With the Southern NSW Women's competition just around the corner, the Griffith Swans are gearing up as they prepare to take the extra step after falling at the final hurdle in 2019.
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The Swans held their first training season last week, and coach Trevor Richards is happy with where the side is sitting at this early stage.
"We had quite a few girls away on holiday last week but with the girls who let me know they couldn't make it we are looking at a pretty good side," he said.
"The girls are really keen to try and avenge last season's results, and I think we are going to be pretty competitive."
The competition has grown this season with three new teams coming into the competition with North Wagga, East Wagga Kooringal and Narrandera all entering sides while the Snowy Mountains Bears have dropped out.
The addition of new teams is excellent to see
"Each year we are getting a few new teams which are great to see," he said.
"It gives the chance to play against different girls."
The draw has seen the Swans end up with three away games out of their five games, but Richards isn't too worried about it.
"It is just one of those things. You can't really complain about it," he said.
"It's a five-game season so you either end up with more home games or more away games.
"It would have been nice to have the extra home game given most of the teams are from around Wagga, so they don't have to travel too far, but it's just one of those things.
"Hopefully we can get the three home games next season."
The Swans will get their season underway on February 14 when they travel to Gumly Oval to take on East Wagga Kooringal before their two home games back-to-back which includes a grand final rematch against CSU and then a clash with North Wagga.
The Swans will then travel to Lockhart before the bye in round five and then finish the regular season with a clash in Narrandera against the Eagles.
Richards has encouraged anyone who is thinking about playing to come and have a run.
"It wouldn't hurt to have some more come down to training," he said.
"We aren't overflowing with numbers so for anyone who is interested, they can come down and have a run around and see what they think.
"It is only a short season, it starts in early February and finishes in late March, so it's not a long commitment and we only train once a week."
The Swans women's side train at Exies No 2 Oval on Thursday nights starting at 6pm.
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