Fremantle has confirmed its extended squad of 21 to take on the West Coast Eagles in the Round 5 RAC Derby, this Sunday 14 September, headlined by the return of All Australian defender Emma O’Driscoll.

O’Driscoll missed the side’s Round 4 game against Sydney due to a concussion sustained in Round 3, and has been named in the backline alongside Laura Pugh, Ash Brazill, Tunisha Kikoak and Indi Strom.

Dana East, Amy Mulholland, Phil Seth and a potential debutant in Tilly Banfield headline the other four potential inclusions, all named on the Club’s extended bench, while Jess Low will miss through concussion protocols and Jo Cregg has been omitted from the side.

Gabby O’Sullivan, Bella Smith, Holly Ifould and Indi West round out the side’s extended interchange.

Senior Coach Lisa Webb spoke to media on Wednesday morning and said O’Driscoll is raring to go after a week off.

“(Emma is as) chirpy as ever, ready to go,” Webb said.

“You couldn’t keep her out if you tried. She’s a really important player for us.”

Webb touched on her side’s eagerness and hunger to continue to learn and improve week by week.

“(We are) looking forward to the RAC Derby, it’s one we always have on the calendar,” Webb said.

“We’ve certainly shown improvement, but we’ve just got to keep getting to work.

“Every week is an opportunity to improve, and we just have to get better.

“It is a short season, and we showed last year that under duress and challenges that we can rise.

“I’ve got absolute strong belief and faith that this group can do it again. They never shy away from a challenge, and they’ll always keep fighting.”

This is the eighth AFLW RAC Derby, where the two cross-town rivals will come head-to-head.

Fremantle has been victorious in all previous seven matchups and will look to continue the streak on Sunday.

The last time these two sides matched up, Fremantle won 35 (5.5) to West Coast’s 12 (1.6) in Round 8 in the 2024 NAB AFLW Season.

Last year, ruck Mim Strom won the RAC Derby Best on Ground Medal as she equalled her own league-record for hit outs with 48, while also amassing 15 disposals and seven tackles.

The RAC Derby Best on Ground Medal will be awarded post-match on-field, with this year’s voting panel consisting of (Chair) Eliza Reilly (CODE Sports), Ben Smith (The West Australian) and Trent Cooper (ABC Radio).

The game will be broadcast live on 7mate and Fox Sports, and streamed live on Kayo, Binge and 7plus from 1pm WST.

Fremantle’s final team will be announced at 3pm WST on Friday at fremantlefc.com.au.