home AFLW, Aussie Rules A long awaited debut: Kiara Bowers finally hits the AFLW

A long awaited debut: Kiara Bowers finally hits the AFLW

By Gemma Bastiani   Posted in AFLW Aussie Rules
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As part of podcast series I See It But I Don’t Believe It, Gemma spoke with Fremantle head coach Trent Cooper about Kiara Bowers’ debut.

Kiara Bowers runs on the ground in her debut game, with support from teammate Hayley Miller. Image: Megan Brewer
Kiara Bowers runs on the ground in her debut game, with support from teammate Hayley Miller. Image: Megan Brewer

After being one of the first signed in the AFLW as a marquee player back in 2016, Kiara Bowers was hit with consecutive injuries keeping her out of the competition for its first two years. For the Dockers, the months leading up to the 2019 season were tumultuous. Head coach Michelle Cowan moved on and was replaced by Trent Cooper, ten players were delisted and women’s footy stalwart Amy Lavell retired.

2019 was set to be a fresh start for the club, and their intention was to cross off a list of firsts. First round one win, first win out of state, a Kiara Bowers debut? They knocked those three over in their very first game against Melbourne at Casey Fields.

"Normally I reckon you've got three sprays a year. The AFLW season's shorter so I reckon it's two sprays a year and I was ready to give that one then." Trent Cooper on his three quarter time strategy in his first game as Fremantle coach. Kiara Bowers
“Normally I reckon you’ve got three sprays a year. The AFLW season’s shorter so I reckon it’s two sprays a year and I was ready to give that one then.” Trent Cooper on his three quarter time strategy in his first game as Fremantle coach.

Related—Fremantle’s Undefeated Season with Hayley Miller

Hear Cooper discuss the game, its momentum changes and the impact of Kiara Bowers in I See It But I Don’t Believe It:

Not on Spotify? Catch it here.

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