Giselle Davies has been settling well into the Sydney Swans AFLW squad in their fourth week of preseason training. 

The Gold Coast Suns Academy product was traded to the Swans in late 2023 and holds six AFLW games of experience under her belt. Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Davies said she learnt to prioritise making the most of her time as an athlete. 

She added, “I really enjoyed my time at the Gold Coast. I think it definitely taught me a lot about character and resilience”

When asked how she’s fitting into the Swans AFLW playing group, Davies said, “I've absolutely loved being here. I think everyone's made me feel so, so incredibly welcome.”

“I think the training standard and just being around the girls and the group for four weeks already has just been incredible and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the year.”

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"Everyone's made me feel so incredibly welcome" - Davies

Hear from Swans AFLW recruit Giselle Davies four weeks into the 2024 pre-season.

The 20-year-old key defender is expected to bolster her new side as they embark on their third AFLW campaign. She joins a host of new recruits this season including fellow Queenslander Kiara Hilliar from the Brisbane Lions, QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Holly Cooper and draftees Sarah Grunden and Laura Hausegger. 

“What I definitely want to bring here is just playing my role for the team, (and) just being a good teammate because at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter if you're playing or not,” Davies said.

As long as you're enjoying your footy, I think that's the most important part of being part of a club.

The Sydney Swans AFLW side are headed to Newcastle on July 6 and 7 for their annual pre-season community camp. The weekend will not only be a unique opportunity for the squad to strengthen their connections, but help build the game in regional areas. 

“I'm just really looking forward to building some good connections with the girls. I feel like we've had a really good pre-season.” Davies shared.

“Just building some connections off the field can get a bit hectic this time of year… to settle and do a bit more getting to know each other will put us in a really good position.”

Coming from a Netball and Touch Football background, Davies is no stranger to team sport. However the cross-code athlete felt drawn to Aussie Rules.

“(AFL) was just the perfect combination of all the sports that I played growing up. I think the culture is just something that doesn't quite compare to netball or touch (football).”

The Swans will open the 2024 NAB AFLW season when they take on Collingwood at North Sydney Oval on August 30.

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