Draft pick Seth relishes supportive experience

Justin FrisSouth Western Times
Camera IconFremantle’s new AFLW recruits by numbers – 13, South Bunbury's Katie-Jayne Grieve 23, Matilda Sergeant 55, Brianna Moyes 11, Parris Laurie 7, Jasmin Stewart 32, Laura Pugh 6, Sabreena Duffy 26, Ebony Dowson 4, Courtney Stubbs 18, former South West-based physiotherapist Philipa Seth and 24. Angelique Stannett. Both Seth and Grieve could debut for the Dockers on Sunday against Melbourne. Credit: Fremantle Football Club

Days out from potentially making her AFLW debut for the Fremantle Football Club against Melbourne at Casey Fields, high-prized draftee Philipa Seth was winging her way down to Collie.

Although having relocated to Perth full-time due to her football commitments, the 24-year-old clearly has not forgotten the region and towns which helped her career development as a physiotherapist.

“The Collie Eagles women’s team have their first training session tonight,” Seth said

“So I’m actually in Collie at the moment and about to head to their training session. On the days that we don’t have training, or I won’t have work commitments, I’d like to remain involved with the club.

“When the season starts, I’ll be coming down to have a look and encourage the girls from the sideline.

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“Just like I hope they will do for me as well, so it works both ways.”

Seth, who was selected with pick 28 in the 2018 AFLW draft, outlined the intense nature of pre-season strength training – however quickly noted the several faces alongside her offering unwavering support.

“Through the State Academy, I’ve always done the fitness tests,” she said. “But I’d never actually done the strength testing element before.

“It was during one of our first weeks – we did max weight testing for squats, push ups, bench press and those sort of things.

“It definitely was a little intimidating at first, but also good to get some results on the scoreboard and have something to work towards.”

Seth has absolutely been “blown away” by her first few months with the Dockers and is excited about the upcoming season.

“It is a good family network,” she said. “We run into the boys in the gym and they always say g’day and wish us well.

“And I tell you what, Ross Lyon is actually a really funny bloke. I’ve sat and had so many conversations with him and I’m laughing by the end of it.

“It’s not just women’s and men’s players that we get to meet. The facilities are always open for us, so we get to intermingle with people including the HR department and people working behind the desks.

“They are all so interested to see where you are at – so Fremantle as a whole, is really welcoming and it’s really blown me away how tight-knit and supportive everyone is.”

Bouncedown for Sunday’s match is at 12.05pm WST.

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