Fremantle's Banfield extends contract after hockey-to-football switch

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 09:31 · Archive

Fremantle AFLW utility Tilly Banfield has committed to a two-year contract extension after a successful transition from hockey.

Fremantle AFLW utility Tilly Banfield has signed a two-year contract extension with the Dockers. The 21-year-old made the move from hockey to football, signing as a rookie in December 2024 despite having only limited organised football experience.

Banfield made her debut in round five of last year and has since played all 18 of Fremantle's games. She has moved onto the wing this season after starting her career as a half-forward.

Banfield said she was grateful her decision to change sports had succeeded. 'The first game I played was a derby, and I was probably the most nervous I have ever been in my life,' she said. 'Each game, I think I'm slowly developing, and I'm definitely learning a lot.' She praised the club's culture and said she loved playing for Fremantle.

Fremantle's AFLW list manager Darren Fry said Banfield had untapped potential. 'For Tilly to come into the program as a cross-code athlete at the start of the 2025 season and play every game since is a great achievement,' he said.

How it is being reported

• Fremantle Dockers AFLW utility Tilly Banfield commits to two-year contract extensionAfter making a successful transition from hockey to football, one of Fremantle’s emerging AFLW stars has committed to a two-year contract extension with the Dockers.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 09:09
• Fremantle Dockers AFLW utility Tilly Banfield commits to two-year contract extensionAfter making a successful transition from hockey to football, one of Fremantle’s emerging AFLW stars has committed to a two-year contract extension with the Dockers.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 09:09

In this story: Tilly Banfield · Fremantle Dockers · Drew Banfield · Darren Fry · West Coast

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