GREATER Western Sydney recorded comfortable victories in the opening round of the Women's Summer Series, played between representative GWS and Sydney sides.
The Series has been created to help identify talent in NSW and the ACT, especially ahead of the Swans' AFLW entry in 2023.
Both clubs fielded two teams each – GWS Orange (western Sydney, coached by Baker Dennerman), GWS Charcoal (ACT and southern NSW, former Giant Britt Tully), Sydney Red (northern NSW, Kate Handley) and Sydney White (Sydney and Illawarra, Bron Gulden).
AFLW-listed players Georgia Garnett and Tait Mackrill led the way for Giants Orange in the 59-point win over Swans White, as well as Eilish Sheerin (Inner West Magpies) and Grace Painting (Baulkham Hills Hawks juniors).
Gulden nominated Roxy Beuzeville (Manly Warringah Wolves), Southern Power midfielders Emily Eaves and Jemima Wrigley, defender Liv Cameron (Manly Warringah Wolves) and forward Sarah Heptinstall (Southern Power) as her side's best.
Another AFLW-listed Giant in Georgie Fowler combined with Kiarna Woolley-Blain (Tuggeranong Valley) to kick seven goals in GWS Charcoal's 69-point win over Sydney Red.
Kate Woodward (Queanbeyan Tigers) was also in the Giants' best, while midfielders Cassidy Ronalds (Coffs Harbour), Danika Spamer (Cardiff) and Taylah Canobie (Killarney Vale), as well as half-back Alice Mitchell (Gunnedah Bulldogs) led the way for the Swans.
"It was great to see the talent out on display," GWS head of academies Jason Saddington said.
"Given the conditions and that it was the first time these teams have really come together, we were really pleased with what they put out there."
Handley said the wet conditions did not suit her tall side.
"Regardless, I was proud of how our girls stepped it up against a more experienced Giants outfit. We improved as the game went on and definitely have some key areas to work on, but some positives [have] come out of game one," she said.
Swans counterpart Gulden said it was a good starting point to Sydney's campaign.
"It was a tough hit out against some good quality opposition, but I thought the girls remained competitive for the entire four quarters. There was plenty of things to work on but some great glimpses of the quality we know they are capable of," she said.
Next week will see intra-club matches played, before the last combination of opponents will face each other on March 6. A finals day will be held on March 13.
Matches can be streamed via AFL NSW/ACT's Facebook page.
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