After a strong win over Walyalup (Fremantle) last week, the Sydney Swans travel to Melbourne for a clash with Collingwood. Assistant coach Tanya Hetherington has shared a preview to Round 5. 

The AFLW team has gone 4-0 for the first time in the club’s history, what can you put the strong start down to this year?

The group’s willingness to put the work in over the off-season has been the catalyst for the strong start. Natural maturity of the list has also contributed to us being able to produce some really solid performances.

Laura Gardiner recorded a game-high 35 disposals and nine tackles against Fremantle, what makes her so impactful?

Laura has the most unbelievable engine but she also has the most driven desire to get from contest to contest and help the team gain possession of the footy. She works so hard on her game and is always striving to get better which is all you can ask of a player.

The team will play its first game in Melbourne for the year, how enjoyable is playing in front of Melbourne members and fans?

We love playing in Melbourne in front of our members and fans. We have quite a few Melbourne born and bred in the team so it’s great for them to get to play in front of their friends and families. 

What’s the message to the team ahead of the match?

We are just taking it one step at a time. Always looking to improve our game and showcase a great brand of footy no matter who we are up against.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Holly Cooper of the Swans celebrates a goal during the AFLW Round 4 match between Sydney Swans and Walyalup (Fremantle Dockers) at Henson Park on September 07, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

If you were to describe the Swans brand of footy so far this year in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, Fierce, Competitive!

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