Swans' Assistant Coach Tanya Hetherington on Round 1 Triumph & What's Next for the AFLW Team

The Sydney Swans' AFLW season is officially underway, and assistant coach Tanya Hetherington, in her regular 'Tanya's Take' presented by Bird in Hand, is sharing her insights on the impressive Round 1 victory over Richmond. Join us as Tanya breaks down the key moments, highlights the team's strengths, and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
A Dominant Start: Reflecting on the Richmond Win
The atmosphere at Henson Park on Friday night was electric, and the Swans delivered a performance to match. Securing a win in the opening round is crucial for momentum, and the team clearly came out firing. But what stood out most to Tanya Hetherington?
“I think the most pleasing aspect of the win was the collective effort,” Tanya explains. “Everyone contributed, and it wasn't just about individual brilliance. It was about a unified team working together towards a common goal. We saw players stepping up in different roles, and that’s a testament to the depth of our squad and the commitment to the system.”
Beyond the overall effort, Tanya specifically noted the intensity at the contest. “We really challenged ourselves to win the ball and the contests, and that showed in our physicality and determination. Richmond are a tough outfit, and to dominate them in that area was incredibly rewarding.”
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Next Challenge
While celebrating the Round 1 success is important, the Swans are already focused on the next challenge. Tanya emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and building on the positives from the Richmond game.
“Each game presents a new opportunity to learn and grow,” Tanya states. “We’ll be reviewing the Richmond game, identifying areas where we can improve, and working hard on the training track to fine-tune our game plan. We're not resting on our laurels; we know the competition is fierce, and we need to be at our best every week.”
The focus this week will be on both tactical adjustments and maintaining the high intensity that defined their Round 1 performance. “It's about refining our skills, strengthening our connections on the field, and ensuring we’re physically and mentally prepared for whatever the opposition throws at us.”
Bird in Hand: Supporting the Swans
We’d like to thank our partners at Bird in Hand for their continued support of the Sydney Swans AFLW team. Their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with the values of our club, and we’re proud to have them on board.
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Catch Tanya's Take every week for exclusive insights from inside the Swans’ AFLW program. Follow the Sydney Swans on social media and visit our website for all the latest news and updates.