Fremantle veteran Kiara Bowers is in 2026 All Australian contention after being named in an extended 42-player squad.

The 34-year-old was a standout performer in all 12 Fremantle games this season, averaging a career-high 24.9 disposals per match in the midfield, along with nine tackles.

Bowers is a three-time All Australian following selection in 2019, 2020 and 2021 (vice-captain) and was also chosen in extended squads in seasons 6 and 7 in 2022.

A fierce competitor in the contest, Bowers recorded 30-plus disposals in consecutive Round 9 and 10 games against North Melbourne (31 disposals) and St Kilda (36). She also laid 14 tackles against the Saints.

Bowers also kicked four goals and averaged 3.4 score involvements per match, along with 3.8 inside 50s.

The final team of 21 will be announced at the W Awards in Melbourne on Monday 23 November.

The AFL Players' Association 22Under22 squad was also announced today with Fremantle's Aoife Healy and Noa McNaughton both in contention for selection in the final team.

Both joined the Club in May and made an immediate impact in their first AFLW seasons with 22-year-old Irishwomen Healy becoming a reliable defender and 20-year-old East Fremantle recruit, McNaughton kicking nine goals from 10 games.

The final 22Under22 team will be decided entirely by fan vote in the coming weeks.