Fremantle ruck Mim Strom’s breakout season has her captain ‘scared to think of what she’s capable of’

Fremantle ruck Mim Strom’s breakout season has been so good, her captain is scared to think of what she could do next.

At just 22, Strom is leading the AFLW for hit-outs, averaging 35 per game across eight appearances, leading her coach to call for a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2024.

Now her captain, injured Dockers star Ange Stannett, has joined the chorus, declaring Strom “deserves all the praise that she gets”.

“We have always recognised that within our four walls and that’s what we tend to value and listen to the most. But it is nice to see Mim get credit where credit is deserved,” Stannett told The West Australian.

“To know what Mim does now, I’m scared to think of what she’s going to be capable of in years to come. She just gets better and better every year.

But it’s because she trains so hard, she’s so consistent and that’s what makes her so reliable... It blows my mind to think about how young Mim is still.”

Stannett said Strom’s influence both on and off-the-field has played a huge part in the Dockers’ strong start to the season, as the club pushes for a top-four spot in their bid to return to finals.

“What she’s able to do on field, with not only her own performance, but the way that she brings her teammates into the game as well,” Stannett said.

“Every single year Mim builds on her strengths and she’s probably the first one to put her hand up and say ‘this is what I’m working on and working towards’.

“She’s also the first to put her hand up and help her teammates. She’s not just a fantastic athlete but a really great teammate to have around the club.”

Strom is rucking to a new-look midfield this season that includes former Western Bulldog Gabby Newton and Aisling McCarthy, who moved from their cross-town rivals.

The Dockers ruck said Newton’s addition as as strong on-baller has been a significant part of their high-functioning midfield.

“I think the introduction of Gabby Newton has been huge to our side. She’s that taller kind of midfielder and when she when she reaches that hand out it’s hard to stop her,” Strom said

“So I think working with her — and honestly we’ve only been working together for a little while now — with only one preseason together.

“I’m super excited we were talking yesterday about day, about how well we’re working together and hopefully that grows.

“We’ve got Ash Mac which is obviously a huge in, she’s going to be big against her old side this weekend and hopefully she plays like she has been, she’s just a real bull in there for us, which is awesome.”

West Coast last week dropped two rucks, moving Lauren Wakfer from the forward line into the position to replace Sarah Lakay and Tess Lyons.

Strom is unfazed by the uncertainty and is ready to face anyone.

“It’s important to respect your opposition and do your research but at the same time I try and focus on what my strengths are, and that’s probably Zach’s focus,” she said.

“What can we do to keep bringing my strengths? Each ruck has their own unique way of playing so you’ve always got to be careful of that, but keeping playing how I want to play, and respect all the oppositions but keep doing my thing.”