As we edge closer to our first season in the AFLW and once the season is underway,  AFLW Senior Assistant Coach & Female Academy Coach Baker Denneman will provide regular insight into how the women's team are preparing on and off the track.

Having completed our first match scrimmage across our cross town rivals, the GIANTS, the playing group are looking forward to taking another step-in preparation for Round 1, with our upcoming game against Collingwood at Blacktown on Saturday afternoon.

The game on Friday night gave us an opportunity to implement the way we want to play and gave us an idea of where the playing group are it, and the direction in which they are headed. The game simulation, and the style that it was played in, allowed individuals to adjust to the speed of the AFLW level, and feel the pressure that comes with that. The group showcased their skill, and there were plenty of positive signs heading into the next few weeks, and with that, comes lots of learnings as well.

Some of these learnings were understanding the importance of high-speed running, and the continued work rate required to be able to match it with opposition at AFLW level. Also, the physicality that comes with a highly contested game and the understanding of how we respond both individually and as a group to these scenarios.

The week-to-week game has also allowed the players and us staff to implement the scenarios in which we would endure throughout the regular season. That includes player recovery, review, and training, which early in the week reflects on the previous game, before quickly switching the vision to the upcoming opponent and the challenges that they may bring.

The group are looking forward to facing Collingwood, as it will be a longer game which will give us the opportunity to refine the game plan under match conditions. It's a great chance to come up against another line up full of stars, and a team that has been steadily performing across the years in the AFLW competition

Our focus going into the match this weekend has been the continued growth and development of the group, the ability to implement the game plan and structures for four quarters and eliminate the lapses in concentration.

There's been plenty of good progress made within the individual players themselves, but also the line groups and the camaraderie on the field as a unit. The ability to link the ball, by hand and foot, and furthermore, continually take the game on, is something we will continually pride ourselves on.

We expect Collingwood to bring the heat inside the contest, but also good disposal outside as well. They're a group that have been together for a long period and understand how to get the best out of themselves. We expect different elements all over the ground, and it should give us a great insight to the season ahead. 

With just over two weeks until Round 1, Saturday is a great opportunity for our group and we look forward to the challenge and also seeing plenty of Swans members and fans out at Blacktown to the cheer the team on!

AFLW Practice Match

Blacktown International Sportspark and live streamed on sydneyswans.com.au

Saturday August 13, 1pm

Sydney Swans