AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans has locked in his side ahead of Sunday's Pride Game, presented by HSBC, against Geelong. After two games on the road the Sydney Swans return home to Henson Park this weekend for their final match in the compressed round.

Just one change has been named for the afternoon clash with Irish defender Paris McCarthy joining the team. It's the 20-year-old's first match this season after making her AFLW debut in Round 3 of 2023.

Young gun and forward Montana Ham remains out as she continues to be managed. Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Gowans said he is erring on the side of caution.

"I'm really conscious that she's a young athlete that's come from a really low base as far as an interrupted first two pre-seasons and very much got my eye on the future with her," he said. 

"So it's really important that we do the right thing and make sure that she's 100%. I'm not going to play her if she's 90%."

In the midfield Sofia Hurley and Laura Gardiner will be players to watch in Round 6B. Both stars have been recognised in several consecutive weeks of coaches votes and continue to be influential across the ground.

The squad will arrive to Henson Park off the back of two close contests at Whitten Oval last week. Unfortunately they fell short to the Western Bulldogs and Essendon in the final term, with a win over Geelong to bring a sense of confidence going into the late half of the season. 

Gowans noted that the Cats are not to be underestimated. 

"Geelong have been in pretty good form without much luck. Against Fremantle they had a few scoring shots, they moved the ball quite well. And then, of course, the week before they put in a really good performance against (Hawthorn) and then they demolished the Gold Coast the week before that," he reflected.

"So there's some good form lines there and we've just got to win the ball on the inside and get it to the outside. Time in forward half will be critical this week."

Round 6B coincides with our annual Pride Game celebrating that everyone is welcome at the footy.

For tickets and everything happening around the ground, visit the Match Day Hub for more.