Fremantle coach Lisa Webb has paid tribute to returning captain Ange Stannett, calling her Smother Theresa for her inspirational efforts in the club’s 22-point win over Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Stannett missed all of last season while recovering from a knee reconstruction, meaning it was not only her return game but it was also her first match as captain.

She set the tone as a small forward, kicking two goals, but it was one effort during the second quarter which summed up her importance. Stannett laid three smothers in succession to heap the pressure on Port Adelaide and Webb said that is why the players love her.

“We showed some clips at half-time of how good it is to have Ange Stannett back. She’s a massive trademark player for us,” Webb said.

“She’s incredible. I thought she was really good especially in that front half. She doesn’t mind where she plays. She’ll play wherever we need her. She sets the tone. Three smothers in a 10-second period is impressive. We do call her Smother Theresa for that.”

The Dockers won the game 7.4 (46) to 3.6 (24) but had to fight hard after Port reduced the deficit to only three points during the final quarter. Former captain Hayley Miller stood tall with three goals, including one from a massive tackle after the Power got within touching distance.

Kiara Bowers had five disposals and five tackles during the final term to go with her 22 possessions and 14 tackles for the day, while Gabby Newton picked up five touches and four tackles as they repelled multiple attacking thrusts from the home team.

Bowers was playing her first match since giving birth to her son and both she and Newton were celebrating their 50th AFLW games.

Webb always knew they would stand up when the team needed them.

“Going into that last quarter you just have to look at them in the eyes. They are true grit players,” Webb said.

“They absolutely fight for every contest. It’s something we are really lucky to have. I’m really proud of them.

“To see (Bowers) this morning ... I was having coffee with our head of AFLW and she was running down the street chasing after her son. Balancing family life and feeding baby Luca and then turning up, she had 14 tackles. She’s an impressive player.”

The Dockers lost Tunisha Kikoak to concussion during the match which will rule her out of the huge game against Brisbane at Fremantle Oval.