AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans and star player Rebecca Privitelli sat down in a press conference on Wednesday, September 13, to discuss the upcoming round. The pair touched on the Brisbane Lions, team progression and Chloe Molloy's 50th game.
On Round 2
Scott Gowans: “On reflection we had our moments where we could have got that game and it’s all part of learning and the journey we’re on. It’s not so much a frustration, it’s recognising there was an opportunity there. Credit to Geelong to gain momentum when we had momentum. That’s what good teams do. There were a lot of learnings out of the game. Structurally we were pretty sound, it’s more taking moments when they arrive.”
On the squad’s progression from last year
SG: “The difference is a third of the squad has changed. It’s not a brand new team but it’s a remodelled team. There’s bits of it you take out with the DNA and culture of the team and how you handle certain moments of the game, and a lot of that has improved. That’s through the essence of time than a change of personnel. It’s to do with the time we’ve had to train as a unit… last year it was so rushed we couldn’t put those models together.”
Rebecca Privitelli: “Like Scott said, it’s time. We’ve had girls in the program now for 12 months that have been able to put size on in the gym, have a better understanding of the game and how they can be better players and make their teammates better. The other thing is maturity out on the field. We’re in a position now where we can make our own decisions on the field and we’ve got the trust from the coaching group to do that.”
On pressure for team selection
RP: “It’s the best position to be in as a footy club – you want to be fight for a spot every week. Some of these girls coming up have plenty of talent and they’re learning what hard work means. We just want to keep performing and get better.”
On Chloe Molloy
RP: “I think the biggest thing Chloe has brought to the group is her ability to bring her teammates along with her. She’s an awesome player on the field, we all see how talented she is, but the maturity and leadership she brings to the group really impacts the younger players including, Montana Ham, Sofia Hurley, Ally Morphett. I’m really excited for her to play her 50th game.”
SG: “It’s more having a player like that in moments and games that creates momentum. They’re special types of players, there’s not many of them in the league that can do that. Chloe has the added advantage of playing team offence and defence really well and that’s the key to becoming a great player. Chloe is on a journey with her football as well, she’s playing more time in the midfield. It’s new to her to spend that much time there and cope with a tag a lot of the weeks. But I love the way she works through it and loves bring her teammates into it. It’s a special milestone, congratulations to her.”
On Montana Ham
SG: “We have her pencilled in for next week. She trained today and trained quite well and if she’s right, she’s right. Round 4 was always her benchmark for the injury. I know she’s ticked off everything in rehab and from what I see today she looked fine, but medical will dictate if she’s available.”
On the Brisbane Lions
RP: “They’ve been a great side for a number of years as an inaugural team. They have plenty of pace on the wing so I’m sure that’s something the coaching group will look into. I’m excited to play in a big round and work on our ball movement so we’re focussing on what we can do at the moment.”
SG: “Playing one of the really established sides that have had success, you just have to admire their program. I respect what they’ve been able to do. It’s really hard in a competition like this to lose players and reinvent yourself and stay at the top. I think it hastens your development as a club. We want every game we play to be hard and tough and advance our learning as much as we can.”
