West Australian pair Renee Forth and Emma Swanson has been announced as the GIANTS’ inaugural marquee players in the first National Women’s League to commence in 2017.
Following the appointment of Tim Schmidt as the coach of the GIANTS’ women’s team, the club’s two marquee players were unveiled at Tom Wills Oval at GIANTS HQ on Wednesday.
The duo comes to the GIANTS with a wealth of experience and achievements as two of Western Australia’s best female footballers.
Forth has represented her state four times, captained Western Australia and currently captains the Coastal Titans in the WAWFL.
The 29-year-old was drafted to the Melbourne Demons with pick 41 in the 2013 Draft and represented Melbourne in 2013 and 2014, and the Western Bulldogs in 2015 in women’s exhibition matches.
Joining Forth at the club is 21-year-old Emma Swanson who was first drafted to the Melbourne Demons at just 18 years old with pick 29 in the 2013 Draft.
Swanson currently plays for East Fremantle in the WAWFL and has won four club best and fairest awards.
She has represented Melbourne for the past three years in women’s exhibition games and is a four-time state representative at senior and youth girls’ level.
Coach Tim Schmidt said he was thrilled the pair had chosen to represent the GIANTS in the inaugural National Women’s League.
“Renee and Emma are some of the top female footballers in the country which is why we’re so pleased theyve decided to join the GIANTS for the 2017 season,” Schmidt said.
“In addition to their obvious talent on the field, their professionalism and leadership off the field is first rate and they’ll help set the foundation for our new team.
“They also bring with them top-flight experience with both Renee and Emma having been a part of the women’s exhibition games over the past three years.
“We’re proud to be part of this historic new competition and signing Renee and Emma is another exciting step towards the commencement of the National Women’s League.”
The GIANTS are one of eight sides in the new National Women’s League which is scheduled to start in 2017.
BIOS
Renee Forth
Age: 29
State: Western Australia
Position: Midfielder
Day job: Electrician
Sparky as she is affectionately known, is a hard running versatile player. Agile and strong overhead, Forth knows how to find the football. Ultra-professional on and off field, Forth is a fantastic role model who lives and breathes the game.
Achievements:
- Captain of Western Australia
- Captain of Coastal Titans in WAWFL
- 2012 Club Best and Fairest
- Selection #41 in 2013 Draft
- 4 x WA Representative
- Played with Melbourne 2013, 2014
- Played with Western Bulldogs in 2015
Emma Swanson
Age: 21
State: Western Australia
Position: Midfielder
Day job: AFL Game Development Officer
Swanson is a tall midfielder who will use height, strength and leap to advantage. Versatile and often will play the fifth midfielder role off a half forward flank.
Achievements:
- Selection #29 in 2013 Draft
- Plays with East Fremantle in WAWFL
- 4 x Club Best and Fairest
- Played with Melbourne 2013, 2014, 2015
- 4 x WA Representative at seniors and youth girls’ level
