Lara Hausegger is ready to make her mark with the Sydney Swans third AFLW season just over a month away.

Amid her first AFLW pre-season Hausegger spoke to Sydney Swans Media on how she's fitting into the team. The young defender was recruited to the club with pick 33 of the 2023 AFL Draft having played three VFLW matches with Collingwood. Her experience proved handy when she ran out with the Swans in the same competition earlier this year. 

“It’s definitely a big step up, but I think it's pushed me to improve my skills. I think the VFL series at the start of the year really helped me to put it into practice and really narrow down on what I need to work on.” Hausegger said.

Since joining the club she says captains Chloe Molloy and Lucy McEvoy have become significant role models for the 18-year-old.

“I think their values on the field and off the field are both admirable and I think their work ethic and how professional they are on the field is something I hope I can strive towards.”

Hausegger has some leadership experience herself, having captained the Oakleigh Chargers to a grand final victory in the 2023 Coates Talent League Girls competition.

As she continues to learn and grow, Hausegger is looking to her fellow defenders Alana Woodward and the aforementioned McEvoy to develop her on-field skills. 

“How they read the ball is insane.There’s obviously lots of experience there,” she explained

AFLW Head Coach Scott Gowans has also made Hausegger’s time so far at the Swans valuable.

“(Scott) has been amazing. He's very direct and clear with his words. I think he strives for each player to be the best they can,” Hausegger said.

The 18-year-old's appetite to learn has been noticed by early in her tenure. Earlier this month she signed a contract extension keeping her at the club until at least the end of 2026. 

“Lara isn’t after the instant gratification of a premiership, she’s after sustained success, which is the sort of player we want to keep at this club," Scott Gowans said at the time of announcement.

Meet the new recruits:

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