“You never actually think you’re going to be part of the ACL club.”
Chloe Molloy began her 2024 campaign with a bang when she ran out onto North Sydney Oval in the AFLW season opener. The Sydney Swans co-captain booted the first goal of the season, and eventually, handed her old side Collingwood a 15-point loss under lights.
Dubbed a “fiery victory” it was a fairytale start to the squad’s third season in the competition. 2023 just a prelude of what was to come. Days later the athlete’s chapter was re-written when she sustained an injury to her Anterior Crucial Ligament, ruling her out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
At the time Molloy expressed her disbelief and emotion at the news. Three months later in an end-of-season interview with Sydney Swans Media she says it was an opportunity to develop her leadership off the field.
“I can’t physically be out there but how can a conversation (with a teammate) help. I was just so desperate to impact the program.”
As rehab commenced the 25-year-old took a hands-on role and assisted in the coaches’ box or from the bench on game day. Molloy admitting that it was initially very difficult.
“You can either let it define you or you can make something out of it. But it was hard. You’re so jealous of those out on the football field.”
Her envy turned into pride as her position in the side made way for up-and-coming stars. Unfortunately, Molloy was not the only Swan to suffer long-term injury.
Veteran Alana Woodward suffered a partial ACL injury, forcing her into early retirement, while All-Australian ruck Ally Morphett sustained a season-ending injury in Round 5. Laura Gardiner and Montana Ham also suffered injury which briefly stunted their seasons.
Several absences sparked the fast-tracked development of the club’s young athletes. Holly Cooper, Sarah Grunden, Kiara Hillier and Lara Hausegger all made their AFLW debut. Former Gold Coast Suns ruck Giselle Davies who joined the club in 2024 made her red and white debut.
“I think every player was presented a moment to grab and show what they are capable of,” she shared.
Molloy cited Irish export Paris McCarthy among those to standout. In her first game of the season, the cross-code athlete booted three goals in quick succession on Henson Park. Molloy also mentioned ruck duo Davies and Lexi Hamilton who took the helm from Morphett late in the season.
“I think of Paris McCarthy who got her opportunity to play, and she motivated our side when we needed someone. She provided that flair and you could see the whole energy change on the field.
“The way Lexi and Giselle built a really strong dynamic relationship of being undersized rucks. Morph(ett) is irreplaceable but between those I think they were phenomenal in the way they handled that.”
Unfortunately, the Swans fell short by less than a goal on four occasions. But when reflecting on the season Molloy says the squad gained many valuable lessons both individually, and as a group.
“You get a lot of long-term benefits with a season like this… I think people forget we’re in our infancy, we’re in our third season,” Molloy noted.
“We’ve had honest conversations about how we thought the season went. The unity that will bring is something that you bottle up and carry with you.”
The AFLW squad will return to pre-season training in 2025 with the season set to commence week beginning August 11. Meanwhile, work has begun in securing next year’s recruit behind-the-scenes. The 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft and Trade period which will commence from Thursday, December 5 – stay tuned.
