How Fremantle Dockers veteran Kiara Bowers has elevated her game to new heights in 2026 season

She is already the most decorated player in Fremantle’s AFLW history, but Dockers veteran Kiara Bowers is still managing to reach new heights.

The 34-year-old continued what has arguably been a career-best season by leading the way in her side’s 11-point comeback victory over St Kilda on Sunday with a 36-disposal, 11-clearance effort.

Bowers is averaging 25.9 disposals per game in 2026, the best mark she has reached in any of the eight seasons in which she has taken to the field.

The classy goal she slotted on the run to open the Dockers’ account against the Saints was her fourth of the season, the most she has managed in an individual campaign.

Already the owner of a league fairest and best award to go with another four at club level, the AFL Coaches Association’s champion player of the year prize and a quartet of All Australian blazers, Bowers will be firmly back in the mix to collect more end-of-season accolades in the coming weeks.

She registered the maximum of 10 votes in the coaches’ award for her performance against the Saints, moving her up to fifth on the leaderboard.

While effusive in her praise of Bowers’ 2026 campaign, Fremantle on-baller Gabby Newton said she had long been in awe of her midfield running mate.

“I thought I knew how good she was before this season, but she’s taken her game to new levels,” Newton said.

“She’s also changed her game somehow after all these seasons, adding these elements which she hasn’t had before.

“It’s been really cool to watch and it’s bloody awesome to be her teammate.

“Maybe what people don’t know is that she’s the biggest softy off the field, but once you’re on the track, she’ll demand the world of you and make sure you’re getting better. She’s such a great teammate.”

Fremantle coach Lisa Webb credited Bowers’ stand-out form to a relentless drive for self-improvement.

“Even today, she had some terrific moments and then she had some as well she’ll get to work on during the week,” Webb said.

“I see her two minutes after the game and she’s back to being Mum and one of the most genuine people you’ll meet. She’s got a really good balance of that and I think that’s probably why she’s thriving.

“Having two young kids and finding the balance isn’t easy, but she does that really well and is obviously reaping some really big rewards this year.”

While Fremantle trailed the last-placed Saints as late as the nine-minute mark of the fourth quarter before eventually storming to a crucial victory, their midfielders were dominant throughout the day.

Bowers was one of three Dockers to win more than 30 disposals on the afternoon, alongside 75-gamer Aisling McCarthy (32) and Newton (30).

The trio seized on the ruck dominance of Mim Strom, who pressed her claims for what would be a third consecutive berth as the All Australian ruck by gathering 27 disposals to go with 30 hit-outs.

At GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, Fremantle’s midfield unit will come up against a Geelong on-ball brigade led by in-form superstars Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison.

The contest could prove decisive for the finals hopes of the eight-placed Dockers, who sit ahead of Adelaide and Hawthorn on percentage.