The AFLW Summer Series has wrapped up for 2022, with attention now turning to the build of the Sydney Swans inaugural AFLW team.
The competition brought 120 of the best footballers from across NSW and the ACT together to compete in four teams across three rounds, with one round cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
Swans White claimed two victories, while Swans Red remained winless across the series.
Sydney Swans AFLW coach Scott Gowans and Sydney Swans Executive GM - AFLW Kate Mahony analysed the series closely, in what they saw as a perfect opportunity to observe the potential in players amid their AFLW selection process.
“The gradual improvement across the series was most pleasing to see,” said Gowans.
“The players have been able to deliver a significant improvement from the first round. I went along to a few training sessions and could see their improvement in game style, their connections, and the specific areas that help play better footy.
"To be able to assess your options during play is a key area I look at in players. You need to be able to be able to observe where your options are, you might not take them but at least identify them. As a coach you see that and know that the individual has a strong footy IQ.”
While Gowans focused on the on-field development, Mahony looked at the overall outcome of the series in the club’s path to building an AFLW team.
“The Summer Series has been a fantastic chance for us to look at talent from across NSW, allowing us to really hone in who has what it takes to be part of our AFLW build,” said Mahony.
“It’s also given us a chance to get to know the girls and their character to ensure they have what it takes off the field as well as on the field.
“There's a high likelihood that the AFLW season will now be moved forward, and with that it changes our plans a little bit. We will still have a Winter Series, but we now must look at how that unfolds given the AFLW team will now likely need to start their preseason in June.”
Gowans and Mahony recently announced the Sydney Swans first official signing, with former QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Ruby Sargent-Wilson committing to the club.
