Chloe Molloy celebrates during the AFLW Round eight match between Western Bulldogs and Sydney at Whitten Oval, October 21, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

HOSTING the season opener after only two campaigns in the AFLW is a massive flex on rivals, Sydney captain Chloe Molloy says.

On the back of a historic season, the Swans will kickstart the season by hosting inaugural side Collingwood at North Sydney Oval on Friday evening.

It is the first time the women's competition will begin outside Victoria, with Daisy Pearce's West Coast hosting Richmond on the same night in back-to-back fixtures.

NEWS
Rising talent, standards, professionalism: The changing face of AFLW

Expansion side Sydney was handed the season opener after attracting the highest crowds in its second-ever campaign.

Hosting games at North Sydney Oval and inner-west venue Henson Park, the Swans averaged crowds of 4637 fans - nearly double the league's average of 2606.

Sydney celebrate its win over Collingwood at Henson Park in R9, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

With expansion to 14 rounds dependent on achieving an average attendance of 6000 fans and average broadcast viewers of 100,000, the Swans are expected to play a crucial role in the league's growth.

There were 234,525 fans across 90 regular-season AFLW games last season while the regular-season average viewership was 54,969, according to the AFL's annual report.

The 18-team competition is due to expand to 12 regular-season rounds by 2025, after growing from 10 to 11 plus finals this year.

"We've earned it as a club," Molloy said on Wednesday.

"We were able to have a really historical season last year, but then I think it goes beyond the on-field success that we had.

"To have the highest home-crowd attendance in our second season is a big flex. We earned that and I'm stoked.

Swans celebrate after the round one AFLW match between Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at North Sydney Oval, September 3, 2023. Picture: Getty Images

"I don't think you would have ever thought an expansion side in their third season would be given the opening round.

"I've had other teammates and other captains ask, 'How does Sydney do it?'"

The Swans underwent an incredible transformation in their second season, reaching finals after going winless in their debut campaign.

Their fairytale season came to an end after competition heavyweights Adelaide handed them a 67-point semi-final thrashing.

The Swans console each other after losing the AFLW Semi Final between Adelaide and Sydney at Norwood Oval, November 18, 2023. Picture: Getty Images

"We keep pushing that bar higher and then you do become a victim of your own high standards," Molloy said.

"There genuinely is so much depth in this side, and it is a side full of players that have been overlooked and always had to continually prove that they were worthy enough.

"That's what this club drives, is continuing pushing that bar.

"Three-quarters of our list have under 20 games of experience in the AFLW.

"To have games now under our belts, we're seeing footballers come into themselves and figure themselves out."