AFTER a debut season to forget, things turned right around for Sydney in 2023, winning four of its last five home and away matches to make the finals for the first time. The Swans then won that first final, but although things did not go to plan in week two in Adelaide, it was still a huge year of firsts for the Swans.

TEAM LIST

#1 Brooke Lochland
#2 Holly Cooper
#3 Kiara Hillier
#4 Paige Sheppard
#5 Chloe Molloy
#6 Ruby Sargent-Wilson
#7 Ally Morphett
#8 Alice Mitchell
#9 Lucy McEvoy
#10 Cynthia Hamilton
#11 Bella Smith
#12 Ella Heads
#13 Alana Woodward
#14 Maddy Collier
#15 Paris McCarthy
#16 Sarah Grunden
#18 Montana Ham
#19 Rebecca Privitelli
#20 Brenna Tarrant
#21 Lisa Steane
#22 Aimee Whelan
#23 Eliza Vale
#24 Julie O’Sullivan
#25 Sofia Hurley
#26 Lara Hausegger
#27 Giselle Davies
#28 Lauren Szigeti
#29 Tanya Kennedy
#30 Alexia Hamilton
#31 Laura Gardiner
#32 Hayley Bullas
#37 Montana Beruldsen

SQUAD CHANGES

In: Maddy Collier, Hayley Bullas (both back from inactive), Holly Cooper, Kiara Hillier, Sarah Grunden, Lara Hausegger, Giselle Davies

Out: Bridie Kennedy, Sarah Ford, Aliesha Newman, Jennifer Higgins, Kiara Bessley, Kate Reynolds, Jaide Anthony

FIXTURE

Match 1: August 30 vs Collingwood at North Sydney Oval
Match 2: September 8 vs St Kilda at RSEA Park
Match 3: September 14 vs Richmond at Coffs Harbour
Match 4: September 22 vs GWS at Henson Park
Match 5: September 27 vs Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval
Match 6: October 2 vs Essendon at Whitten Oval
Match 7: October 6 vs Geelong at Henson Park
Match 8: October 13 vs North Melbourne at North Hobart Oval
Match 9: October 19 vs Gold Coast at Henson Park
Match 10: October 27 vs Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena
Match 11: TBC vs West Coast at Henson Park

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Can they back up their breakout 2023 year?

What might have come as a surprise to some after the debut season they had, Sydney had a much improved second season in the competition and made the finals for the first time. The question is, after copping a tougher fixture this season, can the Swans defy expectations again and make finals again?

How will they cope with midweek footy?

One element about the Swans list is that it is still very young, boasting one of the least experienced lists in the competition. With the new addition of mid week games into the mix, how will those younger players go in backing up and playing multiple games of football per week?

PLAYER TO WATCH

Laura Gardiner

2023 was a big year for the young midfielder. After struggling to keep her spot in Geelong’s lineup, she then moved up to Sydney and has thrived ever since. Some of her stat figures last season were astronomical, but the question is can she back up her break out 2023 season with another impressive season in 2024?

PREDICTION

Heading into 2024, Sydney is perhaps the most intriguing side in the competition. 2023 was a massive year, and they rightfully earned a debut spot in the finals after playing some impressive football at the back end of the year. However, this does mean they have copped a harder fixture in 2024, which will perhaps be their undoing. Ninth to 11th spot is likely the area the Swans will finish, but this year will tell a lot about where the Swans are truly at.