After a 21-point win over Fremantle last week the Sydney Swans will play a maiden finals series in just their second year since inception. Assistant coach Tanya Hetherington says the AFLW squad is fired up for Saturday's Elimination Final against the Gold Coast Suns - a do or die clash for both sides. 

Here she discusses preparations ahead of the match.

Congratulations on Sunday’s win over Fremantle, it was a tough contest all over the ground. What was the message to players ahead of that last quarter?

It was a very contested game, but the message was simple, keep to the process and have belief that it will turn, which it did. We wanted the girls to take the game on which they did and we couldn’t be prouder of them for taking their opportunities. 

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AFLW Highlights: Fremantle v Sydney

The Dockers and Swans clash in Round 10 of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season

What do preparations look like heading into this weekend’s elimination final with just a five-day turn around?

This week will be about recovery, and then when it’s time to train we will attack that session with intensity and prepare ourselves well for our opposition this weekend.

We played and won a pre-season match against the Gold Coast Suns earlier this year. Does that give the team confidence heading into this match?

I think any game you get to play against an opposition whether it be a practice match or a game for points, you take learnings from. That game in particular was invaluable for the group as it was the first time we had played against an opposition after our pre season together, so from that point of view there will be plenty of confidence taken from that game. However, finals is a different ball game and we are under no illusions both teams will have changed considerably from then.

What would you like to see from the team in the first quarter to start strong?

Just to attack every contest hard.

The girls will be ready - have no doubt about that!

From a winless inaugural season to finals bound, it’s a massive turn around. What do you believe contributed to this?

I think the whole club approach to continual improvement and striving to be better has set about this season’s turnaround. From the staff, to the players, to everyone in between we are all on the journey and striving for success together and we’re not done yet!

Visit our Finals Hub for everything you need to know ahead of our Elimination Final at Heritage Bank Stadium. Heading to the game? Purchase tickets, HERE.