NO MATTER how much success, fame, or recognition Sydney superstar Zippy Fish achieves in the AFLW, she remains grounded in the belief that nobody is inherently "bigger" than their community.

Her humble mindset traces back to her roots in Newman, a remote mining town in Western Australia's Pilbara region, and her Indigenous heritage, both of which serve as constant reminders to keep her ego in check.

As a proud Noongar, Wongi, and Larrakia woman, Fish views her football platform as a tool for connection. She plays not just for herself, but to represent her family and honour her Indigenous culture.

Ahead of Sydney's NAB AFLW Indigenous Round clash against Euro-Yroke in Coffs Harbour, Fish reflected on how those small-town roots have shaped her core values of humility, community, and character.

"I think it's about knowing that you're never bigger than yourself," she said.

"You've always got things that you can give back to people, and I just try to be a good person."

With a season now under her belt, Fish has stepped into a greater leadership role, helping guide the club's Indigenous culture through her second Indigenous Round.

"I try to just be myself every game day, but this one means a little bit more," she said.

"The girls support me every week, which is really nice, but seeing everyone get around this round and genuinely want to learn about Indigenous culture means a lot."

The widespread support for Indigenous Round highlights the strong sense of community surrounding the League's Indigenous AFLW players.

Fish also shares a strong bond with Brisbane small forward and proud Badimaya and Whadjuk woman Courtney Hodder, whom she regards as a mentor and friend.

"We grew up in WA together, so I've known her pretty much my whole life," Fish said.

"Watching her live out her dreams – first in rugby and then in the AFLW – was pretty cool. She was someone I really looked up to, and now I get to play alongside her. (Playing together in) the representative game was a dream come true, but also being able to line up against her in season is cool.

"We always check in and see how each other is going, see when we can catch up and things like that. But we always make sure we talk a bit of footy too."

Fish's brilliant start to her AFLW career has prompted significant interest from rival clubs as she nears the end of her initial two-year draftee contract with the Swans.

As reported on AFL.com.au on Monday, North Melbourne has emerged as a potential suitor for the reigning Telstra AFLW Rising Star winner. Armed with draft capital and salary cap space, the Kangaroos are considered a prime contender for Fish's signature, should she choose to pursue a move to Victoria.

While Fish is open to assessing her options at the end of the season, she insists her focus remains entirely on her football.

"I feel like coming into my second year, I'm way more settled," she said of being in Sydney.

"With Colin (O’Riordan) coming in as coach, he's made the environment way better to be in. He's like a big girl-dad, so it's nice to be around.

"He's just so caring and so positive ... the girls all just want to play for him.

"(My manager) Alex (Saundry) is dealing with (contract talks) in the background, but I haven't even really thought about it yet. I’m just happy playing with the girls under Colin right now.

"Obviously, we'll talk to Alex in the next couple of weeks about it, but for now, I'm just happy playing each week."

Coincidentally, Fish already has a taste of playing under Kangaroos coach Darren Crocker after representing Australia in the international match against Ireland. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience, noting Crocker's easygoing nature mirrors O'Riordan's.

Calling Crocker "just a big girl-dad, laughing and cracking jokes", Fish relished learning from the North Melbourne coach while sharing the field with the League's top talent. She was blown away by the game's high speed and skill level, describing the experience as "so good to be a part of".

Sydney's fast-paced, attacking second half in its 24-point win over Essendon showed off an exciting style of attacking football that sets a strong tone for the rest of the season.

"It's pretty nice when we don't actually have to defend down in the backline," Fish said with a smile.

"So, as much as we can keep the ball going forward, it's pretty nice. Some of the goals we kicked on the weekend were exciting, so hopefully we can keep playing like that and go one (step) better than last year."

When asked if the team's evolving game style will factor into her upcoming contract decision - specifically the appeal of playing in an entertaining, high-octane side - Fish admits it plays a key role, having spent time both in the midfield and breaking lines from half-back.

“Yeah, definitely,” she said.

"Our game style has changed at the Swans, and it's so much fun to be a part of. Coming off half-back, being able to have a licence to kind of do what I want to do and just play footy is nice.

"I don't really care where I play as long as I'm playing and having fun. It's nice to be in whatever position, but obviously kicking goals is fun, and the defending part is fun as well – spoils, the girls getting around you, tackling. I just love it all."

Before being selected by the Swans with pick No.5 in the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft, Fish took a gap year after graduating high school in 2023, working as a game development officer for the West Australian Football Commission. In that role, she ran school football clinics and carnivals to encourage kids to get involved in sport.

Now a fan favourite after taking the competition by storm in her debut season, Fish is set on using her platform to inspire young girls and Indigenous youth across the country to pursue their dreams.

“Being a role model is a privilege. I just try to be the best person I can be so that they can look up to me and, hopefully, grow up to be good people as well,” she said.