Fremantle AFLW captain Ange Stannett and Senior Coach Lisa Webb have reflected on the 2025 season, which ended with a heartbreaking loss to the Adelaide Crows.

Finishing 11th and missing a spot in the top 8 on percentage, the pair believe the group showed significant growth throughout the year and will be better for it in seasons to come.

“I’m super proud, and I think if you asked every single person in our program, they’d say the same thing,” Stannett said.

“If you look back on the first few rounds, where we were tested and challenged quite a bit by the likes of North and Brisbane, for us to stick to our process and method, and to really start to build into the back end of the season, has been something I’m super proud of for our group.

“When we play our contested game, bring our physicality to each contest, and get our ball movement going, we start to see our DNA, and that’s something we’ve been building on.

“Our program is in a really good spot for us to move forward and grow from this season.”

Fremantle’s AFLW side sat with a 3–5 record, including two big losses to North Melbourne and Brisbane as mid-October rolled around.

With four home-and-away games to go, the side turned the season around, winning three consecutive games to keep finals hopes alive heading into a tough clash with Adelaide on Sunday.

Webb explaining that when their backs were against the wall, she was proud of the fight and determination to resurrect the season.

“This group is tireless in their work to get better. They’ve got this no-fear attitude, and they’re as disappointed as I am, but we’re determined to get better together,” Webb said.

“I think we’ve played nine out of 10 top teams from last year, every team in finals, so we’ve had some harsh lessons, but we’ve certainly improved and grown as a team.

“We are absolutely on the right track. I’ve got full belief that we’re heading in the right direction, and with six new players and some changes going forward, we’ll be right back up there next year.

“There is full belief in this group, which is the big thing.”

As the season comes to a conclusion, one long-serving Fremantle player has called time on her career in purple, with Webb touching on the unwavering service of Phil Seth.

“She’s the ultimate team player,” Webb said.

“That makes it hard when really good players and people depart the Club.

“Any role I give her, she has welcomed with open arms.

“There have been challenging times over the past few years where she has been in and out (of the team) but never once has she backed away from wanting to be her best, and she also brings up those around her, which is a great trait to have in a team.

“I’m super proud of her and love her a lot.”