There will be six debutants among seven new faces when Fremantle run out for their round one NAB AFL Women’s clash against Geelong on Sunday at Fremantle Oval. 

After the selections of Mim Strom, Roxy Roux and Kate Flood were confirmed on Thursday, Fremantle will also have defender Janelle Cuthbertson and midfielders Jasmin Stewart and Lindal Rohde debuting in the clash. 

Forward Mia-Rae Clifford will also pull on the purple jumper for the first time as she takes on her former side in her Freo debut. 

Senior coach Trent Cooper is excited to see what the new faces can bring to Freo in 2020. 

“We’ve already announced Roxy Roux, Kate Flood and Mim Strom and we’re really pleased to have three more get their chance at AFLW level,” Cooper said. 

“Jas Stewart was our first pick last year, things didn’t go right for her last year with a few different things but she’s worked really hard this pre-season. We can’t wait to see her damaging left foot out on the ground. 

“Janelle Cuthbertson is a former elite tennis player who has played junior grand slam tennis.

“She’s really come on strong. She’s one of the best athletes in the team and we expect her to hold down a key defensive post for us.

“Lindal Rohde had an outstanding season for Subiaco in the WAFLW in her first season of football. 

“She comes from a good football family but she’s a former elite netball player and we think she’ll add a lot to our team on the wing.

“She has a lot of run and carry and good overhead as well. She has good hands from her netball background so I’m looking forward to her running out as well.”

Geelong’s leading goalkicker in 2019, Clifford is expected to add to what is a stacked Freo forward line - joining fellow debutants Roux and Flood as well as star forwards Gemma Houghton, Gabby O’Sullivan, Sabreena Duffy and Ashley Sharp up front. 

“Mia-Rae was Geelong’s leading goal scorer last year and she comes across to add some versatility,” Cooper said.

“She can play forward and back, she’s been a really good leader around the club already as we have a young list.”

A versatile key forward and defender, Ebony Antonio has been named in the backline alongside fellow experienced defenders Evie Gooch and Ange Stannett. 

Midfielder Kara Antonio will lead Fremantle out for her fourth season as captain as part of an engine room that also includes fellow leaders Kiara Bowers and Hayley Miller.

Fremantle face Geelong on Sunday 9 February at Fremantle Oval. Bounce down is at 2:10pm and entry is free. 

The game will be broadcast live into WA on Channel 7 and Foxtel and can be streamed via womens.afl. 

TEAM v CATS
Backs: Janelle Cuthbertson, Laura Pugh
Half-backs: Ange Stannett, Evie Gooch, Ebony Antonio
Centre: Stephanie Cain, Lindal Rohde, Kate Flood
Half-forwards: Katie-Jayne Grieve, Ashley Sharp, Hayley Miller
Forwards: Sabreena Duffy, Gabby O'Sullivan
Ruck/followers: Gemma Houghton, Kiara Bowers, Kara Antonio
Extended interchange: Philipa Seth, Roxanne Roux, Jasmin Stewart, Mim Strom, Mia-Rae Clifford