Freo jet in frame to return, striker ruled out of semi-final

ASH BRAZILL will return for Fremantle’s semi-final against Adelaide but coach Lisa Webb cannot say the same for Amy Mulholland.

Mulholland will miss the Dockers’ sudden death match against the Crows after suffering concussion in a marking incident against Essendon.

The attacker landed on her neck and back as she achieved a courageous goal early in the final term of their attempt 10 point elimination, eventual victory over the Bombers.

Should the Dockers beat the Crows and progress deeper into the finals, Mulholland could also be ruled out of a possible preliminary final against Brisbane.

“It’s obviously a shame. (Mulholland) has been a very important player for us this year, but she won’t play this week,” Webb said Tuesday.

If anything, the coach is optimistic about Brazill’s chances of overcoming an ankle injury she first suffered in round nine.

The star defender, who wore a moon boot, was one late withdrawal from the Dockers’ clash with Essendon after having rested in the last home and away match.

“She’s definitely on the right track,” Webb said.

“(The moon boot is) more to protect her from running around chasing her kids.”

Fremantle will travel to Norwood Oval for Saturday’s match as clear underdogs in Matthew Clarke’s triple premiership.

Both first-place teams in the AFLW competition, the Dockers, have won just once in their seven meetings with Adelaide – the last time they held their opponents to one goal, winning by 30 points in 2021.

They only need to look at the second round this season to be reminded of how formidable the Crows can be.

Star duo Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard put on a masterclass in midfield, while also managing to get on the scoreboard and lead the Crows to a 33-point win over a goalless home side.

Adelaide put in a tough performance against North Melbourne in their qualifying loss and came close to handing the minor premiers their first defeat of the season.

“They’re quite elite. I obviously saw them first-hand in the second round and then at the weekend (against North Melbourne),” Webb said.

“That consistency across all three lines is something that will be really crucial for us.

“The last time we played them our mid-tables were beaten… but to be honest, their ability to win it anywhere is a concern.

“But you know, we’re a much better team than we were in the second round.”