AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans has confirmed his team with two AFLW debutants and two club debutants to run out against Collingwood this Friday night. The Sydney Swans will launch the 2024 NAB AFLW season at North Sydney Oval and kick off a 10 week campaign.
Kiara Hillier and Sarah Grunden will make their AFLW debut after a solid preseason block. Hillier was recruited to the club in a trade with the Brisbane Lions, while Grunden joined the Swans with pick 16 in the 2023 AFLW Draft.
The young pair join experienced midfielder Hayley Bullas who will finally make her club debut after 30 games at the West Coast Eagles. The 27-year-old was ruled out of last season after sustaining an ACL injury in the preseason. Similarly, Maddy Collier will return to the side after suffering an ACL injury.
Giselle Davies will make her club debut after six games and three seasons at the Gold Coast Suns.
Excitingly, Ally Morphett will return to the team after an injury cut her season short in Round 7 last year. Morphett also suffered a foot injury in the VFLW and has worked hard for inclusion in the Round 1 team.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Gowans stressed her importance to the team.
"She's one of those players that is so important to use that we were prepared to work really hard in rehab," he said.
"But credit to her, in the last four weeks she's put in a power of work and her ability to tick every box is something that she's developed this year on her own."
In another historic moment the club will open the 2024 NAB AFLW season for the first time from North Sydney Oval. The ground also marked the squad's first game and first ever win. Off the field Gowans says it's the fan experience that makes Sydney Swans games special.
"It's a club-wide thing. It's the way our staff activate pre-game and make it interactive for fans. The experience at AFLW games is great," Gowans shared.
"Even in the streets, when people talk to you, they talk about the experience, not just the game. And that's really important."
Tickets for Round 1 are just $15 for adults while juniors under 18 go FREE with a ticket redeemed via Ticketmaster.
