Fairytale Comeback For Fair

AAMI WA Football State 18s Girls co-captain Macy Fair will make her long awaited ATCO WAFLW League debut for Subiaco against Claremont on Sunday at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

Fair’s first game for the Lions comes off the back of her playing two matches for WA in the recent AFLW National Under-18s Championship where she was on restricted minutes.

The Subiaco teenager hasn’t played for the Lions since the 2025 pre-season due to a long-term knee injury which also saw her unavailable for WA in last year’s AFLW National Under-18s Championship.

She received an opportunity to impress as an over-ager in the second last game of this year’s Championships against Vic Country in what was an emotional comeback from injury.

“It was a special moment after everything I’ve been through over the past year,” Fair said.

“Just being back out on the field meant so much to me.

“There were times during rehabilitation when the finish line felt a long way away, so to finally put the jumper on again and play in a game like that was something I’ll never forget.

“Being alongside some of my best friends and as well as getting the win is a feeling so unmatched and I feel so lucky to have been able to be a part of it.”

Fair tore her ACL and meniscus in March last year, undergoing a long and frustrating rehabilitation.

“I’m forever grateful to everyone who helped me get to that moment of making a return,” she said.

“Ellie Lambkin and Trent Cooper gave me the opportunity to come back to the State Team for another year.

“Nick Caputi, our physiotherapist, has worked with me over the past 15 months and has been there through every high and every low.

“He celebrated the little wins with me, and never stopped believing I’d get back out there, even on the days when it felt a long way away.

“Courtney Babich our S&C and Kate Orme our Head Coach have been huge since they started working with me in the Summer Program, whether it was running with me in our conditioning sessions or doing extra skills they gave me constant support, advice and guidance.

“Kelsie Clark, our Wellbeing Officer, played a huge part in getting me back out on the field as well.

“Having her to chat to in the footy space was so important throughout my rehabilitation.

“Then there was Mum, Dad and sisters who saw many sides of me and stuck by my side throughout the whole journey.

“Being there as a shoulder to lean on when I needed them.

“There were so many staff members, teammates and friends who all played such a big role in my journey.

“It really does take a village to get someone back from an injury like this, and it speaks volumes about the amazing humans they are.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

Playing reduced game time in the win over Vic Country, Fair gathered seven disposals in an encouraging return.

“I was happy with how it went, getting the win and making it through contributed to that feeling,” Fair said.

“I probably had to remind myself not to expect too much too soon.

“We are often our own biggest critics, but I just wanted to enjoy being playing the game I love, and the coaches reminded me of this too.

The role she was given against Vic Country was uncomplicated.

“It was never about trying to do anything spectacular in my first game back,” she said.

“It was more about competing, trusting my body again, and contributing to the team.

“Knowing the coaches were happy with my performance gave me a lot of confidence and reassurance for the coming weeks.

“I know there’s still plenty of improvement left as I keep building match fitness and confidence.”

Fair admits there was anxiety heading into her return match.

“The lead-up to the game was the hardest part,” she admitted.

“The bus ride to the ground and the pre-game warm-up were probably the most nerve-racking moments because I’d spent so long imagining what my return would feel like.

“But as soon as I ran out with my teammates and the game started, all those nerves disappeared and it was pure excitement just taking it all in.

Every chance to put on the jumper is something she doesn’t take for granted.

“Going through such a long rehabilitation has given me a completely different perspective on the game, and I have a real appreciation for every opportunity to play.

“To get the chance to play in the final game of the Championships, I’ll just be grateful to be out there with the girls again.”

The 19-year-old, who has the long-term goal of playing AFLW, believes the obstacles put in front of her have made her appreciate the game she loves.

“Looking back now, the whole experience has taught me resilience, patience and not to take playing for granted,” she explained.

“Being back out there after 466 days makes every hard session and win along the way worth it.”