KATE Shierlaw is buoyed by St Kilda's strong start to the season, seeing the round one win as reward for hard work during the off-season. 

Speaking to the Credit to the Girls podcast, Shierlaw reflected on her career-best game against Sydney, where she kicked four goals, and her side broke the record for tackles inside 50 with 34, noting a change in ball movement for the Saints this season. 

"I think they did a bit of work in terms of what works at AFLW level, the staff I mean, and it's those metres gained and getting it forward is what the good teams do," Shierlaw said. 

"No point mucking around with it down the field and then turning the ball over and getting scored against. So, give our forwards the best chance to go to work. And yeah, it seems to be working so far. It'll be a good challenge this week again." 

Shierlaw also looked back at how AFLW has changed through its first six seasons. 

"I think it's gone through a few waves, I think at the start, because we're definitely a surge sort of team. And then I think the Bulldogs sort of changed it in 2018. They were very much hold the ball and use their skills. And I think as the pressure has gone up the last couple of years, I think it's gone back to that metres gained." 

EPISODE GUIDE 

0.30: Pulling up after a round one win 
2.00: Shierlaw's hard work in the off-season 
3.10: Gameplan adjustments and off-season recruits 
5.45: Clara Fitzpatrick's return to the backline 
6.45: Nicola Stevens' addition to the club 
7.40: Georgia Patrikios' return 
10.20: Round two against Hawthorn 
11.35: Coming up against Tilly Lucas-Rodd this weekend