The Swans took on GGGM Lions at Exies Oval last weekend, and the Lions were able to make a fast start kicking three goals to none in the opening term to race out to a 23-point lead.

The home side was able to hit back in the second quarter with a goal of their own through Emilee Preston as they held the Lions scoreless through the next two quarters.

As the Swans looked to get right back into the game, the Lions were able to counter kicking two goals in the final term to take a 5.12 (42) to 1.1 (7) victory.

Richards put the start down to the way he set his side up to go for goals in the opening term.

"I set us up to try and kick goals when I probably should have started a bit more defensively, and once we did that, we didn't play too badly after that," he said.

"In the final quarter, we went for gold in some ways because we might as well have a crack at it. You never know, and I'd prefer to get beaten by forty than lose by five not trying to win.

"I thought the effort was great."

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The most pleasing aspect for Richards from the first two games of the season has been the way the girls who are new to the sport have hit the ground running.

"I think we worked out we had about six girls who had played AFL before, so for most of them, it was their first or second game," he said.

"If we can improve every week, and that's not about getting a win necessarily obviously, we'd like to win, but if we can feel like as a group we are playing better week-in, week-out, we will be happy.

"I think that will come this week with a few extra numbers and being able to give girls a rest.

"I know we have one or two away, but with only a couple away this weekend, we should have a couple on the bench, and that will make a big difference."

This Friday will see the Swans taking on a Brookdale Bluebirds side who will be full of confidence after picking up their first-ever win in the women's competition.

First bounce at Exies No 2 will occur at 7.30pm.

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