Greater Western Sydney primed for big AFLW season, Nicola Barr says

Greater Western Sydney’s Nicola Barr isn’t afraid to cross enemy lines — just ask her partner who works for the Swans — and she knows the Giants are ready to take the next step this AFLW season after a breakout year in 2018.

“We just draw a line through the house and don’t speak to each other at weekends,” jokes Nicola Barr as she reflects on her other half being a Swan, not a Giant.

The man in question is Lloyd Perris, a development coach with the red and whites.

But there’s no domestic drama, just plenty of support as Barr prepares for the Giants’ first AFLW clash of the season against Brisbane Lions on Sunday.

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Barr, who joined the Giants as the No.1 pick in the inaugural AFLW draft and was nominated for the AFLW Rising Star award in her first season, will start on the interchange bench at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.

The 22-year-old midfielder cannot quite believe she is heading into her third season with the Giants but has nothing but praise for the progress made — on and off the field.

“Having seen the growth of our team over the last three years, it’s pretty impressive to see where we are now,” Barr told The Saturday Telegraph.

Nicola Barr is playing in her third AFLW season. Picture: Toby Zerna

“We’ve all learned to deal with this elite environment in a much more professional way. We have Alan McConnell coaching us, who has brought some much confidence to the team.

“There’s a really good feeling going into the season. The leadership group we’ve got this year is so fantastic. But even outside the leadership group we’ve also got players like Cora Staunton who are fantastic role models for the young girls coming through. So, yes a good balance of experience and less experienced.”

As for balance, that’s been another challenge for Barr. She has just finished her bachelor of medical science but relishes the mix of study and football.

“I enjoyed it. I think it’s also good to have things outside of footy,” she said.

It is degrees of difficulty that occupy her immediate thoughts as the Giants prepare to tackle the Lions.

Barr’s partner is former Swan Lloyd Perris who now works at Sydney as a development coach.

“We were up there a couple of weeks ago but had a really good run (in a practice game) and won quite convincingly,” she said. “But at the same time we’re all very aware of the fact that we did that last year. We beat them in a practice game and then they absolutely dominated when we played them in the home and away season.”

Barr reckons Irish recruit Yvonne Bonner will prove a huge handful for the Lions.

“She’s just a star, she works so hard,” Barr said. “She’s incredibly quick and just throws herself at the footy. Good luck to our opponents, I think she’ll be awesome.

“Another one to look out for is forward Delma Gisu. She’s not very big but she’s quick and I think she’ll be exciting to watch as well.”

But back to domestic matters and Barr assures The Saturday Telegraph that there really is no problem with the whole Giants-Swans relationship at home.

“To be honest, I think because we both have so much footy going on in our lives we don’t like talking about it a whole heap,” she said.

“But he’s (Lloyd) a great support and it’s funny that we’re at opposing footy clubs.”