How local Sydney talent has helped the Swans turn AFLW fortunes around ahead of first final

Key defender Ella Heads is leading a charge of local Sydney talent helping turn the Swans from wooden spooners to semi finalists. Hear from the Inner West star before the club’s first ever final.

Ella Heads will line up in Sydney’s semi final against the Gold Coast this weekend. Photo: James Worsfold/AFL Photos/Getty Images

The turnaround of the Sydney Swans this AFLW season has been nothing short of incredible.

From failing to win a game and running dead last in their inaugural season in 2022, the Bloods have improved to win six out of 10 games and qualifying for the finals.

While strong recruitment helped to turn the tide, local juniors stepping up to the mark has been the major recipe for success in 2023.

One of those players is Ella Heads, who came through the Inner West Magpies to make her AFLW debut as a 19-year-old last season, just four years after taking up the sport.

She said the standard of the local competition has helped prepare herself and others to get to this level.

Ella Heads came through the Inner West Magpies. Photo: James Worsfold/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“It goes back to the local footy and junior footy we played in Sydney,” Heads said.

“It has picked up a lot and is growing more for younger girls. Sydney is growing in the AFL industry and is producing some good players.

“When I was younger I didn’t have those role models to look up to and I didn’t start playing until an older age.

“Now it’s amazing knowing there are little girls out there that you see at the games holding signs with our names on them and looking up to us.”

Heads’ form has seen her play all 10 games this year, as she prepares to line up for Sydney in an elimination final against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday.

“We played against them in the pre-season but that’s a long time ago now,” she said.
“This weekend is about sticking to our processes. We have a good game plan and know what works and what doesn’t.

“If everyone plays their role the outcome will take care of itself.”

Aron Convery coached Heads during her teenage years and said he was proud of the player she has become.

“She was playing good local footy. During her junior years she was a forward who was strong overhead,” he said.

“When she came to the Magpies she went back and was very good off the half-back flank. A real good kick of the footy.

“She looks more comfortable there and has had a ripper year, aided by the fact they’ve picked up some good players and has benefited from another year in the AFLW.

Ella Heads (second from left) at the start of the season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Her running has really stood out. She has a massive tank and closing speed. Last year she played more of a shut down role, but more freedom this year has helped her game.”

Convery was at the helm of the women’s side with fellow current Swans Tanya Kennedy and Bec Privitelli, and said they had a big influence.

“I worked with Bec and we had Tanya come over from Ireland,” he said.

“We had a really good team and they helped fast track the improvement of girls because of the quality around them.”

He believes the success of these players coming through the AFL Sydney pathway serves as a key form of inspiration for young girls following a similar trajectory.

“It will help the younger girls and the juniors coming through,” he said.

“Seeing those girls come through and make it to AFLW is huge for them. It shows you don’t have to be in the southern states to make it.

“If you apply yourself, are committed and make sacrifices, you can do anything.”

Originally published as How local Sydney talent has helped the Swans turn AFLW fortunes around ahead of first final