Premiership ambitions driving Freo's top pick ahead of debut
It comes as West Coast will also unleash their draft spoils with top pick Lucia Painter and small forward Kayla Dagleish named to face Gold Coast in their round one clash.
Brisbane was taken with pick No.14 in last year's draft after dominant performances with the Eastern Ranges, leading them to consecutive grand final appearances and stepping up to captain the side in her final year.
That experience has helped her transition seamlessly into senior football with the 18-year-old's professionalism standing out during the pre-season.
'Georgie has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and has been a fantastic addition to our list from day one,' Fremantle head of AFLW Claire Heffernan said.
'She's incredibly driven, works tirelessly on her craft and has that rare ability to make the players around her better. We're excited to see what she can do at the elite level.'
The key forward admitted she was shocked when taken at pick 14, but was under no illusion of the premiership ambitions the Dockers hold this season. Georgie Brisbane of the Dockers poses during the Fremantle Dockers AFLW 2025 Official Team Photo Day. Credit: Stefan Gosatti / AFL Photos
'They're building right now and even speaking to heaps of the girls, they've been messaging me like they're saying they want to win a premiership and I'm coming into one of the most exciting times of the club,' Brisbane said after being drafted.
'I feel like they're really well connected, so to be able to learn from those key forwards and to get advice from them and to become the best forward that I can be, I've got the best opportunity coming up for me.'
Indi Strom, sister of ruck star Mim, will also make a round one debut, having been elevated from a train-on position last year. She has settled into their defensive unit over the pre-season.
While not new to the AFLW, Bella Smith will also play her first game in purple, having been traded from Sydney last year. She will provide an experienced head alongside Brisbane up forward in what will be her sixth season.
For the Eagles, Painter arrives with plenty of hype after earning All-Australian honours for Victoria Country at the National Championships.
The powerful midfielder averaged nine contested possessions and seven tackles per game and could form a tantalising duo with All-Australian Ella Roberts.
'I'm absolutely stoked and incredibly grateful to be making my debut in round one,' Painter said.
'It's been amazing meeting, playing and learning from all the inspirational women at the club, and I'm so proud to be able to pull on the Eagles AFLW jumper for the first time. Lucia Painter of the Eagles contests for the ball./ Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
'I've settled in well and have been working really hard, with plenty of challenges and support from our staff and players.'
Dalgleish was taken at pick 57 in last year's draft and is noted for her forward craft.
West Coast will also have a veteran debutant with former North Melbourne ruck Liz McGrath, adding a much-needed big body to the Eagles.
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