Emma Swanson will make her long-awaited NAB AFL Women’s debut in Saturday’s clash with Fremantle at Blacktown International Sportspark after passing a fitness test.

The vice-captain was named in the GIANTS’ side to take on the Dockers but had to prove she’d recovered from a hamstring injury during Thursday night’s training at Tom Wills Oval.

“I got through the whole session, which was really positive,” Swanson said.

“I’m ready to go.”

After missing the GIANTS’ opening two rounds, 21-year-old Swanson said she’s both excited and nervous to return.

“I trained with the girls for the first time in three weeks and they’ve improved so much,” she said. 

“I kind of felt left behind a little bit, so I’m nervous, but I’m also pretty excited.”

The four-time best and fairest winner for East Fremantle adds an element of class to the GIANTS line-up, which has started to find its feet in the new competition.

“I think something really clicked with the girls last week and from their training has been really good as well.” 

Despite being declared fit to play, Swanson has indicated she’ll be starting on the bench. 

“I’m going to have limited game-time coming back into my first game,” she said.

“Hopefully I can get out there, have a really good run around and a get a few early touches.”

Entry is free for the GIANTS AFL Women’s clash with Fremantle at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday with free car parking too. The game starts at 12:05pm AEDT.

Round Three

GWS GIANTS v Fremantle
Saturday February 18
Blacktown International Sportspark
12:05pm

FB: Maddy Collier (14), Kristy De Pellegrini (9)
HB: Alex Williams (20), Renee Tomkins (1), Amanda Farrugia (18)
C: Nicola Barr (8), Ashleigh Guest (19), Emma Swanson (17)
R: Erin McKinnon (23), Jessica Dal Pos (7), Britt Tully (16)
HF: Rebecca Beeson (6), Phoebe McWilliams (3), Aimee Schmidt (11)
FF: Ellie Brush (10), Jacinda Barclay (34)

Interchange: Kate Stanton (33), Jessica Bibby (22), Clare Lawton (41), Ella Ross (15), Mai Nguyen (2), Stephanie Walker (5) 

Emergencies: Alex Saundry, Codie Briggs