Fremantle's AFLW side took part in the Club’s first intraclub game of the pre-season, completing five periods of gameplay in cold, wet conditions at Fremantle’s Victor George Kailis Oval in Cockburn. After the first three periods, players changed teams. 

Here are three things we saw from Tuesday’s intraclub: 

Intensity Turned Up 

It may have only been 50 minutes of play under a blanket of grey clouds, but the eagerness for competition shone through as players from both the Stealth and White sides put their bodies on the line and committed to the contest. Meg Kauffman, Aisling McCarthy, Hayley Miller, Kiara Bowers, Phil Seth, Dana East, along with countless others, gave it their all from the opening bounce crashing and bashing their way through the congestion.

All-Australians McCarthy and Mim Strom picked up where they left off in 2024, ranking among the leading disposal-getters and playing key roles in both attacking and defensive chains. Meanwhile, Ash Brazill’s composure under pressure in the back half stood out on the day, as she consistently glided past opponents and evaded tackles to release teammates into space. 

The Return of Stannett and Bowers 

Captain Ange Stannett made her return to competitive play after missing last season with an ACL injury. The 28-year-old only featured in the first three blocks of play under a pre-planned schedule, but seeing the captain back in and amongst the contest was a welcome sight for onlookers. Even when not on the field, Stannett remained engaged, drawing on her coaching experience from last season as she roamed the boundary offering advice and direction to her teammates during the final two segments.

Similarly, Freo fans would have been thrilled to see four-time Club Best and Fairest and three-time All-Australian Kiara Bowers don the jumper again. Bowers missed the entire 2024 season after giving birth to her second child in August. Back out on the field amongst teammates, the 33-year-old didn’t miss a beat, living up to her nickname ‘Turbo’ as she crashed into contests and laid big tackles upon her return to the midfield unit. 

First Look at New Recruits 

Georgie Brisbane, Indi Strom, Evie Parker, Holly Egan, and Matilda Banfield were all on show for Freo fans in Tuesday’s intraclub, each having moments and showing their talent. 

Fremantle’s first pick (Pick 14) in the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft, Georgie Brisbane showed her forward craft, matching up on some of the Club’s more established defenders in some enthralling battles. The 18-year-old kicked two goals, including a crafty set shot from the pocket in the tough conditions.

Parker also hit the scoreboard late in the game and was lively around the ground. Egan showed her composure across half-back and up on the wing, displaying great courage early in the game by going back with the flight of the ball to take a strong contested mark. Banfield highlighted her athletic background with multiple repeat efforts up and down the wing. Indi Strom, younger sister of Fremantle’s 2024 Fairest and Best winner Mim, assumed a key defensive role for her side’s backline, standing tall in contests and showing strong aerial ability. 

Fremantle’s AFLW side will play a second intraclub game next Tuesday the 15th of July.