Sydney Swans forward Holly Cooper will this Saturday play her 33rd AFLW game and second AFLW Final when Sydney face Geelong in a Semi Final. The 21-year old who hails from Newcastle has been with the Swans since she was a junior having played for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy before being signed in the 2023 Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period. The lively forward this year re-signed with the club until at least the end of 2029.

Swans Media: This is only the second semi-final the Sydney Swans have played in their AFLW history. How exciting is it to be a part of such a significant moment for the club?

Holly Cooper: It is very exciting. I think we're thinking about more history we can make because although we have made it this far, we haven't made it to a Preliminary Final. So that will be really exciting, if we can get there. So I think everyone's very keen, very excited to win this game.

Swans Media: After such a strong win against the Western Bulldogs, what do you think the team needs to focus on when preparing to face Geelong?

Holly: I think our focus will be the same as when we played the Bulldogs, which is performing for all four quarters and winning our contested ball and possession. I think that's really important to get the win over Geelong, as well because they are such a strong team.

Swans Media: Looking back, you came through the QBE Sydney Swans Academy before making your AFLW debut. What was the biggest challenge you faced when transitioning from junior football to playing professionally?

Holly: I think coming from Newcastle, it was hard to actually get into the Sydney Swans Academy initially. I was actually playing netball at the time and I had to pick one sport, and chose AFL. I also think one of the bigger challenges was travelling down to Sydney, putting in all the hours to get to where I wanted to get to. I think the mental side of it was one of my biggest challenges too, but I had a lot of support around me, from my parents, my friends and my coaching staff.

Swans Media: What is something about you that Sydney Swans members and fans might not know outside of football? Do you have any hobbies or interests that help you switch off from the game?

Holly: I would say that I'm very passionate about food and I also have a job outside of footy. I am a personal trainer which I'm also very passionate about. I just love helping others and I love influencing young girls and boys.

Make sure you follow Holly on TikTok for all her BTS and recipes!

Swans Media: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when you first started playing football, what would it be?

Holly: I think the best advice is, yes, you have to put in the hard work , but also just have fun. You're there to have fun and make friends. I've made so many friends from different states that I still talk to as well as coaches and those connections are really important.