The Sydney Swans AFLW side has claimed a 23-point victory over a combined Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions outfit in a practice match at Blacktown on Saturday.

In a hotly contested, low-scoring hitout, the Swans got out of the blocks early, kicking the first major thanks to new recruit Darcy Moloney.

Moloney, who joined the club from Geelong in the 2024 trade period, impressed in her first game for the red and white, providing plenty of run and pressure in the forward line.

An intense second-quarter battle, played primarily between the arcs, saw Sydney take a two-point advantage into the halftime break. 

Sydney was able to clean up its skill execution and lift the intensity to extend its lead to ten points at three-quarter time before putting the foot down in the fourth. Tall Caitlin Reid slotted her first goal for the Swans before QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate Holly Cooper scored a goal on the siren to secure the 23-point victory. 

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Practice matches perfect preparation

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media after the match, defender Kiara Hillier said getting the opportunity to play a scratch match against AFLW opposition was invaluable for the team as they head into the pre-season. 

"I think it was a really good opportunity for all the girls to show what we've been training the past few weeks in our offseason," Hillier said.

"It's a really good block that we've done before pre-season starts and it's good for us to have that before going into this big pre-season."

Hillier said it was a great opportunity for the side's new recruits and less experienced players to make their mark early on.

"I think Lara (Hausegger) had an amazing game, she played in the midfield and in the backline, and the midfield is new for her and she did amazing, honestly," Hillier said.

"I think Sarah Steele-Park was also unbelievable in the backline and in the mid too.

"I think it's really good for them to get their confidence up and shine in these games and also for everyone else that played really well."

Hillier was happy with the side's contest work and ball movement, and said they would look to continue that next weekend in their final practice match. 

"The ball was played a lot between the arcs, there weren't many goals or points scored, so it was really tough, but it was a really good hit-out nonetheless," Hillier said.

"I think our contested ball work was really good and our ball movement through the midfield, through all the corridors, not using the wings as much was good.

"So I think it was really good and next week we'll just focus on that contest-to-contest work as well."

SYDNEY 5.6.36
BRISBANE/ADELAIDE 2.1.13

Goals
Sydney: Darcy Moloney, Ella Parker, Taylor Smith, Caitlin Reid, Holly Cooper
Brisbane/Adelaide: India Rasheed, Eleanor Hartill

Sydney will travel to Adelaide next weekend for a final pre-pre season practice match against Adelaide and Brisbane on May 3.

Official pre-season training is set to begin on Monday, May 19 ahead of the 2025 NAB AFLW season starting in August.