Fremantle AFLW utility Tilly Banfield has taken the latest step in her successful transition from hockey to football, signing a two-year contract extension with the Dockers.
Banfield, the niece of West Coast champion Drew, had only a limited history of playing football at an organised level when she signed with the Dockers as a rookie in December 2024.
The 21-year-old made her debut in round five of last year and has played all 18 of her side’s games since, making a successful move onto the wing this season after starting her career as a half-forward.
Banfield, who will remain in purple until at least the end of Fremantle’s 2028 campaign, said she was “so grateful” her decision to change sports had come off in spades.
“The first game I played was a derby, and I was probably the most nervous I have ever been in my life,” Banfield said.
“Each game, I think I’m slowly developing, and I’m definitely learning a lot. With the girls, they’ve supported me so much.
“Everyone is so nice, and the culture is amazing. We’re brewing something special here, and I’m so grateful to be a part of that for the next two years.
“I actually have so much fun. I wake up and go ‘yes, I’m going to footy’. I get sad on my days off; I love the club so much.”
Fremantle’s AFLW list manager Darren Fry said Banfield still had plenty of untapped upside left to be explored.
“For Tilly to come into the program as a cross-code athlete at the start of the 2025 season and play every game since is a great achievement,” Fry said.
“It shows her dedication to improving her game and how she has worked incredibly hard on and off the track.
“Tilly has shown her running power, both as a high forward and more recently on the wing, and she’s given us real versatility.”
Banfield produced one of the best performances in her career in Fremantle’s comeback win over St Kilda on Sunday, with her 18 disposals including a goal.