FREMANTLE free agent signing Kellie Gibson says the chance to be coached again by Michelle Cowan was one of the drivers behind her decision to leave Adelaide after just one season.
The 20-year-old Gibson, a marquee player for the Crows in this year’s NAB AFL Women’s competition, signed with the Dockers on Monday, citing her desire to be with family and friends as the main reason for her return west.
"I’m thrilled to be coming back to Perth," Gibson told fremantlefc.com.au.
"I’m definitely happy to come back and play some good footy and be around my friends and family again."
Gibson, a forward/midfielder, played for Western Australia’s under-18 team under Cowan in 2014. She’s also been a state league teammate of Fremantle skipper Kara Donnellan, with the pair helping Swan Districts win the WAWFL premiership in 2015.
"I know the coaches and the girls (at Freo) really well," Gibson said.
"Michelle knows her players and how they work and she knows how to bring out the best football in them.
"That’s why I’m so excited to play for Freo. She knows exactly how her players play, what makes them tick and how to make them better."
Gibson, who represented Australia in rugby sevens at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, played all eight matches for the Crows this year and kicked the first goal in the AFLW Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions.
Gibson acknowledged struggling with her decision to leave Adelaide, where she continues to work for the SANFL.
"I made some really good friends while having so much success and (playing in) a premiership," she said.
"It was definitely a tough decision and it mainly came down to the fact I wanted to be home with friends and family."
Meanwhile, Greater Western Sydney has signed free agent defender Rebecca Privitelli.
The 22-year-old Privitelli played five matches for Carlton this season before being delisted last week. The neat-kicking Privitelli, picked 142nd overall in last year’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft, is playing for the Eastern Devils in the VFL Women’s competition.
