AFLW R3 2024: Richmond v Sydney Swans 12.35pm EST Sat 14 Sept Coffs Harbour

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Out - Morphett, Cynthia Hamilton, Hilliar, Vale
IN - Lexi Hamilton, Woodward, Collier, Holly Cooper (debut)

On the upside our backline remains intact, and the team are familiar with the Coffs ground. On the downside the loss of Molloy and Morphett is successive weeks isn't great. The Tigers team that beat the Giats will be strengthened by the addition of Sydneysider Eilish Sheerin. The team will have it's work cut out for it.

[Meg]

Another good news story debut in Holly Cooper. She is a midfielder who came through the Swans Academy and is from Newcastle (good genes up that way)? And another debut player emotional phone call home.

[Meg]

Unfortunately a quad injury at training has caused Cynthia Hamilton to be unavailable

Ally Morphett is a big out, given as managed. I’m a bit puzzled — the women will go into a challenging set of three short turnaround matches from 22 Sept. But that doesn’t start for another week. I hope Morphett is not still carrying an injury niggle.

I also hope that Lexi Hamilton has a sizzler after her self-inflicted absence from possible selection.

[Meg]

Swans outclassed by Richmond today, 10.8 (68) to 3.4 (22), in Coffs Harbour. To their credit our women never gave up, with star contributions by Montana Ham and Laura Gardiner in particular.

Holly Cooper kicked a goal in her debut match, good for her self-belief.

More bad news though in that Alana Woodward had also torn her ACL. She was a late withdrawal from the match — apparently she reported knee soreness during Thursday night's training session.

In after-match media appearance Gowans referred to the superior fitness and strength of Richmond, a club that entered the AWFL two years before the Swans and who have therefore had more pre-season training. it is a good point: it is easy to forget how new our team is, particularly after their (probably premature) success last year.

We need patience (and better luck with injuries) but I reckon there is a bright future ahead.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I also hope that Lexi Hamilton has a sizzler after her self-inflicted absence from possible selection.

One solitary handball - she had a complete 'mare of a game. Not alone in having a bad game, but let's hope Ally is available next week.