The Sydney Swans AFLW side has excelled so far in Colin O'Riordan's first season in charge, propelling themselves to a club-record 6-2 start to the season.  

With four games left of the home-and-away campaign, Sydney are in a strong position to return to the AFLW finals for just the second time in the program’s history. Though defender Lulu Pullar knows that nothing is secured yet and the Swans must remain resolute in the closing stages of the season. 

02:08

What’s your pride story? | 2026 AFLW Pride Game

We believe in writing your own pride story. Community members, fans and allies, everybody is welcome at the footy. Our Nike Pride guernsey proudly weaves the colours of the progress pride flag into the iconic red and white design — just as pride is woven into the fabric of our club and why we play. Presented by Adora Fertility, the official pride partner of the Sydney Swans

“I think there's no mincing of words, everyone wants to play finals, everyone wants to be playing the last game of their season, and it's okay to have a little bit of ownership and set that goal as a team,” Pullar said. 

“We do speak about how we've put ourselves in a good position with our start, but we're certainly not there yet; we've got really strong opponents over the next month, and we really do need to keep improving and keep having that mindset of wanting to get better and keep building our identity.” 

Coming off a 55-point defeat at the hands of reigning premiers North Melbourne, the young Swans side is aiming to bounce back quickly this weekend against Carlton. Hoping to apply the lessons learnt from last weekend and regain consistency in the back end of the season.  

“I think with a young group, a new coach, we wanted to really build our identity as a team. I think we've been able to do that within the first eight rounds,” Pullar said. 

“I think we're finding consistency, albeit we came up against a really tough opponent on the weekend who are the benchmark and definitely showed us that on the weekend as well. 

“It’s been a really strong start. It's been really good for our group to build that consistency and build our identity, but we're a team that always wants to get better each week and this week will probably be no different.” 

O'Riordan has brought a new perspective to the AFLW program surrounding how players go about their responsibilities and how strong team cohesion can set up the program and help deliver performances and results that previously might not have been achievable.  

“I think the biggest thing across the board is building our connection, not just within our team and our playing group, but across the whole program and our connection to the club as well, Pullar said. 

“There's a lot more clarity around your role in terms of what you're expected to do. We're not expecting exceptionalism, we're just expecting you to play your role, and that's rewarded a lot.” 

11:35

"She's putting on a really brave face" - O'Riordan

Hear from Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O'Riordan ahead of our clash with Carlton.

Pullar, who has played in finals football for both of her previous clubs, the Lions and North Melbourne, is hoping that her second year in the red and white will be the year that she gets to play finals football with this program as they continue their hunt for a position in the top eight.  

“I think to be able to return to finals it would be super exciting, I think particularly for this group as well with so many players that haven't had that experience. I think it would be hugely beneficial to get that experience and to be super competitive,” Pullar said. 

“Finals football is so exciting; it's do-or-die sort of football, backs against the wall, and it's really the definition of owning your moment because it's really moments and taking those moments and taking the big moments when they count and I don't know, it's just honestly the greatest games to play.” 

With two games remaining at Henson Park, including this weekend’s annual Pride game, Pullar was adamant about how influential the home fans have been and will continue to be in the search for finals. Going undefeated at home so far through the 2026 season, the Swans will be aiming to keep that record intact and, in doing so, qualify for the finals in front of their home fans. 

“I mean playing at Henson is probably the best AFLW venue across the country,” Pullar said. 

“The Swans fans really set the standard for AFLW and what it means to be a fan and a supporter of an AFLW team. I think there is no better place to literally play than Henson and to hear the red and white fans cheering, to see the stream of red and white on the hill; I mean, it's just an electric atmosphere, it's so fun to play in, and it's a place that you never want to lose in. 

“We want to make sure that we deliver a performance and our character is always one of integrity and one that the Swans will be incredibly proud of, and I think that definitely gives you the extra 17th woman on the field, I think, when you hear the red and white cheer at Henson, so hopefully everyone turns out for us this weekend.”