On October 17 – after six years in the making – Australian-made film Like My Brother was released into cinemas.

Directed by Sal Balharrie and Danielle MacLean, the film is captivating viewers across the country as it follows four Indigenous women in their pursuit of the AFLW.

Hailing from the Tiwi Islands, a small community off the coast of Darwin, Rina, Freda, Juliana and Jess embark on a life-changing journey to Melbourne, Victoria. They shatter conventions, tread uncharted territories and put their small home on the map of elite sport.

On Tuesday, ahead of Week 2 of Indigenous Round, the Sydney Swans AFLW squad attended a screening of the new film.

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, players shared their reactions to the powerful story.

QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Holly Cooper had the opportunity to play the Tiwi Islands in a competition in Darwin as a junior.

“I thought the film was really good and it was great to see these getting an opportunity to come down to Melbourne,” Cooper shared.

“When I went to Darwin to play, I recognised so much talent by hand and foot.”

During the six years of production, Swans defender Maddy Collier was filmed playing VFL in the off-season of 2018 and 2019 for the feature piece.

“I've actually met those girls and they're awesome, they're freakish talents,” Collier reflected.

“I think for me, the main takeaway is that we're very lucky in the position that we are. We have amazing facilities and pretty much everything at our fingertips.

“There's a lot of people, especially in remote communities like Tiwi Islands that don't have the same access. It’s important to create awareness and help those communities be seen.”

Like My Brother is in select cinemas now. Learn more about the film including behind-the-scenes content, here.