While finals are just around the corner, the footballing world will turn its attention to the AFL Women’s State of Origin on Saturday night as the stars of the game put club allegiances aside with state pride on the line.
Four GIANTS are set to go head-to-head when the Allies (NSW, ACT, SA, WA, NT, QLD and TAS) take on Victoria at Etihad Stadium.
Reigning Gabrielle Trainor Medallist Jess Dal Pos and new recruit Alicia Eva will pull on the famed Big V of Victoria while vice-captain Emma Swanson (Western Australia) and defender Renee Tomkins (New South Wales) represent the Allies.
Swanson, who has previously represented WA at both youth and senior level, said she’s excited for the opportunity to once again take on Victoria.
“I was having a look at the team and I’m excited to get down to Melbourne and meet all the girls,” she said.
“Everyone wants to beat Victoria and I feel it’s fitting that I play for the Allies given that I classify myself as a New South Wales girl now.
“Obviously being an AFL bye there should be a lot of footygoers who won’t have their footy fix in Melbourne so hopefully they’ll head along to Etihad Stadium.”
The return of State of Origin on Saturday night replaces the All Stars game that saw the best women’s footballers from around the country represent Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
Swanson believes the experience will be a benefit for her and Allies teammate Renee Tomkins.
“I’m pretty excited for Tonks, last year was her first year of footy so she obviously hasn’t been involved in any of the previous exhibition matches,” she said.
“It’s going to be great for her to soak up the experience of others as well.”
The GIANTS vice-captain is also looking forward to the chance to play against teammates Dal Pos and Eva.
“I’m sure we’ll see each other out there at some stage, we may even play on each other,” she said.
“It’s pretty exciting to be able to see them again, have a bit of banter and chat about the upcoming pre-season.”
A thigh injury has forced 18-year-old GIANTS ruck Erin McKinnon to withdraw from the Allies squad, coached by Adelaide’s premiership winning coach Bec Goddard.
“It’s a shame because it would have been great for Erin to work alongside the likes of Emma King who is one of the best rucks in Australia,” Swanson said.
“I’ve heard some really good stuff from other girls about Bec so I’m looking forward to meeting her for the first time and picking her brain about all things footy.”
