Fremantle’s AFLW team is gearing up for a crucial clash against Carlton in Week 7, with the potential return of two key players—defender Jae Flynn and midfielder Dana East. Both have been sidelined due to concussion protocols after suffering injuries in recent matches. Flynn was forced out during the final quarter of the Week 4 game against Melbourne, while East sustained her concussion in the Week 5 clash with St Kilda. The team’s High Performance Manager, Corey Morris, expressed optimism about their recovery, stating they are on track for a comeback, provided they complete full training sessions this week.
Morris shared that the team’s medical staff has been closely monitoring Flynn and East’s progress, and both players are eager to return to the field. Their potential inclusion in the lineup could provide a much-needed boost to Fremantle as they look to bounce back from recent setbacks. “They’ve both shown good signs, and if they get through training without issues, they’ll be available for selection,” Morris said.
In other positive news, forward Serena Gibbs made a successful return to football after recovering from an MCL injury. Gibbs participated in a scrimmage match over the weekend and has reported no lingering issues. According to Morris, “Serena’s had a solid week and is feeling strong. She’s fit and ready to be considered for selection this weekend.” Her return could add another dimension to Fremantle’s attack, providing more options in the forward line.
However, not all injury news is encouraging. Forward Tara Stribley’s recovery has faced a setback. Initially diagnosed with an ankle sprain, further scans revealed a minor fracture in her fibula, which has altered her rehabilitation timeline. “We sent Tara for another scan last week as her recovery wasn’t progressing as we had hoped. Unfortunately, it showed a small fracture, so we’ll need to manage her carefully moving forward,” Morris explained. This development means Stribley’s return is now uncertain, and the team will take a cautious approach to ensure she fully heals before rejoining the squad.
The club’s injury list remains a mix of promising recoveries and long-term absences. While Flynn and East may return soon, and Gibbs is back in contention, other players like Áine Tighe and Ange Stannett are out for the remainder of the season due to knee injuries. Fremantle will need to navigate these challenges carefully as they push through the second half of the AFLW season.