AFLW West Coast Women 2022 - Discussion

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AFLW Latest News - AFL.com.au/aflw

Latest breaking AFLW news from the official website of the Australian Football League.

www.womens.afl

Dowrick, 21, has 12 AFLW games under her belt from her time at Brisbane and West Coast, where she lined up at both ends of the field.

 

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AFLW: Eagles eager for Fremantle test

Senior coach Michael Prior and vice-captain Dana Hooker are hoping for a strong showing this Saturday night in the AFLW season opener

www.westcoasteagles.com.au

 

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[Miguel Sanchez]

Teams weren’t named today?

 

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Teams weren’t named today?

No. I understand that the rookies know they are playing but we find out tomoz

 

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Rivalries the same no matter the country for Irish Eagles

The Kelly sisters know a little something about sporting rivalries as two of Ireland’s premier gaelic exports. But how does an AFLW derby against Fremantle compare?

thewest.com.au

The Kelly sisters know a little something about sporting rivalries.

But how does an AFLW derby against Fremantle compare?

As two of Ireland’s premiers AFLW exports, Grace, 27, and Niamh Kelly, 26, have represented both their local town and also their wider county in Gaelic football.
Locally, the sisters play for Moy Davitts, a level equivalent to WAFLW.

While at County level, likened to AFLW, the Kelly’s represent County Mayo.
And despite the code change, the rivalries are just as fierce.

“Our County rival would be Galway. Every year we play them in the final and it’s always a massive game,” Grace said.
“There are no transfers. You always play with your county so there’s that aspect of rivalry as well, you’re playing for your county and you always play with them.
“You’ve been playing with the same girls your whole life so you play for each other and there’s a lot of heart in it.”

At local level, Moy Davitts clash horns with neighbouring town Kiltimagh, where the Kelly’s went to school.

“There’s a bit of rivalry there but it’s a healthy rivalry. You shout for where you from,” Niamh said.

As experts in rivalries, the Kelly’s have been right at home representing the Eagles in three AFLW derbies against Fremantle.
They’ve even experienced the Australian art of sledging, attracting comedic jibes formed around their Irish descent.

“You cop a few Irish jokes. Mainly about the shape of the ball,” Grace said.
“It’s quite similar to here. The Eagles fans go absolutely wild and bring all the colour. Mayo is similar to that. We probably don’t get as many people at the games because Ireland is a smaller population but the rivalry has its similarities.

Niamh added: “It’s similar enough. When I go out onto the field I block out everything else and focus on my own game. The rivalry is healthy.”

Now three years into their AFLW careers, the Kelly sisters said it was an easy decision to return to Perth amid a pandemic.

“We love it here. We love the girls and the team morale. We love the game as well and we want to bring more and see what we and the team can do,” Grace said.

Niamh said:” Every day is a learning day for me. There’s always something new to learn but it’s a lot different coming in for your third year.”

 

[Ochre]

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

Thomas to debut, Gooch and Schmidt to make their club debuts.

 

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Yewwwww

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Why is the full line up not on that link?

 

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Why is the full line up not on that link?

Just a rookie announcement

I texted Amy Franklin as well to see if I can get an inside scoop on her selection

 

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Just a rookie announcement

I texted Amy Franklin as well to see if I can get an inside scoop on her selection

Which is why she’s not responded

Six to debut in RAC Derby!

Fremantle will unveil six new players in Saturday’s RAC Derby at Fremantle Oval

www.fremantlefc.com.au

 

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Clear air gives AFLW Derby a chance to shine

Dear sports fans. This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for – the chance to embrace our last live sporting event this summer and maybe even beyond.

thewest.com.au

Dear sports fans.

This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for – the chance to embrace our last live sporting event this summer and maybe even beyond.

On Saturday night, Perth will host one of the biggest fixtures on the AFLW calendar.
Fierce derby rivals Fremantle and West Coast will face off in the heart of the Harbour city, reigniting the pulse of Perth after weeks without live sport.

There will never be a better chance to unite a state.

The Ashes will be over, the NBL and A-League are in a toxic cycle of postponements, the BBL is filling rosters with amateur players.

The AFLW has prayed for clean air, constantly screaming for recognition, and finally, it’s here.

For five years, female players have had the chance to play. Now they have the chance to be noticed.

