Fremantle captain Hayley Miller bounces back from quiet fortnight as a tagger to play starring role against Richmond

Miller, known as one of the most explosive midfielders in the AFLW, has spent the past fortnight playing defensive roles on two former W Medallists in Emily Bates (Hawthorn) and Madison Prespakis (Essendon).

The 27-year-old had 21 touches against Bates before winning just five on Prespakis in Fremantle’s 20-point loss last week. With Kiara Bowers ruled out with knee soreness, Miller was given the licence to attack once more and she was one the Dockers’ best, finishing with 17 touches, five score involvements, one goal and 305 metres gained.

“I’ve had a tagging role the past couple of weeks. It’s not that I’m not trusted to do the things I’m good at in the midfield. It’s about adding strings to my bow,” Miller told CODE.

“They're both completely different. I thought against Bates, she’s an elite runner and I learnt a lot from her while Madison Prespakis is so good in the contest. She did a number on me and I was extremely disappointed in how that game went.

“I know I’m good at the attacking side of footy and the contest. But it’s getting back the opposite way and where I can add more to my game. It’s about getting busy in the defensive half, not just the forward half.

“To be let off the leash today and play my own game was a lot of fun. The leash was off and I got back to enjoying it and applying the things I’ve learnt the past two weeks.”

Miller, 27, was proud of how her midfield stood up in the absence of Bowers and winger Ebony Antonio who was a late out with knee soreness.

“We’ve all been challenged a lot this week,” Miller said. “Lisa (Webb) has put it on all of us to step up.

“Dana East was incredible today with how she got moving and gritted her teeth. We want to see more of that from her as she develops because it’s what she’s good at.

“Ange Stannett hasn’t spent much time in there but she plays whatever role she can for the team. She can play forward, mid and back.

“To work together, grind it out and stay on top in the midfield for such large parts of the game is exciting for me to see as someone who’s been in the midfield for a long time.”

Miller said Fremantle’s extended road trip had come at the perfect time for Fremantle. The Dockers got a brief taste of life as a professional athlete, spending the week in Melbourne in between games.

The Dockers got out to a game-high 26-point lead early, kicking the first four goals of the game before the Tigers closed late. The seven-point win moves Fremantle to a 3-2 record, keeping the Dockers in touch with finals with five games to play.

“Coming off a five-day break, we were really glad to have it,” Miller said. “There wasn’t a lot of time to lick your wounds from the previous week.

“We were really disappointed in how we went against the Bombers so to turn it around was rewarding. We knew Richmond were going to come. They’ve been good late in quarters and games so to hold on was impressive.

“It’s the effort and intensity we need right from the start. That’s what sets you up in games. Our first half was really good and from there Richmond got going. Were need to keep building on the things we know we can do.”