The Sydney Swans will unveil seven debutants against the GIANTS on Sunday afternoon, including four AFLW debuts in Tanya Kennedy, Julie O'Sullivan, Alice Mitchell, and Montana Beruldsen.

Kennedy and O'Sullivan will celebrate a remarkable six months having joined the club from Ireland at the start of pre-season, while Mitchell and Beruldsen will don the red and white for the first time after missing the entire 2022 season due to injury.

Gowans praised the efforts of the contingent who have persevered through their own respective challenges, and will join club debutants Chloe Molloy, Lucy McEvoy, and Laura Gardiner.

"Four debutants - how special is that?," Gowans said.

"Tanya Kennedy is a tenacious player and was a train-on (player) for the GIANTS so she has a little bit to prove as well. She gets her opportunity, which is great.

"Montana Beruldsen battled her way last year through a few niggles, and probably wasn't ready. She is a cross-code athlete, very quick and we will unleash her on North Sydney Oval. 

"Alice Mitchell - what a story. She is coming back from an ACL injury and she is an exciting prospect.

"Julie O'Sullivan is an Irish girl and is really looking for an opportunity in our sport and has shown that she can run, and she has learned the game pretty well."

There will plenty to cheer this Sunday afternoon as we host a blockbuster Sydney Derby that will feature plenty of new faces in our second year in the competition. 

Members and fans can see co-captains Molloy and McEvoy play for the very first time, while reigning Club Champion Cynthia Hamilton, and runner-up Sofia Hurley have also been named.

Gowans has plenty of belief in the playing group after showing vasts signs of improvement during pre-season.

Tickets to the 2023 AFLW season are now on sale so rally your mates and cheer for Sydney this September. Think footy, food trucks, music and activities for all ages.

"The essence of time gives us the ability to plan and strategise and there’s no doubt the group has improved," Gowans said in a press conference yesterday.

"Our ability to train and get fit and be able to contest is the difference. It’s an exciting time to come and watch a game of footy. Hopefully we put on a show.”

The Swans will bring confidence following their back-to-back wins in their practice matches against Gold Coast and Carlton, but they are searching for a four-quarter performance having shown minor lapses in the dying stages.

He says a large part of the pre-season has been focusing on their efforts with the footy in hand.

"It’s been all about offence. You’ve got to have team defence, but we want to score," he said.

"We want to take the game on., (and) It will be an exciting brand of football.

"That’s a big difference as well – our ball movement.”

2023 Sydney Swans AFLW memberships are on sale now, with adult memberships just $80 and junior memberships $35, giving you access to the entire season. Be part of something bigger, and better – join today ahead of this Sunday's match at North Sydney Oval!

Sydney Swans v GWS GIANTS
Sunday, 3 September
North Sydney Oval
3:05pm