The Sydney Swans have added defender Genevieve Lawson Tavan to complete the list for their first season in the AFLW which starts in late August.
Lawson Tavan has been signed as a replacement player for Alice Mitchell who unfortunately has sustained a torn ACL.
25-year old Lawson Tavan, joins the Swans from VFLW side Darebin, where she has played since 2012, making her way through the juniors to the senior side. She was part of several premiership sides and has been in the Darebin leadership group for the last three years including having a role as vice-captain.
She has also represented Vic Metro and in that team was coached by a familiar face at the Swans, Head Coach Scott Gowans.
Lawson Tavan said she was extremely excited by the opportunity to get on the Sydney list for the club’s inaugural season and it was something she had been working towards for many years.
“I have dreamed of this opportunity for a long time,” Lawson Tavan said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to Sydney and being part of the first ever Sydney Swans AFLW team.”
Sydney Swans AFLW Head Coach Scott Gowans said it was disappointing for Alice Mitchell to have suffered the injury but was looking forward to seeing what Lawson Tavan could offer the side.
“Gen is a key defender and is another player on our list that has just missed out on a couple of drafts,” Gowans said.
“She has great athleticism and reads the play well. She can run the ball out of defence and has a long kick. We are very pleased to add her to our list and she now becomes one of us with equal chance to play Round 1.”
“It’s disappointing for Alice, but is that type of character that will bounce back stronger than ever.”
The AFL yesterday released the fixture for the Swans first season in the AFLW and the team will make history, running out for the first time on Saturday August 27th at North Sydney Oval. The team will also play home games at Henson Park and will play on the SCG for the first AFLW Sydney Derby. More on the fixture can be found here.
