With the AFLW season on the horizon, Georgia Nanscawen and the team are deep into pre-season, with a match simulation against Collingwood and practice match against North Melbourne locked in for July 26th and August 2nd respectively. 

After an undeniably stellar year, Nanscawen is fixed on the season ahead and rolling with the momentum she’s accumulated during her time at the Dons so far. 

The star midfielder has had her eyes set on guiding new players into the side, with the greater team focussing on unity and overall continuity. 

“We've got lots of new players this year, so a personal focus of mine is getting to know them and making them feel comfortable around the group,” Nanscawen said.  

“The coaches did a lot of work on the off-season about areas for us to improve both personally and as a team. The first block of pre-season's really been working on that and kicking off where we left off last year.” 

No stranger to injury setbacks, the seasoned midfielder has well and truly put her ACL injury in 2022 behind her. Those tough hurdles helped define her, develop resilience and qualities that have made her become a mainstay in the senior side.  

“Coming off a season which I was quite proud of last year and continuing to build my role within the group, we've got a good mix in our midfield now of some experienced players, and then some fresh faces rolling through.  

“I’ll be really trying to impact the group and not only continue to improve my own game but help those around me so we're working better as a group together.” 

Nanscawen’s performance deservedly saw her named in the 2024 AFLW All-Australian squad of 42. The gun midfielder averaged a career high 23.6 disposals in 2025, featuring a career high disposal count in week seven against the Bulldogs where she collected 29. 

Proud of her achievements, Nanscawen is ready to continue bringing her best, but is always looking for ways to improve and excel. 

“I was really proud of my season last year and how I was able to develop season to season, and then also across the season.  

“I think you come into a new season and almost start things afresh and you know, I'm someone that's probably more critical of myself - I’m looking for the areas to improve.” 

“So, I think it's finding that balance of bringing in some really good confidence from last year but also looking for the areas to take my game to a new level, which I've been enjoying working on through this pre-season.” 

Nanscawen has her eye on a few Bombers that she sees making an impact in 2025. 

Recently announced as an Emerging Leader, Amy Gaylor is a player that Nanscawen is eager to watch grow. Also on her radar is Steph Wales, who has been named as one of the Dons’ 2025 Leaders. 

“Amy Gaylor is one that will probably take her game to the next level this year. She had a great first year down back. 

“I've also really enjoyed seeing Steph Wales back out on track, obviously went down with a really devastating ACL injury at the end of the last year, but to see her back out there is impressive.” 

“In the time off, she's (Wales) developed her leadership skills off the field as well. So, I’m really looking forward to seeing more from her out on field this year.” 

Looking ahead to season start, the midfielder is optimistic about the campaign ahead, with a personal focus on starting games and building with the team. 

“I think we've got some fantastic foundations; we've brought in a lot of exciting talent in the off season and (looking forward to) continuing to build this group as we go forward.”