Fremantle have registered their first loss of the pre-season, going down to Richmond by 16 points at East Fremantle Oval. 

The home side trailed from start to finish. Richmond came out firing in the first quarter, slotting two early goals before Bella Smith booted Fremantle’s first to stem the flow. 

Neither side registered a goal in the second term. Richmond was unable to convert despite dominating possession up forward and six shots on goal. 

Forward Matilda Banfield kicked the opening goal of the second half and pre-season draft selection Noa McNaughton converted one before three-quarter time to bring the score back to within 9 points. 

Richmond outscored Fremantle two goals to one in the final term to run out 16-point winners. 

Ruck Mim Strom is keen to take some key learnings from the loss. 

“Obviously a bit disappointing not to get the win, but that’s what pre-season is for, testing some stuff. 

We had a lot of young girls in again, we travelled with a lot of young girls last week and I thought we showed glimpses of some ball movement, we tried a few things but back to a few fundamental skills that we just were a little bit off in and our team defence could use a little bit of work but we’ll go to work and be ready for the next game.” 

Several experienced players were missing from the clash but still made their presence felt at the game. 

“I think they were the loudest cheering, I could definitely hear them. They were always there when we were running off.  

"Got to chat them after the game so I got a lot of good insights. It was nice for them to watch on the side, they’re working hard behind the scenes to be ready, rested a few of the more experienced girls but they’ll be fit and firing in the next few weeks.” 

Strom is excited to see the continued development of several new faces in the team, including midfielder Monique Bessen and defender Lily Johnson. 

“I think Mon’s really clean around the ball and has got some silky skills when she gets it as well as Lily Johnson, she’s been a great pick-up coming off halfback.” 

Fremantle’s final match simulation is against West Coast at Cockburn ARC Oval on Sunday 3 August.