AFLW 2024: Fremantle Dockers not putting a ceiling on what can be achieved as season launches

Fremantle have declared there is no ceiling to what the AFLW team can achieve this year as they chase a maiden title in season nine. The Dockers officially launched their season in the heart of Fremantle on Sunday, with each player presented their jumper from family and friends after a smoking ceremony. The team — led by Lisa Webb for the second year — has gone through some significant changes bringing in the experience of Ashleigh Brazill, Gabby Newton and Aisling McCarthy, while Ange Stannett has taken over from Hayley Miller as captain. Club legend and three time All-Australian midfielder Kiara Bowers, who will miss this season with pregnancy, was presented with a mini number two jumper and will continue to play an important role in the team from the sideline. Draftee Holly Ifould, 18, was taken as the Dockers first selection and received her jumper from her dad, who had flown in from Adelaide for the occasion. “It was good to get my jumper presented to me from my Dad, he’s been massive for me in my football career going down to the oval every night with me to kick the footy,” Ifould said. “I actually feel I’ve gained a whole new family through the club, I live with Ange and Gabby and they are like my mum and my sister now, Webby’s like my mum as well – I could not be more happy.” Managing a back stress fracture Ifould didn’t take part in the match simulation against West Coast last week but was proud of the performance her team put out as they prepare for round one. “Watching them run out I had such a big sense of pride and seeing them showcase everything we have been working so hard on over the preseason,” she said. “No complacency. We still want to keep improving, but it was a good start.” Fremantle will take on Collingwood on Saturday at Fremantle Oval in a pre-season practice match before playing Essendon in their season opener.