WAFLW Premiership Captain a Dream for Sharks Milestone Midfielder

EAST Fremantle WAFLW Captain Ashleigh Gomes is about to play her 100th League match, but more than ever she’s driven by team success.

Gomes feels privileged to reach the milestone on a special day for the club.

“I've had a couple of celebrations over the past two years but to finally hit 100 matches at one club is significant and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that have come my way," Gomes said.

“The milestone falls on the same day as our Annual A Team Game, so it’s something I will cherish.

“It’s one of our biggest days of the year, raising vital funds for people like eight-year-old Harvey girl Ariella Italiano, who’s battling a rare genetic condition from a mutation in the gene called TBCID24.”

Gomes showed talent in soccer and netball before settling on football as her chosen sport.

 “I played state football before I joined a WAWFL club, and I didn't even know football was an option for girls outside school," she said.

 “My first game for East Fremantle was about nine years ago, and I would have been about 16 in the Youth Girls competition and captained that team.

“I remember having amazing coaches in Caitlyn Edwards and Brianna Green who both went on to play AFLW respectively."

Gomes career has been marked by as many lows as highs.

“Inconsistency in form, trying to juggle soccer, netball and football all produced challenges," Gomes said.

 “Injury-wise I’ve had a couple of ankles, stress fractures and broken fingers, but overall, I’ve become the player I am today because of the football club, and I thank everyone at the Sharks.”

Gomes’ fondest on field memory came four years ago. 

“Winning the first ever WAFLW premiership in 2019 is one of my greatest achievements," she said.

“Nothing will ever compare to that feeling and I think if I was to say being the captain at the end of the season holding up the cup with my coach Steph Walding and team wasn't a priority, I would be lying.

“It's huge motivation after last year and we’re hungrier than ever."

The 25-year-old has a host of people who’ve helped her reach the milestone and earn a nomination for Life Membership at the East Fremantle Womens Football Club.

“From support staff, to coaches, my teammates, including Sharon Wong, Ashlee Atkins and Phil Seth," Gomes said.

“I’m lucky to live with two teammates who’ve helped me over the past two years, Larissa Versaci and Laura Catherine.

“Coaching staff led by Steph Walding and her partner and Life Member Nikki Harwood have been my biggest supporters and I owe them a lot. The entire East Fremantle Womens Football Club have all been part of this journey.”

Fellow Shark Hayley O’Donnell will celebrate her 50th League match alongside Ash.

East Fremantle plays Subiaco at the WACA on Saturday May 13 at 2pm.

Players from the WAFLW and WAFL teams will also be wearing A Team shirts during their warmup, fundraising around the ground.

The EFFC Junior District Parade will take place at the completion of the WAFLW game, prior to the WAFL league game between the Sharks and the Lions at 4.10pm

A Team Awareness Round – supporting a TBC1D24 Foundation, a rare genetic disorder.

See link: https://www.effc.com.au/news/23718/a-team-awareness-round-supporting-tbc1d24-research