MATCH REPORT
Freo defeat Eagles in historic AFLW RAC Derby

Kiara Bowers has continued her rapid rise in the NAB AFL Women’s competition, creating history by winning the first Best On Ground medal after Fremantle’s 45-point RAC Derby win on Saturday at Optus Stadium.

It’s yet another accolade for the ferocious midfielder, who won Fremantle’s fairest and best in her debut season in 2019. 

Bowers helped Fremantle stamp their authority on the game with an 11 tackle first term. 

She finished the game with an incredible 18 tackles to go with her 13 disposals and two marks.

The ever-modest Bowers was significantly off the mark when estimating how she went in the game.

06:32

AFLW: Highlights v West Coast - Round 2

Watch the highlights from the first AFLW RAC Derby.

“It does feel good (to win the Best On Ground medal),” Bowers said,

“I honestly thought I had about three touches and about two tackles.

“I did what I could for the team and I’m happy, I think the whole team was great, not just me.”

After missing Freo’s 2018 win against Collingwood at Optus Stadium due to her second long-term knee injury, Bowers said she wanted to make the most playing at WA’s new home of football.

She said the purple half of the 35,185 fans in attendance spurred her on.

03:36

AFLW: 'I think we made a statement.' - Bowers

Kiara Bowers spoke following the win over West Coast in the RAC Derby in the AFL Women's competition.

“Yesterday I was thinking about how I missed out last time. I just wanted to make sure that every chance I had, I went out there and focused on how I couldn’t do it before,” Bowers said.

“Now I get the chance to, so I count myself very lucky.

“It was incredible. I don’t know how many out there were Freo fans but that’s all I could hear. 

“They were incredible, they were loud and I cannot thank them enough.

“Every week they show up and every week they have our backs.”

After a big week for the club, Bowers said she was looking forward to Fremantle’s Indigenous themed game against Collingwood next Saturday at Fremantle Oval.

Fremantle’s AFLW team will wear an Indigenous jumper for the first time, designed by teammate Jasmin Stewart, whose Grandma was a member of the stolen generation.

"Collingwood are going to be incredible team to go against,” Bowers said.

"We’ll need to come out just as we did today with our pressure and our game plan.

"It’s going to be amazing and it’s really heart-felt that we’ll get to run out in those guernseys made by the girls at Freo, so we’re very lucky."