Sydney Swans midfielder Molly Eastman said the focus is a ‘four quarter effort’ for the AFLW team who this week return to Sydney for Marn Grook at the SCG and the first AFLW Sydney Derby against the GIANTS on Saturday afternoon.
The Swans had a solid start to their Round 2 match against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday afternoon and kept pace with their highly fancied opponent but were overran in the second half.
“I think we showed we can stick to a good side for a half of footy but we just need to learn how to do it for a full game,” Eastman said post-game.
“Scott (Gowans) wants to take everything we learned from this game onto next week and really put together a good four quarter performance.”
Eastman has been impressive in her first two appearances in the AFLW topping the Swans disposals in both matches with 14 against St Kilda in Round 1and 13 in Round 2 (alongside Aimee Whelan), including an equal game high 10 tackles.
She was the sole Swan to pick up AFL Coaches Association Coaches Votes in Round 2, picking up 3 votes and after playing VFL level for several years with North Melbourne, she is relishing her chance at the next level up.
“It’s definitely a step up coming from the VFL and there’s plenty to learn but I am happy with how it’s going so far,” Eastman said.
With two matches now played in the Swans inaugural AFLW season, the Swans return to Sydney to face the GIANTS on Saturday and Eastman said she and the team were looking to continue to build on their learnings from the opening two rounds.
“We have had a lot to learn and Round 1was obviously a huge week with a big crowd and it being our first game ever, so that definitely put a lot of pressure on us.
“We now know what we have to do and we’ve come up against some really good opponents (in the first two rounds) so hopefully the next few weeks we can continue to put into practice what we have learned.
It’s so exciting to get the chance to play on the SCG and hopefully we get another big crowd for what will be a really special game.”
AFLW memberships are just $75 for the season. Visit: SYDNEY SWANS MEMBERSHIP
Tickets for Marn Grook at the SCG go on sale Tuesday, September 6th. 10am for members, 2pm General Public.
