FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Gabrielle Newton of the Dockers at the team huddle during the 2025 AFLW Round 06 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Essendon Bombers at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on September 20, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)
BREAKING: Fremantle midfielder Gabby Newton has vowed to turn the disappointment from a 12-point defeat to the Adelaide Crows into motivation for the upcoming 2026 AFLW season. The Dockers narrowly missed a top-eight berth after their loss at Norwood Oval, a match that could have secured their finals spot.
In a nail-biting final round of the home-and-away season, Fremantle needed a victory to complete an impressive turnaround from a 1-3 start. Despite several favorable results earlier in the day, the Crows proved too formidable once again, marking a repeat of last year’s semifinal defeat.
Newton, who stood out with a game-high 28 disposals, eight tackles, and three clearances, expressed her team’s frustration but also pride in their journey. “We believe 100 percent that we should be in finals and not to have given ourselves that chance is disappointing,” she told The West Australian.
“We’re just very disappointed. I thought the team really showed up, and it was probably our best effort,” Newton added.
The Dockers faced an uphill battle this season, struggling early but ultimately showcasing resilience and improvement. Newton reflected on the team’s growth, saying, “It was an appalling start to the year, really. We did quite a bit of soul searching afterwards, but the best thing we’ve done is trust again in ourselves and our trademark.”
As the rivalry with Adelaide intensifies, Newton noted that future encounters are set to carry significant weight. “We did reference that semifinal last year and the disappointing results we’ve had against Adelaide, particularly last season,” she said, emphasizing a newfound determination to conquer their rivals in the upcoming seasons.
Head coach Lisa Webb addressed the team post-game, tackling the missed opportunities head-on. “She tackled it head-on, really. Obviously said it was very disappointing. We had our opportunities, and we’ve had that a couple of times this season,” Newton explained. “She was clearly very proud of our program and our team and how far we’ve come. She’s an incredible coach and we love her a lot.”
As Fremantle sets its sights on the 2026 season, fans and players alike are eager to see how they will channel this disappointment into a powerful drive for success. Stay tuned for updates as the Dockers regroup and prepare for what promises to be a pivotal season ahead.
