster, now in her second year at Freo and fourth in the AFLW, showcased her pace in the front half, dashing past two defenders and breaking away from the contest to slot an impressive highlight-reel goal.

Freo fans also got their first look at Stockwell, who was picked up in April as a replacement for Ebony Antonio - who will sit out the season while pregnant with her first child. The mature-age recruit from South Fremantle showed courage, flying into marking contests and taking strong grabs before delivering long kicks to teammates in space. 

All three played on managed minutes in Tuesday’s intraclub but gained valuable match fitness ahead of next week’s pre-season match simulation against West Coast.

Intraclubs are fun, but actual opposition is better

Speaking after the intraclub, Fremantle midfielder Aisling McCarthy - who was a standout in her first season with the Club, earning All-Australian honours - said the playing group’s eagerness and excitement to take on real AFLW opposition in next week’s match simulation against West Coast was palpable. 

“We’ve been working hard since February when we came back from the off-season, then into proper pre-season in May, so we’re just trying to put together all the hard work we’ve done,” McCarthy said. 

“It’s always good to go against different teams - the Eagles are just down the road, so it’ll be great to see where we’re actually at. 

“Training and playing against each other, you can think one thing, but to really go out there and see how the game plan holds up against opposition will be really valuable. 

“The Eagles are a young, up-and-coming team, so they’ll bring it to us - it’ll be a good step towards Round 1.” 

Fremantle takes on West Coast at Victor George Kailis Oval on Saturday 26 July at 10am WST.