AFLW: Manjimup’s Dana East lands rising star nomination for 18 disposals, seven tackles against Melbourne

A “dream come true” game at Optus Stadium has landed Manjimup gun Dana East her first AFLW Rising Star nomination. Fremantle’s blockbuster clash with Melbourne on Saturday was set to shape their finals hopes, but a late COVID scare threw the day into chaos. Punching well above her weight by taking a lead role in a senior midfield, the first-year Docker had 18 disposals in tandem with skipper Hayley Miller. The Dockers were soundly beaten, becoming the first team to cough up 100 points in a game, but East’s 18 disposals, seven tackles and three clearances were a highlight. The 19-year-old, who debuted in the club’s round one derby victory, said she saw her team’s late omissions as a chance to stand up and make a statement. “following the game against Adelaide last week, Coops (Trent Coopers) told us about our mindset and I really focused on that during the week heading into Melbourne,” East said. “I knew that Gabby (O’Sullivan) would be out this week and then we had the surprise outs late due to the AFL’s health and safety protocols. “I really put pressure on myself to stand up.” The Dockers featured in an historic double header at WA’s home of footy, with the West Coast Eagles and Bunbury debutant Beth Schilling facing the Western Bulldogs immediately after Fremantle’s loss. East said playing at the 60,000-seat colosseum for the first time was “amazing”. “It is so much better when you’re actually on the turf and not just up in the stands,” she said. “I couldn’t believe how big it was; that was a dream come true as well.” The Dockers have now had three players nominated for the award through nine games — East, Mikayla Morrison and Sarah Verrier — having had just four players nominated in as many seasons. “I’m a bit in shock; I didn’t expect it at all,” East said. “I’m honoured and at the same time it helps me reflect on how far I’ve come with my journey — I’m absolutely stoked.” The heavy defeat to the Demons all but ended Fremantle’s hopes of a top two finish, but they are already locked in to play finals this season after five wins from six games during a monster Eastern States road trip. The Dockers face the Gold Coast Suns at Fremantle Oval on Sunday, with their top four hopes now on the line. Despite coming out of the blocks with impressive early performances against West Coast, Richmond and Greater Western Sydney, East said her “confidence has grown” as the season has worn on after a “super nervous” first couple of games. “Now that I am getting the gist of it and getting a routine, it’s been great,” she said. “I’m sure with each week that comes, I’ll just continue to grow.” East now goes into the running for the NAB AFLW Rising Star Award, which is presented at the 2022 W Awards later this year.