BUILDING a list from scratch in a state that has historically been a tough one for Aussie Rules sides presents unique challenges, but Sydney has put together a fairly even, flexible list for its first AFLW season. Headlined by No.1 draft pick Montana Ham and former Western Bulldogs vice-captain Brooke Lochland, there are plenty of underrated recruits at the Swans. 

B:  A. Hamilton  B. Tarrant 
HB: E. Vale  B. Kennedy  E. Heads 
C: S. Hurley  C. Hamilton  B. Lochland 
HF: A. Newman  R. Privitelli  M. Collier 
F: S. Dargan  B. Smith 
Foll: A. Morphett  M. Ham  L. Steane 
I/C: P. Sheppard  M. Eastman  L. Szigeti  R. Sargent-Wilson. J. Anthony 

Emerg: S. Skinner  M. Beruldsen   

After an action-packed trade and draft period, and ahead of AFLW season seven, womens.afl reporters Gemma Bastiani and Sarah Black have taken on the task of putting together each club's best 21 on paper. This isn't each side's likely R1 side, but rather a look at what each team's ideal line-up could be.

Montana Ham during Sydney's AFLW team's first training session on the SCG on July 11, 2022. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Building a brand new team

Through the middle of the ground, the Swans have a good array of tough, contested players and outside runners which bodes well for their ability to capitalise on clearance work. Montana Ham, Lisa Steane and Cynthia Hamilton look likely to take charge around the contest, with the help of prolific tackler Paige Sheppard, hardworking VFLW recruits Lauren Szigeti and Molly Eastman and Academy addition Ruby Sargent-Wilson. 

The elite endurance of Brooke Lochland will provide discipline out on the wing, where she will be assisted by Sofia Hurley. Both can attack a contest but will be far more valuable to the side sitting out on a wing as an outlet. 

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Brenna Tarrant looks set to continue her development as a key defender, alongside Lexi Hamilton whose height will likely be important in the backline with Alice Mitchell unavailable for the season due to an ACL injury. Alongside the tall pair, Eliza Vale, Bridie Kennedy, and Ella Heads can round out that backline, offering both 1v1 strength and rebounding ability.

The Swans' attacking options provide a balance of contested marking forwards and ground level options to force opposition defences to be accountable. Rebecca Privitelli, known for her marking will lead the line, with 182cm Bella Smith also a strong target who can become a focal point inside 50. 

Three of the most experienced players to join the club, Aliesha Newman, Maddy Collier, and Sarah Dargan, offer some genuine speed and goal sense. 

Aliesha Newman gets a kick away during the qualifying final between Brisbane and Collingwood on March 27, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

In the mix 

What bodes well for Sydney is the number of utilities on the list, able to be used in varying ways depending on the situation at hand. Montana Beruldsen adds depth to the wing role, which is becoming ever more important in the AFLW. Kiara Beesley offers coach Scott Gowans some flexibility in team selection, meanwhile through the midfield and forward line Alana Woodward, Sarah Skinner, Aimee Whelan, Sarah Ford, and Zoe Hurrell will be pushing the first-choice side for spots.  

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Rookie Tiarne Cavanagh will be developed into a damaging outside two-way runner, and injury replacement player Genevieve Lawson Tavan adds security to the club's tall defensive stocks. 

St Kilda's Alana Woodward acknowledges some fans ahead of a training session on February 17, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos