The Sydney Swans AFLW list is set to add more depth to the side, with Lisa Steane and Bella Smith committing to the club ahead of its inaugural season.
Steane was born and bred in New South Wales and has played at the elite level for the past three seasons, while Bella Smith joins the Swans from Collingwood where she gained two seasons of AFLW experience.
Sydney’s Executive General Manager – AFLW Kate Mahony said both players are a terrific fit for the club.
“Both Lisa and Bella are really impressive individuals as well as footballers,” Mahony said.
“They’ll bring a lot to our side culturally and Lisa in particular brings experience to the group. They’ve both got great characters and they’re willing to work hard and build something really special here at the Swans.”
LISA STEANE
Recruited from: GWS Giants
Height: 166cm
DOB: 21/1/95
Position: Midfielder
At 27-years-of-age Lisa Steane will join the club as one of the more senior players, bringing with her plenty of experience at the top level.
Originally from Nelson Bay, Steane moved to Sydney to pursue her AFLW dream. The tough midfielder was selected by the Giants in the 2019 AFLW Draft, and went on to play three seasons with the club.
“Lisa brings 20 games of AFLW experience with her – she’s a strong midfielder who has a great kick,” AFLW coach Scott Gowans said.
“She’s a great runner, she’s played AFL for over a decade, and was a Rising Star nominee in her first year playing AFLW.”
Prior to her AFLW selection, Steane led Macquarie University to an AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Premiership in 2019.
BELLA SMITH
Recruited from: Collingwood
Height: 182cm
DOB: 20/09/01
Position: Defender
Bella Smith was recruited by Collingwood in the 2020 AFLW Draft and prior to that played three seasons with Norwood in the SANFL.
Originally from Cleve on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Smith has played for the Central Allies, the representative team for South Australia and the Northern Territory at the 2019 AFLW Under 18 Championships.
A rebounding defender, Smith also has the ability to play up forward.
“Bella brings versatility to the side, she can play ruck, forward and back,” AFLW Senior Coach Scott Gowans said.
“The fact that she’s done a few pre-seasons and played a few AFLW games means she brings with her the experience at that top level. She’s also been part of a great program at Collingwood too.
“Bella is a very resilient athlete who has moved to multiple states to pursue her career in AFLW.”
It’s Game On for the Sydney Swans entry into the AFLW competition commencing in 2022. Follow along the Sydney Swans AFLW journey on our new social media channels on Instagram and Twitter.
