Indiana West debuts with Fremantle Dockers

Swan Districts alumni Indiana West has started her journey with the Fremantle Dockers women’s team and is committed to learning as much as she can.

West debuted at women’s league at Swans in 2023 after being scouted, only one year after she began playing football in her hometown Bunbury.

The nineteen-year-old recalls the moment she was asked to come into the Dockers headquarters for a meeting, just a few months ago.

The call came on a Thursday night, inviting her to a meeting the following Tuesday.

“It felt quite surreal,” West said.

“It was the longest three or four days of my life.”

“I was at a loss for words.”

West relocated to Perth this year, as the commute from Bunbury multiple times a week became very challenging.

“I used to only make one training and come for game day,” West said.

“I never got all of the development.”

Both on and off the field, West noticed the difference attending all trainings and games has made.

“Since moving and attending three sessions a week and the game I noticed how much more connected I was.”

“Socialising at Swans was harder because I couldn’t stay after games for awards…I had to get back to Bunbury.”

Following her move to Perth she has transferred her role as an assistant manager at athletes foot from Bunbury, to Cockburn, balancing work and demanding training.

West was always involved in sports growing up and as she got older but realised her skills for football.

“I always had the dream to be a professional,” West said.

“I realised I was really good at this and wanted to really push for this.”

West started training with the Dockers team for pre-season and after hearing she was drafted she began training and playing the following week.

“I was thrown straight in the deep end,” West said.

“I want to absorb as much as I can…I’m happy to be a mid season recruit.”

“I like to be busy and doing something.”

In her first week West flew to Melbourne for a scrimmage game and unfortunately got sick.

“I didn’t do a lot…but am happy with what I did do,” West said.

“Everyone at Freo are the most nice, inclusive and inviting people.”

“People were checking on me, asking if I want advice and helping me learn.”

West is most looking forward to learning as much as she can from her teammates and the club and developing her craft.

“I am going to miss my friendships and the culture with the girls at Swans, which says a lot about the team we have.”

“I am grateful for Swans and am excited for this new opportunity with Fremantle Dockers.”