In the world of professional sports, some players often shine in the spotlight, while others, like Fremantle Dockers’ defender Jess Low, work tirelessly behind the scenes. Low may not grab headlines the way some of her more high-profile teammates do, but her contribution to the team’s success is invaluable. As a crucial defender, she has built her game around the collective success of the team rather than individual glory, making her one of Fremantle’s unsung heroes. Coach Lisa Webb is quick to highlight Low’s dedication and grit, emphasizing her importance during press conferences and team discussions.
Jess Low’s impact on the field is subtle but significant. While players like Emma O’Driscoll often receive recognition for their standout performances, Low’s role as a consistent and reliable defender is just as vital. Whether she’s tasked with a direct tagging role or simply providing solid defensive work, Low is a player who makes sure the opposition’s top performers are kept in check. Fremantle’s success in the AFLW semifinals owes much to players like Low, whose contributions don’t always show up in the stats but are crucial to the team’s structure. According to O’Driscoll, Low is one of the toughest players in the league, especially when it comes to her ability to lock down an opponent and prevent them from getting easy possessions.
Low herself has always placed more value on her ability to execute specific roles for the team rather than chasing personal statistics. In an interview, she shared that she has never focused on accumulating possessions or scoring goals. Instead, her priority has always been to ensure that her opponent doesn’t have an easy game, and even if they manage to score, it’s about limiting their opportunities. This unselfish mentality is a cornerstone of her game, and it’s one that Coach Webb deeply appreciates. Webb frequently praises Low’s commitment to the team’s defensive game plan, noting that she might not always fill the stat sheet, but her defensive efforts are crucial to Fremantle’s success.
A key part of Low’s value to the team is her ability to perform a tagging role, a task that’s often overlooked but highly respected in the world of AFLW. Tagging requires discipline, focus, and the willingness to disrupt the flow of an opponent’s game. Low’s experience in the WAFLW with Claremont, where she was tasked with tagging some of the competition’s best, has made her a go-to player when Fremantle needs to shut down an opponent. For instance, when Fremantle faced West Coast in the derby this season, Webb didn’t hesitate to send Low to neutralize one of the Eagles’ rising stars, Ella Roberts. Despite the challenge of matching up against a faster, taller opponent, Low executed her role to perfection, limiting Roberts’ impact on the game and contributing to Fremantle’s overall success.
Low’s professionalism and meticulous approach to her role have earned her the respect of her teammates and coaches alike. Her ability to analyze and prepare for each game is second to none, and this attention to detail is what sets her apart. After the derby, Webb lauded Low’s tagging performance, acknowledging how well she had shut down one of the most promising players in the league. It’s clear that Low is a player who doesn’t seek praise or recognition, but instead finds satisfaction in knowing she has played her part in the team’s success. As the Dockers continue their push for an AFLW title, Jess Low remains one of the unsung heroes who holds everything together, working quietly but effectively to ensure her team’s victory.