AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans has confirmed his side to travel north this weekend for a clash with the Brisbane Lions. Three changes have been named for Round 9, including the return of All-Australia midfielder Laura Gardiner. 

The 2023 Club Champion is also joined by Julie O'Sullivan who sustained an injury to her elbow in Round 7 and Bella Smith. 

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Gowans says they'll bolster their team against a top four side. 

"It's really important obviously to have Laura back in the midfield. Bella comes back into the side to give us a bit of height down forward and also a chop out in the ruck, which we've needed some help. And Julie O'Sullivan just shores up our defence a little bit, so it's a good side this week," Gowans noted.

"It's a big challenge against Brisbane, but hopefully we can go up there and put on a good show."

With just two matches left of the 2024 NAB AFLW home and away season the team will be looking to finish the year strong. Despite Brisbane's loss of Dakota Davidson, Gowans says the Lions depth is a challenge to beating the reigning premiers. 

"I think what we have to do is bring our pressure, then we've got to move the ball on the outside. We're a young side and we're really healthy, so I feel like we've had a good rest this week," he told Sydney Swans Media. 

"They've really got quite a strong squad in and they are an excellent side and they'll be able to cover [the loss of Dakota] quite well."

Round 9 and 10 of the 2024 NAB AFLW season also marks Indigenous Round with this year's theme, 'Spirit Strong, Game On'. It celebrates the enduring spirit and significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and their impact on the game.

"It's such a special occasion too. There's nothing better when you line up with the two sides and before the game.

Gowans added, "It just makes you reflect back to how grateful we are for what we've got now. The jumpers look fantastic and I can't wait to see it under lights."

The team will run out in a new Marn Grook guernsey designed by Lua Pellegrini to honour the occasion. She designed the Marn Grook guernsey worn by the Sydney Swans men’s team in 2022 and 2023, and becomes the first artist to have designed a Marn Grook guernsey for both Swans teams.

The team will return to home territory in Round 10 to close out the season with a match against the West Coast Eagles. The club will celebrate Indigenous Round at Henson Park in the heart of Marrickville on Saturday, November 2 at 3:05pm.