Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick loving additions to the team for upcoming AFLW season
The Dockers kicked off their pre-season on Saturday with a 7.3 (45) to 3.4 (22) victory over West Coast and will face St Kilda at Cockburn this weekend. That will be their final match before taking on Port Adelaide in round one.
Fremantle's depth was on show against the Eagles as Kiara Bowers returned from giving birth last season and Ange Stannett played her first game since recovering from a knee reconstruction. But the Dockers also unveiled their draftees with Victorian pair Georgie Brisbane and Evie Parker.
The most recent draft was the first where clubs could draft players from anywhere in Australia and the Dockers were quick to pounce on Brisbane, Parker and Holly Egan after watching them impress in Victoria.
The club also recruited forward Bella Smith from the Sydney Swans, but she didn't play against the Eagles due to a finger injury.
Garlick is excited by the changes that fans will see this season.
'The young women from Victoria who have come over have made a real impact not just because of their clear ability but because of the way they've integrated into the group and the impact they've had from a cultural point of view. We've got some returning senior players who missed either the whole or a large chunk of last season who are returning,' he told The West Australian.
'We are excited about what our group might be able to achieve. I think the evolution of the game itself is exciting. We can't wait.
'We have never shied away from setting significant targets for ourselves to achieve as a footy club. We don't want to put a ceiling on what we can achieve.'
The Dockers showed their faith in coach Lisa Webb last month, extending her contract for another two years after she led the team to the finals last season.
Garlick is confident she can take the team to another level and maximise the talent on the list as the Dockers chase a historic premiership.
'Webby has got a fantastic ability to build genuine and authentic relationships across the whole club. When you mix that ability with a very strong football brain, you have a person who can help he club to achieve success,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
SEASON OVER: Harley's injury blow confirmed
West Coast superstar Harley Reid's season is officially over after scans revealed he suffered an syndesmosis injury in Saturday's western derby loss. The 20-year-old hurt his ankle in the closing minutes against Fremantle on Saturday and was helped from the ground by medical staff, heading straight into the Optus Stadium changerooms. Scans later revealed the extent of the injury, which is on the minor side and won't require surgery but will rule him out for the remaining four games of the home and away season, as reported by 7News' Ryan Daniels. And the Eagles have been dealt another significant blow, with top draftee Bo Allan also ruled out for 2025 with a similar injury sustained at training last week. It comes amid constant speculation over Reid's future with the Victorian product's signature among the most sought-after in the AFL. His manager, Nick Gieschen from Connors Sports Management, was in town over the weekend and confirmed talks with West Coast on a new deal were ongoing. Reid is contracted with the Eagles until the end of 2026 on his initial three-year draft deal but is expected to field offers from a host of rival clubs. Harley Reid on the run during the derby. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images Among the discussions is a two-year contract with a trigger for a monster nine-year extension, that could fetch the former No.1 pick an estimated $2 million per season. 'Harley is enjoying his time here and like I said before, we're talking about what the future looks like,' Gieschen, who has since returned to Melbourne, said on Thursday. 'We're having discussions with West Coast and we'll go from there. 'He's really good. He's happy. He loves the club... Nothing in concrete, we're just talking at the moment and we'll see where we get to.' The injury is another significant blow to West Coast's midfield firepower, which is already without Elliot Yeo (ankle), while Jack Graham still has one match to serve on his ban for using homophobic language. Reid is one of just five Eagles to have played every game this season, racking up a team-high 71 clearances and averaging 19 disposals per outing. Allan managed just six AFL appearances - including two starting as West Coast's substitute - after being the club's top draft selection with Pick 16.
West Australian
13 hours ago
- West Australian
Harley Reid: West Coast Eagles star to miss remainder of season with syndesmosis injury
West Coast superstar Harley Reid's season is officially over after scans revealed he suffered an syndesmosis injury in Saturday's western derby loss. The 20-year-old hurt his ankle in the closing minutes against Fremantle on Saturday and was helped from the ground by medical staff, heading straight into the Optus Stadium changerooms. Scans later revealed the extent of the injury, which is on the minor side but will rule him out for the remaining four games of the home and away season, as reported by 7News' Ryan Daniels. And the Eagles have been dealt another significant blow, with top draftee Bo Allan also ruled out for 2025 with a similar injury sustained at training last week. It comes amid constant speculation over Reid's future with the Victorian product's signature among the most sought-after in the AFL. His manager, Nick Gieschen from Connors Sports Management, was in town over the weekend and confirmed talks with West Coast on a new deal were ongoing. Reid is contracted with the Eagles until the end of 2026 on his initial three-year draft deal but is expected to field offers from a host of rival clubs. Among the discussions is a two-year contract with a trigger for a monster nine-year extension, that could fetch the former No.1 pick an estimated $2 million per season. 'Harley is enjoying his time here and like I said before, we're talking about what the future looks like,' Gieschen, who has since returned said on Thursday. 'We're having discussions with West Coast and we'll go from there. 'He's really good. He's happy. He loves the club... Nothing in concrete, we're just talking at the moment and we'll see where we get to.' The injury is another significant blow to West Coast's midfield firepower, which is already without Elliot Yeo (ankle), while Jack Graham still has one match to serve on his ban for using homophobic language. Reid is one of just five Eagles to have played every game this season, racking up a team-high 71 clearances and averaging 19 disposals per outing. Allan managed just six AFL appearances - including two starting as West Coast's substitute - after being the club's top draft selection with Pick 16.
West Australian
13 hours ago
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers draftee Holly Egan to miss 2025 AFLW season after scans reveal ACL injury
Fremantle draftee Holly Egan has been ruled out of the upcoming AFLW season after scans revealed an ACL injury following their practice match win over West Coast. Egan was the Dockers' second pick in last year's draft, taken at No.34, with the Murray Bushrangers defender noted for her speed and athletic craft and has been trialled across half-back through the pre-season so far. However, the 19-year-old will now spend her first year in the rehabilitation group, with Fremantle's head of AFLW Claire Heffernan saying the club would support her as best they could. 'Football can be a tough sport at times, especially with Holly being a draftee,' Heffernan said. 'She has already made a significant impact on the group, not only with her football ability but also the connections she has made with her teammates and staff since arriving here. 'We are naturally all devastated for Holly and will do everything we can to support her during her recovery from this injury, which she will attack with the same tenacity and determination she has shown since joining the team.' Egan will be sent for surgery before a timeline for her return next season will be finalised. The Docker is the sister of Richmond star Grace Egan, who she credited for helping her make her way onto an AFLW list. 'She's helped me so much and I think that's what got me over the line this year,' Holly said earlier this year. 'My drive to want to be drafted, I think that's come from her.'
