New Freo AFLW signing Kellie Gibson couldn’t be happier to return to WA with an extra notch in her resume.

The Adelaide Crows premiership player inked a deal with Fremantle on Monday, seeing the versatile forward/midfielder return home and join some familiar faces.

Gibson signed with Adelaide as a marquee player for the inaugural season, where she famously kicked the opening goal in the 2017 AFLW Grand Final after just 15 seconds.

“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Perth,” Gibson said.

“It’s been a long 12 months but I’m definitely happy to come back and play some good footy and be around my friends and family again.”

Gibson has already enjoyed success playing with many involved at Fremantle.

Under senior coach Michelle Cowan, Gibson played a part in the victorious Western Australian side at the 2014 U18 championships.

“I grew up playing footy with many of the Freo girls through state 18s and I’ve had the privilege to be coached by Michelle through my state 18s career as well,” Gibson said.

“I know the coaches and the girls (at Freo) really well.

“Michelle is a coach who knows her players and how they work and she knows how to bring the out best football in them.

“That’s why I’m so excited to play for Freo. She knows exactly how her players play, what makes them tick and how to make them better.

The 20-year-old has also fared well in sides captained by Kara Donnellan, playing in Swan Districts 2015 WAWFL premiership team.

Gibson also played a crucial role in the Black Ducks 2013 Premiership, winning the best on ground award in the grand final.

“I’ve had the privilege to play under ‘Juddy’ (Donnellan). In the same team and against her,” Gibson said.

“And I definitely prefer to be playing on the same side!

“She’s a gun footballer and I look up to her in how she approaches the game.

“She’s got a great style and on the footy field you definitely don’t want to be hit by her.

“I’ve been on the end of a couple of her awesome deliveries and handballs and hard ball gets.

“I think a lot of girls gel well with Juddy, she’s a great person and I’m so happy to be able to come back and play footy with her again.”

Gibson, who is currently working as the SANFL female engagement coordinator, said it was a tough decision to leave the Crows.

“It was probably a harder decision to leave Adelaide than it was to come to Adelaide,” Gibson said.

“I made some really good friends with the girls (in Adelaide) while having so much success and a premiership .

“It was definitely a tough decision and it mainly came down to the fact that I wanted to be home with friends and family.”