In a moment that perfectly captured the culture of the Fremantle Football Club, senior men's captain Alex Pearce personally reached out to welcome the club's newest AFLW talent just minutes after her name was called. Mia Anderson, a promising key defender from Tasmania, received the surprise phone call from Pearce shortly after being selected by the Dockers with pick No. 64 in the 2024 AFLW Draft.
A Draft Night Surprise from the Skipper
The heartwarming gesture from the club captain left the young draftee both stunned and delighted. Anderson, who had been watching the draft proceedings from her home in Tasmania with her family, described the unexpected call as an incredible welcome to the purple army. This personal touch from Pearce, a fellow Tasmanian and established leader, immediately made the 18-year-old feel valued and part of the Fremantle family.
Anderson's selection continues Fremantle's strong tradition of recruiting talent from the Apple Isle. She becomes the latest in a line of Tasmanians to pull on the purple jersey, following in the footsteps of Pearce himself and several other players. The Dockers used their final pick in the draft to secure the 179cm defender, who is noted for her strong marking ability and composure under pressure.
Mia Anderson's Journey to the AFLW
Mia Anderson's football journey has been one of rapid development and dedication. Hailing from Tasmania, she honed her skills through the state's talent pathways, showcasing her talents for the Tasmania Devils in the Coates Talent League. Her performances as a versatile and reliable key defender caught the eye of recruiters across the country.
The draft took place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, marking the official beginning of Anderson's professional football career. While pick No. 64 might seem like a late selection, history shows that gems can be found in the later rounds, and Fremantle's recruiting team clearly sees significant potential in the young Tasmanian. Her ability to read the play and intercept marks aligns well with the modern AFLW game.
Building Culture and Looking Ahead
Alex Pearce's initiative to call Anderson underscores the inclusive and supportive culture Fremantle is building across both its men's and women's programs. It sends a powerful message that all players, regardless of which draft pick they are or which team they play for, are integral to the club's ecosystem. This bridging of the gap between the AFL and AFLW squads is a positive step for the entire organisation.
For Mia Anderson, the focus now shifts to relocating to Perth and beginning her pre-season with the Dockers' AFLW squad. She will be looking to learn from experienced defenders within the team and push for selection in her debut season. Her recruitment adds depth to Fremantle's defensive stocks and provides another exciting young prospect for fans to follow.
The personal welcome from the club captain has undoubtedly given Anderson a huge confidence boost as she embarks on the challenging transition to elite-level sport. It's a story that highlights not just the business of the draft, but the human connections and club spirit that make Australian rules football so special.
