• WATCH the match live on AFL.com.au
• LISTEN to the live call at AFL.com.au/womens or via the headphones icon on the AFL Live app
DUAL-sports star Erin Fox is relishing every second of her burgeoning football career, despite a difficult decision she might soon have to make.
Fox, an elite baseballer, joins some of the biggest names in the game in an important three-match weekend of women’s football, as West Coast meets Fremantle at Domain Stadium.
The first of the weekend’s game sees the Sydney Swans take on the GWS Giants at the SCG on Saturday, with the women’s action concluding on Sunday when the Northern Territory clashes with Tasmania in Melbourne.
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Fox and her teammates know it’s time to impress, with preparations for the inaugural season of the AFL women’s competition fast approaching.
The Perth Heat outfielder is also waiting to hear if she has made the national baseball team, but has declared this weekend is solely about footy.
“It’s incredible to be given an opportunity to play in AFL colours, alongside some of the best female players in Australia,” Fox said.
“As yet I haven’t had to choose between the two sports and right now I’m giving both my best shot.
“Having played sport at a high level I’m still amazed by the professionalism in football and the willingness of coaches with a huge amount of knowledge to be involved.”
Fox, 29, joined the East Fremantle Sharks last year in a return to the game she played in high school.
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The ferocious on-baller admitted she still had much to learn, despite her growing reputation as a genuine star after being named Rookie of the Year in the WA Women’s Football League.
“See ball, get ball - I suppose that’s my style, but watching some of the girls who have been playing since Auskick shows me how much I need to learn. They are incredible,” she said.
Fox will line up for Fremantle alongside power forward Sabrina Fredrick-Traub, athletic defender Ebony Antonio and the experienced Renee Forth.
Standing in their way in the curtain-raiser to the AFL derby is a star-studded Eagles line-up that includes high-marking forward Chelsea Randall, hard-running midfielder Kara Donnellan, the Eagles captain who played for Melbourne last year, and prolific ball-winner Emma Swanson. They’re tipped to be among the stars of next year’s national competition.
Following the match, a West Australian team will be picked to take on the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne on June 5.
Saturday’s game at Domain Stadium starts at 3.05pm (WST). Log on to AFL.com.au for a live broadcast of Fox Footy’s coverage or to afl.com.au/womens for a link to a live video stream.
OTHER WOMEN’S MATCHES THIS WEEKEND
Sydney Swans v GWS Giants
1.40pm (AEST), Saturday, April 9
SCG
Northern Territory v Tasmania
12.10pm (AEST), Sunday, April 10, Peanut Reserve, St Kilda
• WATCH the matches live at AFLcommunity.com.au
• LISTEN to live calls at AFL.com.au/womens or via the headphones icon on the AFL Live app
