Fremantle Docker Mim Strom leads team in tackles, hit-outs as they beat Carlton by 42 points

Exmouth local Mim Strom stood up strongly in the centre circle on Saturday as Fremantle thumped Carlton by 42 points in the Dockers’ first AFLW game back in WA. The Dockers conceded the first goal but kicked the next seven and restricted the Blues to just three points to run out 7.9 (51) to 1.3 (9) winners at Fremantle Oval. Strom ended the game with seven tackles, more than anyone else on the field, and a handful of disposals as well as making the most of ruck contests. Her ruck opponent, Breann Moody, gave her a tough time but the Docker ended the match with 10 hit-outs. Relishing the support of their home crowd after three weeks in a Melbourne hub, it was a happy homecoming for Fremantle who blew out the cobwebs following a week in isolation. Already highly regarded for their second and fourth quarters, the Dockers produced their best third term of the season. Inspired by a lift in the midfield, Fremantle slammed home four goals from 11 forays inside 50. Coach Trent Cooper said he still wasn’t certain where Fremantle stood in the premiership race despite heading into a bye boasting a 6-1 record. “There’s still a long way to go in terms of playing the good sides,” he said. “Adelaide are obviously the trendsetters at the moment and there’s Melbourne, ourselves and the Kangaroos who have all lost one game. There’s not a lot between those sides. “Those two games (against Adelaide and Melbourne) will decide where we fit on the ladder. We’ve been aiming all year for a top-four finish to get a home final.” The other half of the side’s Mid West contingent, Dongara export Roxy Roux, finished with three disposals, two marks and two hit-outs.