In tough, wet conditions, the young Swans teams were defeated by the two Giants teams in the opening round of the AFLW Summer Series. Swans White were defeated by 59 points and Swans Red by 69 points.

Despite the losses, there were plenty of learnings from the opening round. Read the thoughts of the Sydney Swans AFLW Summer Series coaches, Bron Gulden (Swans White) and Kate Handley (Swans Red) after the matches.

What were your thoughts on the game for the first hit out as a team?

KH: It was a tough start to the Summer Series - not very summer like! The conditions definitely did not suit the Swans Red team, as we have six girls who are six foot tall. Regardless, I was proud of how our girls stepped it up against a more experienced Giants outfit. We improved as the game went on and definitely have some key areas to work on but some positives to come out of game one.

BG: It was a tough hit out against some good quality opposition but I thought the girls remained competitive for the entire four quarters. There was plenty of things to work on but some great glimpses of the quality we know they are capable of. 

What are the main learnings to come out of the game?

KH: Just getting the players to get used to the pace of the game. The game was the first hit out for many players for over seven months and adjusting to the speed and intensity of the games will be a big starting point for most players. Getting used to having more pressure around the contest and relying on them making quicker decisions and being more effective with their ground balls and hand passes around the ground. As well as this, for myself and my coaching team we are just getting used to the players and working out the best combinations of players in each position throughout the next few weeks. With our team being made up of girls from Central Coast, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Gunnedah and Inverell it's going to take some time for them all to gel together and start working well together.

BG: Just the difference in physicality, the Giants were an experienced side. Also the speed of contest was a learning experience for the girls and the pace of the ball movement.

What are the focus areas for the coming weeks?

KH: Just getting the players to know each other better on the field and working out how each other plays. Skill wise, we will continue to work on the basics, hand pass and kicking efficiency as well as ground balls and getting clean disposals out of the contest. I think our tackle pressure was really strong and I am very much looking forward to seeing the players skills showcased this weekend in hopefully some dry weather against Swans White.

BG: Our focus for coming weeks will be continuing with skill improvement, our work out of congestion and adjusting to the intensity of the game.

Which players impressed you with their overall game and work ethic?

KH: Alice Mitchell from Gunnedah Bulldogs was an absolute work horse all game and applied great pressure across half back. The game conditions also favoured our smaller midfielders who showed some class in patches throughout the game. In particular Cassidy Ronalds, Danika Spamer and Taylah Canobie all put on great four quarter efforts. Moving into next week I am excited to have back in the side Asha Turner-Funk to see what she can bring to our midfield, and also hopefully have Molly Simpson back to full strength to see what she can bring to our forward line. It's going to be a great contest against Swans White.

BG: Roxy Beuzeville was impressive with her courage, physicality and attack on the footy. Emily Eaves and Jemima Wrigley provided mature competitiveness in the midfield. Liv Cameron was solid in defence and Sarah Heptinstall’s work ethic and pressure acts in the 50 were impressive.

AFLW Summer Series Upcoming Fixtures

Team Lists can be found here

Round 2 – Sunday February 20

Blacktown International Sports Park

Game One: 12.00pm (Giants Orange v Giants Charcoal)

Game Two: 2.00pm (Swans Red v Swans White)

Round 3 – Sunday March 6

Blacktown International Sports Park

Game One: 12.00pm (Giants Charcoal v Swans White)

Game Two: 2.00pm (Swans Red v Giants Orange)

Finals – Sunday March 13

Picken Oval

Game One: 12.00pm (3rd v 4th )

Game Two: 2.00pm (1st v 2nd )