SOUTH Fremantle is eyeing off a return to finals after a disappointing year in 2024 resulted in the Bulldogs missing the postseason series. A loss to Peel Thunder – the only side to suffer defeat to the wooden spooners – compounded the defeat as they fell short of finals despite having quality on the list. Injuries did not help, but with a big preseason behind them, the Bulldogs will look to return to the promised land.

LAST SEASON: 6th
2025 PREDICTION: 1st-5th

South Fremantle has recruited some quality players for its quest to return to finals in 2025. While the postseason series is no guarantee given the depth of the competition, it is much more likely than unlikely that South Fremantle finds a way back into the top four. The Dogs could also be considered premiership smokies.

STATE ACADEMY MEMBERS (TOP-AGE)

Comments by West Australian Female Talent Manager Trent Cooper

Eva Flynn
Forward | 165cm | 18/09/2007

“Really good left-footer from South Fremantle. One of the best kicks I’ve seen. Smart forward as well, so she’s just had an operation on her nose which has slowed her down a little bit, but she should be right to go for Round 1 for South Fremantle and a player we see as having a really big year coming up.”

Alira Fotu
Tall Forward | 178cm | 17/09/2007

“Alira’s on the Lynx roster and she’s playing for Lynx at the moment so we don’t see too much of her. Hopefully once that’s finished she’ll get back into her footy. Really exciting prospect as a forward, really good mark and one of the best exponents of the handball I’ve seen in the female game. Hopefully when she finishes that basketball season we get to see her a bit of her at that stage.”

Renee Morgan
Midfielder | 169cm | 04/05/2007

“Renee had an injury interrupted year last year and she had an ankle to start this year but she’s now fully fit, tracking really well. Her training’s been first class. She’s probably one of the players who’s unlucky not be in in the National Academy and we’re expecting her to have a really big year this year.”

Lina Morrone
Ruck | 180cm | 02/03/2007

“Tall developing player who is tall but probably hasn’t physically matured like some of the others yet so I expect her to be more of a long-term prospect. But she is really improving and training well.”

OTHERS:

Marie Polimeno (Bottom-ager)
Shaya Yarran (Bottom-ager)

KEY PLAYERS

Poppy Stockwell
Forward | 165cm | 24/10/2003

The talented marking forward had a breakout year last season and catapulted herself into AFLW Draft contention. Though ultimately overlooked, Stockwell remains a readymade, mature-age option. She has a booming kick, is ultra creative inside 50 and can do a lot of damage on the scoreboard. If she continues to get better, watch out.

Tara Stribley
Wing | 164cm | 22/03/2004

Returning from AFLW, the former Swan Districts prospect will provide some additional run and carry, as well as neat outside skills to the Bulldogs. Filling some of the gap left by the departing Molly O’Hehir, Stribley will be one her teammates look to distribute inside 50. She could use her experience for stints in other positions, but has the traits to shine on the wing.

Makaela Tuhakaraina
Forward | 157cm | 23/09/2003

Another player returning from AFLW, but this time a junior Dog, Tuhakaraina is a fierce presence inside 50. She lays plenty of tackles and has the goal sense to hurt opposition defenders the other way as well. A great team player, Tuhakaraina adds a point of difference to the Bulldogs attack, and will compliment the rest of the front five.

ROUND 1

vs. East Fremantle
Saturday March 29, 2:10pm
Fremantle Community Bank Oval