The Sydney Swans have wrapped up their AFLW signing period, locking in Alana Woodward and rookie signing Tiarne Cavanagh for the 2022/23 season.

Woodward joins the club from St Kilda having played three seasons of AFLW, while Cavanagh is a cross-code signing, recruited following an impressive career in rugby. 

“It’s extremely exciting to wrap up the signing period with two athletes of this standard,” Sydney Swans Executive GM AFLW Kate Mahony said.

“Tiarne brings with her experience as a professional athlete, albeit from a different code. She will set a high training standard that will drive other players to push themselves. 

“Alana joins the club with AFLW experience, but also brings a determination to take her game to the next level after facing a couple of setbacks in her career to date.

“We can’t wait to see these two talented athletes pull on the red and white in our inaugural season.”

Alana Woodward
Recruited from: St Kilda
Height: 170cm
DOB: 13/07/1990
Position: Midfielder

Coach Scott Gowans said:

“We were looking for athletes who had experience both on-field and off-field, and Alana fitted that mould. 

“Alana has a great overall character, and while she’s had her share of setbacks, in a testament to her fortitude she’s gone back to the VFL and had an elite season. She really took her game to a new level as a midfielder, getting 20 to 30 possessions a game. 

“Off the field, Alana has great training habits to maintain her athleticism, which is something other players will take on board. I believe she’ll end up being someone who leads at the club, whether that’s with or without a title – she’s just a natural born leader who will drive high standards."

Tiarne Cavanagh
Recruited from: Rugby
Height: 162cm
DOB: 7/08/1997 (24)

Coach Scott Gowans said:

“We were attracted to Tiarne’s athleticism – she runs a 19-plus in the Yo-Yo Endurance Test, which is elite. To put it in perspective, most of the top AFLW players run around 18.

“Obviously coming from a rugby background she still needs to learn the game, but we believe she has great foundations in her athleticism and skill to be a successful AFLW player. It’s easier to develop skill than it is to develop athleticism. 

“I believe Tiarne will be more of a midfielder-wing type of player. In the small sample size we’ve seen in her training, she puts the ball under the arm and just goes. She’s an athlete who breaks lines incredibly well and takes the game on really hard.”

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.