Sydney Swans AFLW coach Scott Gowans has addressed the AFL's admission that a goal-umpiring mistake cost his side a goal in Saturday's four-point loss to Essendon, as the Swans remain winless in their inaugural AFLW season.
With just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter, the goal umpire incorrectly signalled Molly Eastman's set shot to have been a behind, rather than a goal, which would have put Sydney in front.
"I think it's good though we highlight things that aren't right, and we're disappointed obviously with the decision. But there's lots of other little moments in games and the AFL apologised and I think that's it, you just sort of shake your head and move on," Gowans said of the error.
The Swans' coach is also "a big fan of playing at bigger venues", while also understanding the fine line the AFLW is aiming to walk between bigger stadia with goal review technology and retaining the community feel it has always had.
"There is a balance there somewhere, we've just got to find what that balance is and the costs of having that technology... I just want the industry to grow to be better if that's what the industry dictates, that we do play on the better grounds and have technology down the track, fantastic," he said.
Gowans also addressed recent claims about the facilities at Sydney's home ground Henson Park, where they will host Fremantle on Saturday afternoon, gently suggesting something could be done, "whether that's demountables or whatever it might be".
"I love Henson Park," he said.
"Discussion around whether we should play there now is an interesting one because I don't know where else we play it, and that's the ground situation in New South Wales. It's tough because we've got cricket, the timing of the season and AFLW now clashes a little bit … so there's lots of different factors there."
The Swans have two games to go in their inaugural season, with both Fremantle and Geelong still to come, and Gowans wants the team to take the game on.
"We feel we've got a bit of a grip on the game plan, so I think we'll try to be a bit more attacking," Gowans said of the final two rounds.
The Swans will face Fremantle this Saturday, October 22 from 3:10pm at Henson Park where the club will celebrate Member Thank You Round.
Adult tickets to this weekend are just $10. Juniors U18 can enter free, simply redeem a $0 child's ticket. Click here to get tickets.