Sydney midfielder Laura Gardiner has set the pace on day one of the AFLW pre-season, taking the crown in the 1.5k time trial. 

The full squad is back at the club for an orientation week, where they will participate in pre-season testing before training officially begins next week.

Behind Gardiner at the front of the pack was recruit Lulu Pullar and reigning best and fairest Sofia Hurley.

AFLW Head of Athletic Performance Sean Hardy said the girls have returned in good form.

"The group has returned in really good condition, which is a reflection of the consistent work they all put in over the off-season training period," Hardy said.

"Everyone has laid down a strong baseline with some fast times, so it's exciting to think about where we can get to this pre-season.

"Laura Gardiner was a standout leading from the front, and our new players have all turned up at the standard which is really pleasing to see."

Hurley had a standout campaign in 2024, averaging 20 disposals and seven tackles a game after spending more time in the midfield.

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media after the time trial, the 20-year-old said she is excited for the pre-season to get underway. 

"The time trial was pretty hard, but good to get it done, get it done early, now we get into the good stuff," Hurley said.

"It's so exciting, I think everyone's itching to get back into it, probably across the whole league to be honest, but yeah, really keen to get back.

"We have a fairly new team, a couple of new additions, so we spent probably the first half of the year just getting to know each other, so now we get to the fun stuff and get into the footy. 

"Our focus now is just gelling with one another, working on our game plan, getting it down pat."

The Swans had a busy draft and trade period, welcoming nine new players to the red and white.

Hurley said there was no shortage of exciting new talent for fans to keep an eye on this season.

"I think Immy Brown is going to be great, she's a Sydney girl from the Swans Academy," Hurley said.

"Zippy Fish, I think everyone's just excited by the name alone, but she's got a lot more to offer than just that. 

"Lulu Pullar, Sarah Steele-Park, Caitlin Reid, there are heaps of new girls and I think are going to go really well."

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