AFLW 2024: Fremantle vice captain Laura Pugh says Docker’s are proud despite finals run being cut short
Fremantle’s AFLW season may be over, but vice-captain Laura Pugh says she is proud of her side despite their finals run coming to an abrupt halt in a 37-point Crows thumping.
The Crows held the Dockers goalless for the first half and allowed the girls in purple just one major the entire game.
Adelaide’s pressure proved one hurdle too many for a Fremantle side that has leapt many this season, leaving Pugh proud of the group’s accomplishments.
“Adelaide absolutely showed up, but I’m really, really proud of the girls,” she revealed in the wake of the loss.
“In the first quarter, we were definitely with them and had massive belief even coming out of halftime, but unfortunately, they (Adelaide) were up for it today.
The Dockers proved the depth of their squad as they were plagued by injuries throughout 2024, with captain Ange Stannett, key forward Aine Tighe and Kiara Bowers all sidelined for the season.
But Pugh said it meant the side found emerging stars that would hold them in good stead moving forward.
“We pride ourselves on the belief in our entire group with those injuries to some of our core team players (missing),” Pugh said.
“It’s been amazing that people have been able to come in like ‘TK’ (Tunisha Kikoak) and ‘Gabba’ (Gabby Biedenweg-Webster) literally a few weeks before the season started and played massive roles.
“I think everyone really stepped up, and it’s a great experience for next year.”
“People coming in and playing massive roles, a new and fresh forward line, same with the midfield — new personnel going through there — and they’ve put in a mountain of work to get their connection and flow, and that’s going to put us in great stead for next year”
“We’ve got a lot to improve on. We’ll have a nice big break and then get ready to go next year.”
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