BA News – Breaking News Updates Latest News Headlines
Aine Tighe and Amy Franklin are finally finding their feet up forward as Fremantle’s unique AFLW twin towers.
Combined, the Irishwoman and former soccer player have played just 23 games between them but they gave a glimpse of the powerhouse pairing they could become against West Coast.
Tighe, 185cm, and Franklin, 178cm, kicked three goals between them in Fremantle’s narrow western derby win, combining for nearly three-quarters of the Dockers’ total score.
But Tighe believes the best is still yet to come from the pair as they attempt to wreak havoc on opposition defences.
“Last weekend was the first time we really clicked and started to work like we know we could together. It’s exciting,” she said.
“Frankie is obviously new to the sport and this level as well. It’s taking a bit of time but the more games we play together, hopefully the more goals can come of it and we can get the smalls involved as well.
“It’s really exciting to work together and drive each other to improve.”
After securing their first win of the season over West Coast, the challenges don’t get any easier for Fremantle who face top-four contenders Melbourne on Sunday at Fremantle Oval.
With threats across every line, including season six All-Australians Daisy Pearce, Tayla Harris, Libby Birch and Lauren Pearce, Tighe said the Dockers would have to be mindful of negating Melbourne’s stars.
“Every game we play, we have a few match-ups to assign,” she said.
“We’re confident in our backline in particular. We have some strong one-on-one players down there who we’re comfortable giving a job to.
“Across the board, everyone will need to take a step up and take on more responsibility because they have some stars of the competition and if we let them run free they’ll capitalise.”
Tighe was one of several Dockers players who led Fremantle’s AFLW Junior Clinic on Tuesday, unearthing the next generation of stars.
“Some of these girls have been playing footy longer than I have. To see the skills they have already is fantastic,” she said.
“Give them another couple of years and they’ll be knocking down the door to play AFLW.”
