East Fremantle star Zippy Fish reflects on No. 1 pick talk, supporting four clubs, how she’s elevated her game in 2024

Zippy by name, zippier by nature. Zippy Fish follows four AFL clubs, already has a resume most senior players would dream of retiring with, and looks to be a star in waiting. Eliza Reilly speaks to the young gun.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: East Fremantle players celebrate Zipporah Fish of the Sharks winning best on ground during the WAFLW Grand Final match between Claremont and East Fremantle at Mineral Resources Park on July 15, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Zippy by name, zippier by nature.

Zippy Fish lays claim to the best name in the draft. But she’s let her football do the talking in 2024.

The East Fremantle star has been touted as one of Western Australia’s best draft prospects for a few years now and was even being talked up as a potential No. 1 pick earlier in the season.

While Fish has marginally dropped down the pecking order in recent months, she’s still expected to be one of the first five names read out in this year’s draft – although not by one of the four clubs she supports.

A unique name, originally sourced from the bible and Moses’ wife Zipporah, lends itself to unique habits. And Fish isn’t off the hook there.

She goes for Fremantle, Port Adelaide, Richmond and Carlton, spreading her love across the quartet for a variety of reasons.

Zippy Fish has shone in her draft year. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

“I don’t even know,” Fish said when asked what happens when they play each other. “I went for Richmond because of Dusty.

“Freo is my Perth team. My dad used to play for the Port Magpies and I love the club. Then Carlton, my pop is a big supporter and cries when they win.”

After growing up in Newman – a Pilbara town around 13 hours northeast of Perth – Fish took a while to discover her love of Aussie rules

But when she did, she was enamoured by league best and fairest Mon Conti.

“I love the way she moves,” she said. “She breaks contests and lines with her run and carry.

“I’m trying to model my game off her.”

Fish has always had the talent. But she didn’t necessarily have the work rate to go with it.

Fish made her WAFLW debut for the Sharks at the tender age of 15. She started her career in the forward line before playing on the wing and then half-back.

Zippy Fish followed the Tigers because of Dustin Martin. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Fish also fell in love with the way Mon Conti plays Australian rules football Picture: Michael Klein

Late in 2023, East Fremantle decided to inject Fish into the midfield. The result? She won the Lou Knitter medal as the best afield in the Sharks’ premiership.

Those close to Fish still felt she could take things to another level heading into her top-age season. So she embarked on an off-season endurance transformation.

The 18-year-old trained six times a week consisting of three running sessions and three gym. During the height of pre-season, she was racking up 40-50km a week.

“We started pre-season in November last year but when we broke off for Christmas, we didn’t really stop,” Fish said. “I kept going.

“Fartlek was the main thing that helped me improve my stamina with a long run every now and again as well.

“Last year I felt like I did just enough. This year I took it to a whole other level. It allowed me to run out games and break a tag every once in a while.”

According to former Fremantle coach turned WAFC female talent programs manager Trent Cooper, Fish’s GPS numbers this year rivalled that of Dockers star Kiara Bowers.

In round seven, Fish broke the WAFLW record for the most disposals in a game, racking up 39 against West Perth.

Zippy Fish shows off her 2023 premiership and best on ground medals during the Sharks’ 2023 premiership. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images.

“I don’t mind,” Fish said when asked if she could’ve hit 40. “I just remember coming off in the fourth quarter and Alli Noakes said ‘Keep going Zip you’re playing well.’

Fish also finished runner-up in the Dhara Kerr medal by one vote, was awarded best on ground in the inaugural WAFLW vs. SAFLW state game, was named in the U18 All-Australian team and won East Fremantle’s best and fairest.

And she’s done it all with a smile. East Fremantle coach Matt Templeton reckons that every time she has the footy in hand, a massive grin flashes across her face.

“I’ve got no idea I’m doing it,” she said.

It’s no surprise Fish has been touted as one of the best midfielders in this year’s draft. But she’s kept a level head throughout.

“I haven’t paid too much attention to that,” she said. “I’ve just wanted to go out and play footy every weekend.

“The main goal is just to go in the draft. A number is just a number. Whoever picks me, I’m willing to go.”

It’s not the first time Fish has been in high demand. It’s understood that she was almost convinced to leave Perth and play in Victoria a couple of years ago. Now, she’s just days away from living out her AFLW dream.

“I’m more excited than nervous,” she said. “I don’t really get nervous. I can’t wait to see where my journey goes.”

Originally published as East Fremantle star Zippy Fish reflects on No. 1 pick talk, supporting four clubs, how she’s elevated her game in 2024