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Fremantle veteran Ebony Antonio set for scans after injuring her knee in pre-season win over West Coast

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
Ebony Antonio is set to undergo scans after suffering a knee injury.
Camera IconEbony Antonio is set to undergo scans after suffering a knee injury. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Fremantle are sweating on the fitness of Ebony Antonio just a fortnight out from their AFLW season opener after the star winger suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s pre-season practice match victory over West Coast.

The Dockers prevailed by six points, but the win could come at a cost after Antonio limped from the ground in the hands of trainers.

Late in the opening quarter, the veteran smothered a West Coast kick out of defence close to the boundary, colliding with the post.

Antonio suffered a knee injury in a practice game against West Coast.
Camera IconAntonio suffered a knee injury in a practice game against West Coast. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

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The 30-year-old grabbed at her right knee immediately and looks set to join wife Kara (hamstring) on the sidelines with round one just two weeks away.

“She’ll go for scans on Sunday or Monday,” senior coach Trent Cooper said.

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“Fingers crossed we get good news there. But it’s a wait and see and we’ll hope for the best.”

The dramatic clash at Fremantle Oval saw the Dockers prevail 2.7 (19) to 2.1 (13) after lightning and thunder halted the match for 30 minutes.

Without midfield stars Hayley Miller and Kiara Bowers for a second consecutive week, Gabby O’Sullivan, Dana East and Mim Strom rose to the occasion.

Irish recruit Orlagh Lally showed some impressive physicality and speed, spending time in attack and later defence.

Amy Mulholland and Megan Kauffman celebrate a goal.
Camera IconAmy Mulholland and Megan Kauffman celebrate a goal. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

“We think she’s going to be a good player for us. She’s got a lot to learn and improve on,” Cooper said.

While Wembley amateur star Megan Kauffman looks certain to debut in round one after kicking both of Fremantle’s goals and impressing with her pressure in the midfield.

After losing to Richmond by 63 points last week, Cooper was impressed with how quickly the Dockers addressed their deficiencies.

“We’ve been really happy with our pre-season. We’ve done it a bit differently knowing we have two seasons in one year,” he said.

“I questioned myself a bit last week because we didn’t play well but today we got back to our brand of footy although we couldn’t play the expansive style we couldn’t like in the conditions.”

Kate Bartlett and Kellie Gibson kicked a goal apiece for the Eagles but they didn’t score after half-time.

West Coast’s backline defended resolutely, led by Belinda Smith, Sophie McDonald and Sarah Goronova while Dhara Kerr Medallist Ella Smith didn’t look out of place at half-back.

While Sarah Lakay relished rucking solo against Strom, finding captain Emma Swanson at multiple stoppages and competing well in the wet.

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