Fremantle have elevated rookie Jade de Melo ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash with Brisbane at South Pine Sports Complex in Brisbane.

The 25-year-old replaces Brianna Green on Fremantle’s AFLW list, who was been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury sustained at training earlier this month. 

A product of East Fremantle, de Melo played her first season of Australian Rules football in the WAWFL in 2017, and was drafted to Fremantle with pick no.10 in the 2017 Rookie Draft.

She earned selection for the WAWFL All Stars side against the State Under 23s where she stood out with her speed and agility.

De Melo’s elevation means the small forward is eligible for selection for Saturday’s clash with ladder-leaders Brisbane. 

Fremantle sits in fifth after three rounds of the NAB AFL Women’s season and can push for a top-two place with a victory, with all of the top five teams boasting a two win, one loss record.