Sydney Swans coach Scott Gowans has confirmed four changes for our match against the Brisbane Lions which will see Irish talent Paris McCarthy earn an AFLW debut and Montana Ham make her return from injury.

Bella Smith will also make a welcome return after missing last week's match against Geelong, while Aimee Whelan will don the red and white for the first time in 2023.

McCarthy has impressed since her arrival at the beginning of the year, and will play alongside fellow Irish contingent Tanya Kennedy and Julie O'Sullivan.

The Swans were made to rue a slow start in their match against Geelong last week, although can take plenty of positives away from a performance that saw them compete strongly against one of the competition heavyweights. 

"On reflection we had our moments where we could oft won that game and it's all part of learning and the journey that we're on,' Gowans said.

"It's not so much a frustration, it's just looking back and reflecting and (seeing) that there was an opportunity there (to win).

"There were a lot of learnings, and structurally we were pretty sound. It's probably more jsut taking the moments when they arrive."

The Lions bounced back from an opening round defeat to record a thumping 50-point defeat of Port Adelaide.

Gowans said it will be the perfect challenge against a team that has been well respected for many years

"We're playing one of the well established sides that have had success. You just have to look at their program," Gowans said.

"I respect what they have been able to do...I would much rather (teams like) Brisbane each week because I feel it helps with your development as a club."

Co-captain Chloe Molloy will line-up for her 50th AFLW match on Sunday, having made an immediate impact in her first two games for the Swans, averaging 17.5 disposals and six tackles per game, while also kicking three goals.

Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans
Sunday, 17 September - 5:05pm
Brighton Homes Arena

IN: Ham, Whelan, Smith, McCarthy
OUT: Kennedy, Sargent-Wilson, Szigeti, Sheppard