SWAN Districts Women’s Football Club V Swans manager Nicole Graves says the club’s latest AFL draftees are primed to bring their “workhorse” mentality into the upcoming inaugural women’s competition.
Free agents Emily Bonser and Taryn Priestly sealed the last two spots on Fremantle’s list last month.
Swan Districts have 14 players drafted to play in the 2017 season, which kicks off in February.
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READ NOWGraves said the club could not be more pleased with the duo being drafted.
“Emily, who is one of our younger players and has been playing since she was a teenager, for her to be drafted it is really important for her development,” she said.
“I know she was bitterly disappointed after the initial draft not to get a spot so to her credit, she kept on chasing her dream, spoke with Michelle Cowan (Fremantle head coach), went and trialled and got the last spot.
“(Taryn) is an outstanding Gaelic footballer and obviously an outstanding basketballer, so it makes sense she came over to Swans last year and now has got the opportunity (at Fremantle).”
The former women’s coach said both players were tough competitors on the half-forward and halfback lines.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for them to be in an elite environment for five months before coming back and have a season at Swans to keep on developing,” she said.
“I think both of them will be an asset to the club and an asset of Fremantle as well.”
The AFL women’s pre-season starts on November 22.