The Sydney Swans AFLW side is just two weeks away from kicking off their 2024 campaign with a Friday night clash with Collingwood. As pre-season preparations continue, Laura Gardiner reflected on her move to the harbour city 12 months earlier.
The club welcomed Gardiner in 2023 after securing a trade with Geelong after playing 18 games with the Cats.
“I knew that coming to the Swans, I wanted to give my all. It was my only opportunity to prove myself,” Gardiner told Sydney Swans Media.
The midfielder made an impact immediately and in her debut for the Swans had 19 disposals and landed a massive 13 tackles. By Round 3 she had set a new career high with 41 disposals.
Her skill and consistency earned the young gun AFLW Club Champion and finished second for AFLW Champion Player of the Year.
“Having the club get behind me and all the girls support me in my position and role on the field really helped. It made me feel comfortable and I felt like I was at home straight away,” she shared.
The Swans will open the AFLW season from North Sydney Oval on August 30 but according to Gardiner, the squad is taking each week as it comes.
In preparation for the season, the team will host Hawthorn in a practice match on the SCG this Saturday, August 17. Gardiner says she’s most looking forward to seeing Montana Ham in action after a full pre-season – a common sentiment across the club.
“I think she's ready to have a really good year and I'm excited to see what she can do,” Gardiner said.
For her own personal growth Gardiner says she’s hoping to retain last year’s consistency.
“I just want to keep doing my role in the team. I want to be consistent each week and, look at improving areas where I can all the time.”
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