Freo strengthen defence with Williams

Fremantle have picked up their second player of the AFLW free agency period, securing the signature of GWS defender Alex Williams.

The East Fremantle product was selected by the Giants as a priority signing for the 2017 season and will return to WA to play for Fremantle in 2018.

The 171cm Williams was one of the Giants’ strongest in the inaugural season, averaging 10 possessions and three tackles during her seven appearances.

Senior coach Michelle Cowan said she was delighted to see Williams return home to WA.

“Alex is a really exciting signing for us,” Cowan said.

“She’s a key defender but also brings versatility to our team,” Cowan said.

“She’s taken on some skillful key forwards in the 2017 AFLW season and played that role really well.”

Williams joins Adelaide Crows premiership player Kellie Gibson as Fremantle’s two big signings of the free agency period.

Both Williams and Gibson were signed prior to the inaugural AFLW draft with Gibson a marquee player and Williams a priority signing.

The 24-year-old will be a familiar face at Fremantle, re-joining her East Fremantle team mates Brianna Green, Belinda Smith, Gabby O’Sullivan, Melissa Caulfield and Cassie Davidson at Fremantle.

“Alex knows everyone really well,” Cowan said.

“She’s captain of the East Fremantle league team which is fantastic. She’s got exceptional leadership and already has those established relationships among the group which is great.”

The free agency period, which allows for the movement of players not re-contracted to their 2017 clubs, ends on Thursday, 1 June when final list lodgements are submitted to the AFL.

Freo snap up Gibson as free agent

Fremantle have added huge star power to their 2018 AFL Women’s line-up by securing the signature of Adelaide Crows marquee player Kellie Gibson on Monday.

After flagging her desire to return home to WA, the Crows released Gibson last Friday, enabling the Swan Districts product to sign with Fremantle as an unrestricted free agent.

Gibson, 20, has already enjoyed success working with senior coach Michelle Cowan as part of the victorious WA side at the under 18s championship in 2014.

And she played a vital role in the 2017 Crows premiership side, kicking the opening goal just 15 seconds into the AFLW Grand Final against Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.

Cowan said she was delighted to see the versatile half-forward/midfielder return home.

“I think it’s great she’s coming back to WA,” Cowan said.

“She’s an elite midfielder, with the ability to go forward and kick a couple of goals as well.

“She was a marquee player in the inaugural season and rightly so.

“She’s shown a lot of potential at the highest level of the competition and she’s young, so she still has a lot of development ahead of her.”

Gibson’s AFLW premiership goes alongside her two WAWFL premierships with Swan Districts, where she was best on ground in the 2013 Grand Final.

“No doubt it was a really tough decision for Kellie but she’s coming home to train at one of the best facilities in the AFL and play with team mates she knows really well,” Cowan said.

The free agency period, which allows for the movement of players not re-contracted to their 2017 clubs, ends on Thursday, 1 June when final list lodgements are submitted to the AFL.