The Fremantle Dockers opened their AFL Women's campaign in style with young star Sabreena Duffy kicking four goals to lead them past the Cats on Sunday afternoon.
In what was a phenomenal performance from the Peel Thunderbirds product, Duffy had snared three goals to three quarter time before eventually sealing the deal with her right boot in the fourth.
The clash between the two preliminary finalists from last season was neck-and-neck for most of the game, with scores all tied up at 28 apiece come the final break.
But the Cats weren't able to advance their score from there as the Dockers, powered by Duffy's outstanding performance, broke away in the fourth term booting a pair of unanswered goals to secure the victory.
Duffy's efforts landed her a spot among Fremantle's best, alongside midfielder Kiara Bowers and top draft pick Roxanne Roux, who also performed admirably in the victory.
The Thunderbirds junior also earned some high praise from coach Trent Cooper.
"I was really rapt with Sabs' pressure when the ball was on the ground, but she competed in the air so often," Cooper said post match.
"I was saying in the box not long before the siren how good she'd been and I didn't realise she'd kicked four goals. I was just happy with everything else."
Fremantle sits in fourth on the Conference B ladder after round one.
They'll make history next week when they take to the turf at Optus Stadium to clash with West Coast in the inaugural AFL Women's western derby.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
