Injured AFLW Star Coaches Team to Win from Sideline

When a shoulder injury knocked Fremantle's Mim Strom out of the game in the first quarter, the two-time All-Australian didn't head to the locker room to sulk. Instead, she grabbed a clipboard and turned ruck coach, helping guide her team to a 25-point victory over Richmond from the sideline.

Strom went down after a tackle from Tigers midfielder Emelia Yassir during Sunday's clash at Princes Park. The painful shoulder injury ended her 78-game consecutive appearance streak that stretched back to her 2020 debut.

But the powerhouse ruck refused to let her injury sideline her contribution. While recruit Eden Zanker stepped into the ruck position and Gabby O'Sullivan kicked three goals, Strom spent the rest of the game coaching from the bench with a smile on her face.

"She's been a ruck coach on the side," Dockers coach Lisa Webb told reporters at three-quarter time. "She's been a warrior for us, and we'll look after her."

The Dockers dominated after Strom's departure, keeping Richmond scoreless in the second quarter while O'Sullivan piled on back-to-back goals. Fremantle maintained their perfect 4-0 record against the Tigers with a final score of 60-35, improving to 2-2 for the season.

Richmond played without their own star, with five-time All-Australian midfielder Monique Conti sidelined by Achilles soreness. Young gun Isabel Bacon stepped up with 24 disposals and six clearances to lead the team in Conti's absence.

Why This Inspires

Strom's sideline coaching shows what true team leadership looks like. When injury takes you out of the fight, finding another way to contribute speaks volumes about character and commitment.

Her positive attitude despite the pain and her immediate pivot to helping her teammates demonstrates the kind of resilience that defines champions. The Dockers now face a potential finals push without their star ruck, but they've already seen the depth of her dedication extends far beyond what she does on the field.

The win keeps Fremantle's season alive as they chase their first finals appearance since 2024.