IT WAS a tough inaugural NAB AFL Women's season for Fremantle, the club winning only one of seven matches, but on a positive note, captain Kara Donnellan is fully fit and looking forward to 2018.
Donnellan, a marquee player, suffered a serious high quad injury in the opening minute of the team's sole victory. It was a match-winning performance from the skipper, who defied the injury to finish the game against Carlton with 24 disposals and two goals.
After a three-month rehab period, the 25-year-old Donnellan has now played five matches for club side Swan Districts in the WAWFL.
"It's been a mentally challenging time, but I'm all better for it," Donnellan said.
"I'm as fresh as anything and looking forward to playing the rest of the season with Swan Districts and getting into pre-season with Fremantle.
"We've been taking all precautions with the medical staff at Freo. They've had me on a rehab program, which I'm very thankful for, and I've come back probably fitter and a lot stronger than when I started."
Although Donnellan didn't require surgery, the break from playing gave the star midfielder an opportunity to spend time coaching at Swan Districts.
"You take a step back and see the game from a different perspective," she said.
"I always say injuries happen for a reason and are a blessing in disguise, and it was definitely the mental break I needed. I learnt a lot about my body and the game as well, standing on the sidelines.
"I love coaching. I like seeing the results from training and players actually buying in to what we believe in. Seeing all that come together and work on game day is pretty special."
Fremantle retained 20 players from its injury-extended list of 31, adding West Australians Kellie Gibson (Adelaide marquee player) and Alex Willams (GWS).
The Dockers will also be boosted by the return of their other marquee player, Kiara Bowers, from a knee reconstruction. The 25-year-old midfielder missed the entire AFLW season after rupturing her ACL in 2016.
"I've shared a lot with Kiara and she's one of my really good mates, so it'll be so good to have her out on the field," Donnellan said.
"She was obviously around the club and off the field did a lot for the girls and the club, so to have her out on the field with us will be great. I can't wait.
"She's an absolute workhorse. She'll run all day, she's got a massive tank and just puts her body on the line for her teammates. You can definitely rely on her for anything you need both on and off the field."
The condensed nature of the AFLW season meant teams only got together a few times a week during the short pre-season.
Consequently, relationships between teammates, who are usually opponents in their state league matches, are still developing.
Kara Donnellan addresses the Dockers side. Picture: AFL Photos
Donnellan said Fremantle's players remain in close contact during the AFLW "off-season", meeting once a week in an informal capacity.
"We have a good cook-up and share stories. It's been good to have a laugh with each other once a week, and just to catch up and kick off what's about to come in pre-season."
Donnellan hopes the off-field bonding will lead to a more successful year on-field for the Dockers, who were struck down by injury and finished second-last on the ladder.
"We were pretty unlucky to just have the one win for the season.
"That win will be the driver in the off-season. The girls now know what you can achieve and the feeling behind a win.
"That's definitely the one moment I keep thinking about."
