There is plenty to cheer ahead of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season as the players were presented with their Sydney Swans guernseys on a special evening at Sydney Swans HQ. 

Over 200 people were in attendance to celebrate the 34 players who will don the red and white in the club's second season in the competition, while they also welcomed the eight new players and their families.

The Irish contingent of Paris McCarthy, Jennifer Higgins, Tanya Kennedy and Julie O'Sullivan received their inaugural jumpers from AFL coach John Longmire, while new signings Hayley Bullas, Laura Gardiner, and co-captains Lucy McEvoy and Chloe Molloy were also handed their maiden guernseys.

In attendance were members of the Sydney Swans AFL team, no.1 ticket holder Sarina Jackson, former Director Lynn Ralph and Sydney Swans Team of the Century member, Peter Bedford.

A stirring toast from Netball champion Liz Ellis AO, and empowering speeches from McEvoy, Molloy, and AFLW coach Scott Gowans were the catalyst of the formalities. 

Ellis AO says she is empowered by seeing the women's team thriving at the club.

"I can’t wait for the time when we don’t talk about women’s sport, it’s just sport played by men and played by women, and I think the Swans really embody that now. It’s been terrific talking to the players, hearing about their experiences coming into the Swans," Ellis AO said.

“I jumped on the bandwagon in 96’ and I’ve never jumped off. I’ve come to love the Swans as a place that has really high standards of behaviour, they’ve always got a commitment to excellence.

"I’ve always been so proud to cheer for the Swans, and I’m even more proud now that they’ve got an AFLW side."

Bullas, who suffered a devastating ACL rupture prior to her arrival at the Swans, spoke of the enormous pride in being part of the Swans family despite being sidelined for the entire 2023 campaign.

“This is amazing. To see the journey of every player is really incredible," Bullas said.

2023 AFLW Memberships are now available! Join today and don the red and white and be with us on the journey during out second season in the competiion.

"Hearing how far people have come is really awesome. It’s a really special night to be part of the club.

The culture here is something I’ve not been a part of before, and it has definitely helped.

"Everyone gets around us when we’re doing our 'uppers' on the ski erg and chipping away at it (rehab). Everyone is just so supportive and I’m really lucky to be here.”

The Swans will start their season with back-to-back home games at North Sydney Oval, with a Sydney Derby blockbuster opening the campaign on Sunday, 3 September.