Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kim Mickle has been rookie listed by Fremantle as one of four new signings for the club in the national women’s league.



Mickle, 31, who competed in javelin at the Rio Olympics, joins priority picks Ebony Antonio and Kirby Bentley and fellow rookie Gabby O’Sullivan in Fremantle’s squad for the league’s inaugural season in 2017.



The quartet will join recently announced marquee players Kiara Bowers and Kara Donnellan at Fremantle.



Mickle played mixed football as a junior but pursued athletics after her mother became worried she would get injured playing against boys.



“I’ve always wanted to play football but it wasn’t available back then…it’s cool that it has sprung up and become an elite sport,” Mickle said.



“I can’t wait to give it a go.”



Despite dislocating her shoulder at her third throw in the javelin qualification round at Rio, the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist is likely to be ready for Fremantle’s pre-season following recent surgery.



Co-majors on board with Freo's women's team



Fremantle’s national women’s league, academies and community manager Wade Spilcker believes Mickle’s experience in elite level competition will have her well placed to meet the demands of an AFL player.



“Kim not only brings existing football skills with her but the desire and competitiveness of a professional athlete that will be of great benefit to the entire team,” Spilcker said.



Fremantle’s two priority picks come from strong football backgrounds, with both Antonio and Bentley playing under Fremantle coach Michelle Cowan in the women’s exhibition series.



Two-time WAWFL premiership player Antonio, who only returned to football in 2015 after winning a Women’s National Basketball League title with the Bendigo Spirit in 2013, said the chance to continue working with Cowan was a big factor in her decision to join the club.



“To be able to play under her for Melbourne and obviously come to Freo and play under her again was a big influence in my decision to stay and play for Fremantle,” Antonio said.



Spilcker described Antonio as one of the most athletic players in the game.



“Ebony is an incredibly talented player whose game will continue to improve with further football experience,” he said.



Bentley also has a diverse sporting background as an AIS netball scholarship holder as well as having the Kirby Bentley Cup, which provides young Aboriginal girls with an opportunity to display their football skills, named after her.



Former netballer excited to "provide a pathway"



The utility, who is returning from an ACL injury, represented Melbourne for three seasons.



Spilcker said the 30-year old would offer great experience to the squad.



“The commitment to her recovery and the resilience she has shown are traits we are trying to instil in the group,” he said.



“Kirby will provide great leadership amongst the team.”



Fremantle’s second rookie pick, Gabby O’Sullivan, returned to Perth in June after graduating with a bachelor of science from the College of Coastal Georgia in the United States, where she had a basketball scholarship.



The 22-year old, who qualifies as a rookie because she has not played football for three years prior to 15 June, was convinced to play for East Fremantle by her father, John O’Sullivan, who played 133 games for the Sharks.



Spilcker said despite only playing a few games this year, including East Fremantle’s clash with Swan Districts in the WAWFL grand final, O’Sullivan’s talent was clear.



“Gabby showed tremendous ability in the games she played, both in the midfield and defence, with her pace and attack on the football being a highlight,” he said.