Fremantle Dockers' star midfielder Gabby Newton has declared the team's recent heartbreak against Adelaide will become the driving force behind their 2026 AFLW premiership campaign.
The fiery onballer didn't mince words when reflecting on the tough loss to the Crows, stating the experience has lit a fire within the entire squad. "That feeling in the changerooms afterwards, it's something we won't forget," Newton revealed. "It stings, but it's also given us incredible clarity about what we need to do next season."
Turning Pain Into Premiership Fuel
Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Newton and her teammates are already channeling the energy into their 2026 preparations. The midfield dynamo emphasised that the close nature of the contest proved they have what it takes to compete with the competition's best.
"We showed we can match it with the top teams," Newton asserted. "Now it's about taking that next step and turning those competitive performances into wins when it matters most."
Building Towards 2026 Glory
The young Docker believes the experience gained throughout the 2025 season has been invaluable for the developing squad. With another pre-season to build cohesion and refine their game plan, Newton is confident the pieces are falling into place for a serious flag tilt.
"The belief within this group is growing every week," she said. "We're building something special here in the west, and 2026 is when we plan to show the competition what we're truly capable of."
As the Dockers begin their off-season preparations, one thing is certain: the memory of that Adelaide defeat will be front and centre as they work toward their ultimate goal of bringing the AFLW premiership cup back to Fremantle.
