Defender Holly Egan showed she belongs in the backline after a strong performance in Fremantle’s 15-point win over Essendon on Sunday. 

The young defender maintained her composure after fellow back Emma O’Driscoll went down with an ankle injury early in the match and couldn’t return. 

“We had Drisco go down and I thought; time to step up as a player,” Egan said. 

“We had Brazzy (Ash Brazill) out there which was good to have some maturity, but I found my voice and found my feet and played well.” 

Egan, who finished the match with nine intercept possessions and 13 disposals, was happy to be a part of Fremantle’s first win at Cockburn ARC Oval. 

“It was really good to get a win at home, I think just going out there and having fun, that’s what we set out to do and it was an amazing day,” Egan said. 

“I thought the mids worked really hard especially trying to stop it from getting into our defensive 50, and as a backline we stayed composed and got it out at every opportunity we could.” 

Egan missed the entire 2025 season with an ACL injury but has played three games since making her debut in Round 3. 

“I’ve leant on Jess Low and Braz (Ash Brazill), the backs have been amazing for me as I try to find my feet, learn to play my role, and try and have some fun as well.” Egan said. 

Fremantle face the Western Bulldogs next in a Round 6 clash back at Cockburn ARC Oval on Saturday 19 September. Buy tickets here.