Essendon midfielder Georgia Nanscawen is on the verge of creating a long-awaited AFLW debut for the membership after greater than 12 months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Key factors:
- The new AFLW season begins on Friday evening, within the first of 10 rounds earlier than finals
- Georgia Nanscawen was first picked for Essendon’s inaugural AFLW squad final year however missed your complete season with a knee injury
- The ex-Hockeyroo is now within the combine for a spot within the Bombers’ opening recreation towards Hawthorn
The former Hockeyroo was the primary participant signed to the Bombers’ AFLW squad however missed their inaugural season after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament throughout final year’s VFLW grand last.
A precious chief for Essendon’s younger enjoying group behind the scenes, Olympian Nanscawen had her return to motion ticked off by surgeons and has made optimistic strides in observe matches this month.
Bombers coach Natalie Wood declared Nanscawen’s preparation “fantastic” however stopped in need of guaranteeing the 31-year-old a spot within the workforce to face Hawthorn of their season-opener on Saturday evening.
“It’s been no surprise that she’s attacked her rehab so diligently, and her form in the practice matches has been as expected,” Wood mentioned of the participant who featured for North Melbourne of their 2019 AFLW marketing campaign.
“She was pretty nervous getting back out there. She’s really going to add to our midfield depth and our ability to put more pressure on the ball.
“We’re actually trying ahead to what she brings.”
Pressed on whether or not Nanscawen will play towards the Hawks in spherical one, Wood opted for a straight bat.
“We’ve bought coaching this week and match choice hasn’t occurred but,” she mentioned.
Essendon have been the best-performing of final season’s 4 enlargement sides, ending tenth with a 4-6 report, and have excessive hopes for the brand new marketing campaign.
But Wood is first focused on building consistency in her side’s performances.
“We had patches in video games (final year) the place we actually bought on the identical web page and rallied round and have been actually sturdy within the contest, however then equally we might drop off,” Wood mentioned.
“Being in our second year, we actually wish to construct on what we have began and a huge a part of that is constructing who we’re.
“It’s an important year to really start to establish the culture.”
The AFLW season will start the primary of 10 rounds on Friday evening with defending premiers Melbourne internet hosting Collingwood at Princes Park.
AAP/ABC
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