Darcy Vescio is confident AFL Women’s will go to the next level in 2018

CARLTON star Darcy Vescio expects AFLW02 to go to the next level as players are fitter, stronger and have improved skills following a breakthrough inaugural season.

CARLTON star Darcy Vescio expects AFLW02 to go to the next level as players are fitter, stronger and have improved skills.

Vescio is back in full training after recovering from a PCL injury that cruelled her VFL season.

She said after a brilliant first AFLW season, players were better prepared for the second instalment.

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“I think (season two is) going to be a completely different feel,” Vescio said.

“There was so much excitement around last season and so much unknown.

“Even just training now, the girls seem a lot more settled. We sort of know what to expect in terms of even media, the strains on your body, the mental aspect of it all.

Darcy Vescio is back at training with the Blues. Picture: Jay Town

“I think there’ll be a real lift in standard just because the girls have experienced it before. And the foundations of the list have already been built so you’re not spending time getting to know each other.

“Coming back when we first did time trials, everyone just seemed more fitter and more professional in the way they carry themselves.”

Vescio kicked four goals in the first AFLW match in front of a lockout crowd at Ikon Park and she said she welcomed increased expectations.

“I’m looking forward to what lies ahead, there’s expectations now,” she said.

“It’ll be interesting to see how that all goes, and whether that affects things.

AFLW Carlton v Western Bulldogs Darcy Vescio kicks a goal third term.

“Personally, I don’t mind expectation I feel like it works for me.”

Vescio said she had learned plenty from being sidelined by her knee injury, which occurred in late August when she kneed an opposition player in the back.

“You get a sense of what it is like to be isolated away from the group,” Vescio said.

“You can feel pretty out of it pretty quickly, so it’s good to have that perspective.

“It’s going really well now, I think it’s pretty strong and I feel confident at training. (I’m) into contact and fallen over a few times and it’s been fine.”