There is no better spectacle than a derby, a round one showdown that will pit a club on the rise against a premiership contender.
The Eagles have been the big brother for so long in the AFL but the little sisters in the women’s league, losing all three derbies to date.

But after clinching a win in a pre-season practice match, there’s a feeling the Eagles are in with a sniff.

Add in the reigning league best and fairest, a history of players swapping colours and a swath of debutants eager to make their mark, the match is brimming with subplots a casual fan would happily explore.

To AFLW fans, we see you. We’ve heard your chants, seen your smiling faces in the stands, watched you wait around after games to try and snag an autograph from your favourite player.

Your passion is relentless and we know that won’t change come bounce down on Saturday night.

But you’re just as crucial to this mission – a burning desire to see an entire state support our final summer soiree.

Perth Glory haven’t played in Perth since November 20, December 4 for the women. It was December 19 when the Wildcats last graced RAC arena. The Lynx didn’t even get the chance to play at home.

The Perth Scorchers were due more games at Optus Stadium but haven’t been sighted in WA since December 8. And the Perth Heat’s season was cancelled before it started.

Nobody knows what will happen once the Eagles and Dockers depart Perth after the derby to spend several weeks on the road in Victoria but we can tell you this.

West Coast are young but exciting. They’ve had a lean AFLW introduction but there’s every chance they emerge as 2020’s best expansion side this season.

Their midfield is dynamic. Mikayla Bowen was named in the All-Australian squad in her second season. Bella Lewis won the club’s best and fairest in her first. Dana Hooker and Emma Swanson are packed with power.
Fremantle didn’t improve enough last year and paid the price in the first week of finals.

But a reality check was the best thing for them and they should remain firmly in premiership contention despite what the eastern states are saying.

Kiara Bowers was voted the equal-best player in the competition last season. Few forwards can turn a game like Gemma Houghton. Janelle Cuthbertson was playing tennis three years ago and now she’s an All-Australian defender.

To the 42 players who are named to do battle on Saturday night, this is your chance to show an entire state what you can do.
Play to your strengths. Play on, take the game on, lay a crunching tackle, take that shot at goal.

Without sacrificing your team’s intent, do the things that put a smile on your face and leave the crowd in raptures.

It’s a derby so treat it like one. Don’t play down the rivalry - add another chapter. A bit of niggle should be embraced, regardless of the gender engaging in it.

With nothing else to watch, a casual fan tuning in from home should commit to the first 10 minutes. But make them stay until quarter time, they might hang around until the half, and before you know it they’re watching the post-match presentations.

Or preferably, head to Fremantle Oval.
Make a statement with your feet – a $10 ticket expense doesn’t even begin to reward the sacrifices the players have made but it’s a start.

The AFLW is here to stay and there’s never been a better time to get your first taste.

 

[Biggie]

Fremantle v West Coast at Fremantle Oval, 5.50pm AWST

FREMANTLE

B: J.Cuthbertson 29 A.Stannett 4
HB: L.Pugh 32 E.O'Driscoll 3 J.Low 30
C: A.Runnalls 22 A.McMahon 25 S.Cain 20
HF: D.East 8 A.Tighe 10 G.O'Sullivan 9
F: G.Houghton 27 K.Antonio 15
Foll: M.Strom 21 H.Miller - C 19 K.Bowers 2
I/C: T.Toth 33 E.Antonio 12 M.Tuhakaraina 13 S.Verrier 5 M.Sergeant 23

Emerg: M.Hyde 28 J.Stewart 7

WEST COAST

B: T.Bresland 20 E.Gooch 31
HB: M.Collier 8 A.Ward 33 A.McCarthy 11
C: K.Gibson 2 E.Swanson - C 13 M.Bowen 1
HF: A.Atkins 9 A.Schmidt 7 N.Kelly 12
F: A.Gilmore 22 M.Caulfield 10
Foll: P.Laurie 25 I.Lewis 6 D.Hooker 17
I/C: C.Thomas 3 I.Cameron 19 G.Kelly 15 C.Guard 4 B.Smith 14

Emerg: H.Bullas 24 S.McDonald 35


McCarthy off the HB? Hayley Bullas cant get into the side, with Kellie Gibson given another crack. S-Mac will have to bide her time further.

 

[Miguel Sanchez]

Think Guard and Smith will both be used as defenders, McCarthy unlikely to play there.

Strong side if Bullas, Gauci, Hill, Rowley etc can’t get a look in.