Player Turnover Excites Swan Districts WAFLW Coach

Swan Districts coach Adam Dancey doesn’t sugar coat his thoughts on the club’s achievements in 2022.

Despite playing finals footy and only missing a WAFLW Grand Final appearance by one match, Dancey believes there was a missed opportunity.

“We underperformed and when it came down to it, we were outplayed in the second half of the Preliminary Final in a game we always believed we could win,” he said.

Preparing for his third year in charge at the club, Dancey is optimistic.

“It’s been energetic and we have a lot of new players so the energy has increased which makes the environment more fun.

Minor tweaks have been made during pre-season but it’s been pretty similar to previous years.

On game day this year our focus will be on making the most of our opportunities when we have the ball and connecting better in the forward half of the ground,” he said.

The black and whites have lost some quality players which will make Dancey’s task challenging.

Ashley Sharp, Emily McGuire, Lauren Osborne, Amy Ralph and Melisha Hardy have all departed for various reasons.

“There have been a few outs for us and some very good footballers.

Having said that, life expectations and goals change so it’s not unexpected, especially considering the removal of development sides from the competition,” Dancey said.

Among those joining the club this year are Daisy Rigby, Indiana West, Brooke Edwards, Jasmine Ware, Lauren Quaiffe and Meg Clayton.

The expansion of the WAFLW to eight teams means clubs have to develop a more strategic approach to building their lists.

“I think the advent of new teams was inevitable and there will never be a perfect time, so we may as well do it now.

In the long term I hope it strengthens the competition and it’s certainly changed the way we think and act around list management within the female program.

It’s important that WAFLW programs understand and learn about the rules of engagement regarding trading, recruiting, player payments and the new points system because for most staff and players it’ll require a different mindset.

The WAFC will have a task monitoring this and ensuring there are new rules put in place to protect each club as they develop their zones,” he said.