Essendon midfielder Georgia Nanscawen is on the verge of constructing a long-awaited AFLW debut for the membership after greater than 12 months on the sidelines with a knee damage.
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 yr’s VFLW grand ultimate.
A useful chief for Essendon’s younger taking part in group behind the scenes, Olympian Nanscawen had her return to motion ticked off by surgeons and has made constructive strides in observe matches this month.
Bombers coach Natalie Wood declared Nanscawen’s preparation “fantastic” however stopped wanting 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 stated 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 Nanscawen will play against the Hawks in round one, Wood opted for a straight bat.
“We’ve bought coaching this week and match choice hasn’t occurred but,” she said.
Essendon were the best-performing of last season’s four expansion sides, finishing 10th with a 4-6 record, and have high hopes for the new campaign.
But Wood is first focused on building consistency in her side’s performances.
“We had patches in video games (final yr) 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 stated.
“Being in our second yr, we actually need to construct on what we have began and a giant a part of that’s constructing who we’re.
“It’s an important year to really start to establish the culture.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
