Fremantle have confirmed their final team of 21 to take on Richmond in the Round 11 clash on Saturday 25 October, with the side going in unchanged for the first time this season.
Midfield guns Gabby Newton, Aisling McCarthy and Dana East have been named on field alongside ruck Mim Strom, with Phil Seth and Sarah Verrier on the wings.
Kiara Bowers finished on 23 disposals, nine tackles and 10 clearances last week and has been named on the interchange bench.
Tunisha Kikoak, Jess Low, Gabby Biedenweg-Webster and Poppy Stockwell join Bowers on the interchange bench.
Fremantle’s three emergencies for the clash are Gabby O’Sullivan, Jo Cregg and Amy Mulholland.
Senior Coach Lisa Webb spoke to media on Thursday morning and reflected on the side’s seven-point win against GWS last weekend.
“I thought on the weekend we took strides, but two goals to 11 (behinds) for part of the game wasn’t ideal,” Webb said.
“(We are) fiercely determined to be at our best this weekend against a really good team and that’s my full focus.”
Looking ahead to Richmond, Webb gave an insight into how she looked into this weekend’s opposition, insisting her side needed to be at their best.
“We learnt some pretty important lessons early, but we’re still in the hunt, so Richmond this week are going to be a great challenge,” Webb said.
“I’ve been watching them quite closely – they’ve got some terrific players and (had) a really good win over Adelaide and then Collingwood on the weekend, so I can’t really look too much past that.
“There’s a fair bit to play out, but they’re a team we’ve been watching and they’re in good form, and we need to be at our best.”
This Saturday, in honour of the final home game of the regular home and away season, Fremantle are celebrating 10 seasons of AFLW.
Fremantle inaugural past players will be at the game and part of the guard of honour to welcome the team out on field.
“Just to see how much the professionalism (has improved) and the young players coming through, it’s terrific,” Webb said when reflecting on how much the game has evolved.
Midfield machine Kiara Bowers is one of four inaugural players remaining on Fremantle’s list, and Webb highlighted her skill level and high standard she holds herself to.
“We are really fortunate to have (Kiara),” Webb said.
“She’s tenacious, she’ll take on any role, and for her to be in it for 10 seasons and still be producing the football she is, we’re really fortunate.”
This will be the first time Fremantle will host Richmond at Fremantle Oval, with both two previous clashes being Richmond home games.
The last time these two sides faced each other was in Round 5 of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season, where Fremantle won 37 (5.7) to Richmond’s 30 (4.6) at Ikon Park.
The game will be broadcast live on 7mate and Fox Sports, and streamed live on Kayo, Binge and 7plus from 2pm WST.
