Molloy ready to ‘thrive’ at Swans despite injury, difficult move

Sydney’s boom AFLW recruit admits her move interstate hasn’t been easy, but says the Swans are building something special.

Star Swans recruit Chloe Molloy says her new club is “behind by years” but working relentlessly to close the gap on the established AFLW sides.

Molloy has endured a difficult period adjusting to her new life in Sydney, with off-season back surgery delaying her return to full training, but the former Magpie says she is thrilled by the work ethic of her teammates and grateful for their support since she left Melbourne.

The two-time All-Australian made the decision to join Sydney during February’s priority signing period, in which the four most-recent expansion clubs could offer long-term deals to players from other clubs.

Molloy’s five-year contract is the longest in AFLW history, and the dynamic midfielder-forward says the Swans can go a long way in that time following a tough 0-10 maiden season.

“I don’t think we’re focusing too much on getting the first win,” Molloy said.

Molloy kicked 37 goals in 47 games, winning a best and fairest and two All-Australian blazers at Collingwood before joining Sydney ahead of the 2023 season. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

“The girls came in so quickly (at the beginning of season seven) … trying to learn a game plan within a couple of weeks, and then do a 12-week pre-season; that’s hard to do.

“We’re behind by years, so we’re trying to pull back that deficit.”

She said the playing group was highly driven to improve and had been galvanised by the recent return of coach Scott Gowans after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April.

“Having a winless season, I think that creates motivation. It’s been incredible to see the work ethic of a younger group – they’ve been going since December and I haven’t heard any of them complain.”

Molloy said she was aiming for a round 1 debut at her new club if “everything goes to plan”, but has no definite return date as she recovers from back surgery.

“Rehab is not linear; I learnt that the hard way recently,” she said.

Swans coach Scott Gowans has returned to the club after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery in April. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“They’re pretty keen to get me back out on the track, and I’m keen to be out there as an older figure – and I say that being 24. I just want to be around the group to influence them.

“They haven’t given me a return date, because I’m stubborn and I’ll probably stick to it.”

Molloy is eager to finally settle and develop a routine after coming through a personally challenging period since moving to Sydney at the start of May.

‘It’s been a whirlwind of a month … it’s been challenging, and a lot of growth is going to come from it in the next few months,” she said.

“They say the main stresses in life are moving and a new job, and I’m going through both of those.

“I had a bit of a moment, but to the credit of the Swans, the girls asked me if I’m all right … it’s about being vulnerable with them, and I was like, ‘No, I’m not’ … I just need to get my feet on the ground and get some routine, and I think I’m going to absolutely thrive.”