There will be a Sydney Swans AFLW team in the 2022-23 season

[stevoswan]

It is clear (to me) that despite protestations to the contrary, some people don't remotely "get it".

But it is nice to know that we girls don't have to make this journey all on our own.

Liz, I'm confused.....apparently believing that women players would not be too concerned about the term 'girls' being used means that we don't support women/girls? That we don't 'get it'?

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I'm sorry but if that's how you and others interpreted those particular posts.....the future of these gender issues is bleak indeed.

BTW, I have always said that if the women's team came forward as a collective and said that they don't want to be referred to as 'girls', I would totally support that. At least it came from them....the people we are all talking for here, you included.

[stevoswan]

I don't think gender equality is the most important aspect of this conversation. It's more, as you've highlighted in several of your posts, people being aware of the language they use, and the effects it has on others (sometimes intended; sometimes not). It's about how people use language to establish power over others and control of a discourse (lots of examples in this thread). It's about appreciating how the words themselves are just a small part of language, and how their meaning changes - subtly or bluntly - depending on their context and on who uses them.

And I'd hoped it would be about listening and understanding, but I'm not so sure about that now.

I listen when there's something to hear......as in the womens team actually confirming your views and stating that the term girls hurts or offends them. Until then, I'll take your views on board (heck, I agree with most of them on this issue)......oh, and not be offended when the men are called boys.

[liz]

The AFL site has published what it projects to be our best side at the start of the season. I don't know if anyone on here knows enough about AFLW and the Swans' squad to comment on whether they've got this right, or to form a view on how competitive we might be. Even if not, the commentary following this "best 22" will start to educate us a little on our players and what to expect.

Your club's best 21: Sydney

[TheBloods]

The AFL site has published what it projects to be our best side at the start of the season. I don't know if anyone on here knows enough about AFLW and the Swans' squad to comment on whether they've got this right, or to form a view on how competitive we might be. Even if not, the commentary following this "best 22" will start to educate us a little on our players and what to expect.

Your club's best 21: Sydney

Why is it 21 ?

[sprite]

Why is it 21 ?

The have 16 on the field al la VFA days, they have a 5-6-5 set up for the bounce.

[stevoswan]

I have seen a bit of Academy training footage and I reckon we will be well served over the years by some of the recruits from this source. The women looked like they actually have a clue, had good skills and were quite impressive in their drills. Of course, I realise that training and game pressure are vastly different but am hoping this apparent cohesion transmits to the field on game days. Really looking forward to the AFLW season this year.

Why is it 21 ?

Only three on the interchange bench in AFLW? That's a guess.

PS: Oh, I see sprite has answered that.

[bloodspirit]

My excitement for the season is growing hugely. I'm getting my head around the list. Now that membership comes with games I have signed up to be a member.

I would love to go and watch some training - does anyone know when they train? Friday evenings? Saturday mornings? (Seems odd they would do both so close to each other.) Lots of great stories among the playing group. It's a pity Alice Mitchell won't play this season but hopefully someone else steps up and takes their chance.

I'm tipping Lochland and Dargan to be named as captains (perhaps captain and vice captain) and I reckon there's a fair chance Woodward will be in the leadership group too.

Our list seems to have good midfield depth but be a little bit leaner with the key position types. We don't have a pure ruck and Ally Morphett, who will presumably be our main ruck, is one of our youngest players (still only 18 years old). I've got butterflies thinking about the season opener. I can only imagine how the players feel!

[bloodspirit]

I've just found an analysis of our list which backs up some of the observations I made in my last post: Season 7 Expansion Side list analysis: Sydney - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.

Less comprehensive, but more interesting, is this interview with Scott Gowans: Credit to the Girls - Sydney's Scott Gowans - Credit to the Girls - an AFLW podcast - Omny.fm.

[joeykanga]

I've just found an analysis of our list which backs up some of the observations I made in my last post: Season 7 Expansion Side list analysis: Sydney - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central.

Less comprehensive, but more interesting, is this interview with Scott Gowans: Credit to the Girls - Sydney's Scott Gowans - Credit to the Girls - an AFLW podcast - Omny.fm.

Kiara Beesley is impressive...I think she was interviewed by Adam Spencer during the AFLW jumper presentation night.
Her answers were very impressive so I looked her up and she has quite the educational pedigree and I noticed that she also did really well in the combine testing.. an early favourite for me already

[monopoly19]

The interview with Sam Mostyn on the Swans new AFLW podcast is worth a listen. We’re really lucky to have her as part of this club. Our AFLW podcast is here

[bloodspirit]

The interview with Sam Mostyn on the Swans new AFLW podcast is worth a listen. We’re really lucky to have her as part of this club. Our AFLW podcast is here

Thanks for the heads up. Not the most dazzling listen but gave me an appreciation of her role in making the AFLW happen. We're lucky to have her in our camp.

Sam Mostyn recommends reading Play On: The Hidden History of Women's Australian Rules Football: Play on! The Hidden History of Women's Australian Rules Football by Brunette Lenkic? (goodreads.com).

- - - Updated - - -

Also, there's gonna be a match sim against the Giants AFLW team at Tramway Oval 6 pm this Friday: AFLW Match Simulation begins (sydneyswans.com.au).

[bloodspirit]

Just read that Bella Smith has done her ACL! But turns out that the Brisbane Lions have their own Bella Smith and it's her that has sustained the injury not our own Bella Smith. Hope Bella#2 has a good recovery. And that Bella#1 has a ripper of a season!

[bloodspirit]

Here's a good interview with Scott Gowans: LISTEN: How the Swans pulled off a draft coup (womens.afl).

[Maltopia]

First full practice match vs Collingwood on Saturday at Blacktown. Game will be livestreamed on Sydney Swans website.

[aardvark]

Doing well. Level at qtr time.