The Sydney Swans AFLW have kicked off their pre-season in dominant fashion with an 11-goal victory over GWS Giants at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday (August 10).
The AFLW side faced GWS in a match simulation, played over six terms, in their first fit since the side’s VFLW competition earlier in May, claiming a 12.12.84 to 3.1.19 victory.
The Swans were dominant in the contest, trailing by less than a goal in the first quarter, before holding a 22-point lead after three terms.
The side went on to kick a further six goals in the final three terms, while holding GWS scoreless.
Senior coach Scott Gowans was pleased to see the work completed over the pre-season put into practice.
“Really good and we got a lot out of that,” Gowans said after the clash.
“It's interesting when you train things, you actually see them come up in the game and there's a lot of stuff that we train that you're able to actually say that's that drill, that's that drill and that's really pleasing and it shows that we're on the same page, which is great.”
“I still think there's a little bit with our contest stuff where we can get a little bit faster out of the contest,” Gowans added.
“This is our first opportunity to do against an opposition. Next week we'll get some learnings from that and then take that into next week and grow from there.”
It was a special moment for Hayley Bullas, who pulled on the red and white for the first time, after suffering an ACL injury that ruled her out of the entire 2023 season.
Also returning from injury sustained in the back end of the side’s Finals campaign, Rebecca Privitelli returned to kick four goals while forward Montana Beruldsen also impressed with speed and power in the forward line. t
“It was so good, particularly for Hayley Bullas. That's her first game in 17 months and it's going to take her a little while to get to her best but she showed enough today to suggest she's going to be a very good player,” Gowans said.
“I think Montana Beruldsen played a really good game as well, a mix of mid and forward, that's really powerful for us and we had a really nice blend of players step up at the right time.”
While Gowans was impressed with his side’s performance, he was also pleased with the side’s connection as a team.
“Connection is our big theme this year and we want to be a connected team, win or lose and through adversity and through the good times and that's what we're concentrating on so it's pleasing to see it today,” Gowans said.
“Obviously when you're challenged on the scoreboard a little bit more that's when you also want to see it but for the first hit out I'm really pleased with that.
Privitelli echoed Gowans sentiments after the game.
“It was great to finally play against an opposition. I thought the girls just played the whole six quarters, so it was exciting,” Privitelli said.
“It took me a little while over the pre-season to kind of find my feet. I'm glad to be here, there were times where I didn't know if I'd get back here.
“I just love playing footy with the girls,” Privitelli added.
“Connection was the biggest part. We just had a really clear understanding of what everyone's role was, and I think everyone played their role more importantly. We had girls come in at probably the third quarter, and they kept playing their role.
“And the connection between the mids was really exciting as a forward leading up at the footy. We take some confidence out of that.”
The AFLW side will play in a practice match on the SCG against Hawthorn on Saturday, August 17 before opening the AFLW season against Collingwood in a Friday night blockbuster at North Sydney Oval on August 30.
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