The Fremantle Football Club has confirmed a change to its AFLW coaching panel for the remainder of the 2025 NAB AFLW Season, with Life Member Kara Antonio stepping away from her role as Backline Coach.
Antonio’s decision to step away comes with a desire to spend more time with her family while also juggling full-time work.
Antonio, a trailblazer of Fremantle’s AFLW program, has been part of the Club since its inaugural season in 2017 and has been the Backline Coach for the past two seasons.
The Club’s inaugural captain, Antonio led the side for five seasons before retiring after Season 7 in 2022, including in its first AFLW finals series, to then become a Life Member in 2023.
Fremantle’s Director of Coaching, Cam Shepherd, will take on the Backline Coach role for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Head of AFLW Claire Heffernan thanked Antonio for her significant contribution both on and off the field.
“Kara has given so much to this football club over such a long period of time,” Heffernan said.
“She has been an outstanding leader, a Life Member, a pioneer of our AFLW program and more recently a fantastic coach and mentor to our playing group.
“We’re incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed, and while she will be missed in the coaches’ box, her legacy is something that will always remain with this Club.”
Antonio will remain employed by the Club as a Development Coach within the AFLW Program.
