It was a night of firsts for five AFLW players who tonight received their inaugural Sydney Swans guernsey ahead of the 2024 season.

Sarah Grunden, Holly Cooper, Giselle Davies, Lara Hausegger and Kiara Hillier were welcomed into the red and white, with Sydney Swans premiership players and newly inducted Hall of Famers Heath Grundy and Nick Smith on hand to present the 2024 guernseys.

Players, coaches, staff and partners gathered at Sydney Swans HQ for a special night, with senior coach Scott Gowans paying tribute to his 2024 squad.

“When we run out it will never be of a team of 21, it will be as a team of 32. 32 links of an unbreakable chain, each playing their role,” said Gowans.

“It is a special thing to play for the Sydney Swans. If you’re looking for easy and comfortable then this is probably not the place for you. But if you’re looking for success and getting the best out of yourself and achieving something as a member of the 32, then you’ve landed at the right place.”

Swans co-captain Lucy McEvoy addressed her teammates with a moving address, reflecting on the special connection the team has formed over the pre-season.

“We’ve trained, we’ve put in the hard work, we’ve faced challenges and overcome them, and importantly we have formed a connection as a team,” said McEvoy.

“We are united… linked as one. That doesn’t happen overnight, it happens over weeks and months of hard work together. We are ready for whatever this season has in store for us. We will run out each week and give our best, and leave nothing out there.”

The Sydney Swans AFLW team will kick off the 2024 season against Collingwood at North Sydney Oval on August 30.

The best way to support our AFLW team is by purchasing a membership. From $37 you can get access to ALL home and away games this season, plus many more perks. Join today!