Dana East never dreamt of a life in Melbourne, but a trade from Fremantle to Richmond in the off-season meant the change of a lifetime awaited her.
Growing up in Western Australia, the 23-year-old has already played 49 AFLW games for the Dockers, including eight last year, where she averaged 14 disposals, five tackles and two clearances.
Now, she has the opportunity to write her next chapter and build a legacy away from home.
And East is taking that chance with two hands.
"The Club and team have been phenomenal. It's home already, and I've come into a new family," East said.
"I love living in Melbourne and the weather has actually been turning it on."
It's all happening for East, while a new era is also dawning at the Swinburne Centre, with a plethora of fresh faces joining the revamped AFLW coaching ranks. It's the perfect chance for East to get an opportunity to rebrand her football.
"I feel like the coaches who have come in, have implemented a really strong game plan that we've got around," she said.
"I want to get more speed and try a different role this season. I want to see what I can do with my running on the outside, as well as improve in the middle. I'm keen to work on that."
The Tigers open the 2026 AFLW season against the Magpies on August 15 at IKON Park.
