Heading into this weekend, we see it as another great opportunity to implement some learnings from the game against the GIANTS and ultimately test ourselves against fellow expansion side, Port Adelaide.

The weekend's game saw us struggle at times against an experienced side in the GIANTS, and ultimately, they hurt the group going forward and in transition from the back half. We started the game strongly, showed plenty of promise for the first half, but lapses in concentration and being beaten at the source hurt us at pivotal stages throughout the game. 

The key takeaways from the game against the GIANTS are that we need to find more of the footy, and ultimately use it better going forward. We need to be a side that has the ability to break the game open through transition play, and chain the ball going forward. We need to bring the pressure around the contest, and use that to generate our offensive play.

Despite the loss, there were positives to come from the weekend.

It was the first AFLW game on the SCG and the players thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had plenty of praise for all the fans that showed out for the first ever Sydney Derby.

It was also the first AFLW Marn Grook at the SCG, a great occasion to celebrate our First Nations people and I know our two Indigenous athletes, Aliesha Newman and Jaide Anthony were really proud to share their culture with the rest of the team throughout the week and it was fantastic to see the team run out in the original Marn Grook guernsey.

There was also another one for the history books this week with Lexi Hamilton going back and kicking our first goal on the SCG - another first in our inaugural season. We also had two debutants, Eliza Vale and Tiarne Cavanagh and it was great to see them get their chance at AFLW level and it was a proud moment for them and their families.

The first Sydney Derby also sparked a new rivalry for the two harbour city teams. There was plenty of fire and passion out on the field, noticeably with a great contest between Alana Woodward and the GIANTS' Cora Staunton who had a solid battle all day. 

Another performance of note was Ally Morphett who performed well against her old side and picked up a vote in the AFL Coaches Association votes.

Now we look ahead to this week's opponent - Port Adelaide. They are similar to us and have shown good glimpses in the early stages of the season. They are coming off a draw with Carlton, and are also looking for the first win in the AFLW.

They are a high-pressure team, who look to surge the ball by foot, and give the opportunity for their players to beat their opponent 1 on 1. They have a team that is highlighted by some serious class, headed up by the superstar Erin Phillips. Alongside her, they have some key role players, who will look to be the drivers in what should be a highly contested game.

The playing group are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead of them this week, and looking to continually grow and drive towards the first win in club history.

Baker