BACK to basics. 

That was the message for the Blues after a four-game losing streak in the first half of the 2022 AFLW season. 

The Game Changers then went on to win the next three of four games, focusing on their strengths and supporting each other through a tough start to the season. 

Nic Stevens has become a leader of the Club for the younger crop of players coming through, admitting it was hard to play with confidence when they weren’t getting the job done in game. 

“I think we tried to take the pressure off ourselves a little bit and just go back to basics,” Stevens said. 

“It’s really hard to maintain confidence and resilience particularly in such a young group when things aren’t going your way, so it’s pretty easy to just think that it’s too hard.” 

With the skill and drive there, Stevens noted that it was particularly important to work on their mental game as well as their physical game. 

Seeking out the help of Club psychologist Tarah Kavanagh, the Game Changers worked on strategies that they could implement when things were getting tough in game. 

“After the ‘Freo’ game, we had Tara come in as well and she helped us with a few strategies on the field,” she said.  

“[It was what] we could do to help ourselves but also help each other and keep each other accountable, which was really valuable stuff too.”

While COVID-19 has caused many issues, one positive it gave the Blues, in Stevens’ opinion, was the ability to blood some young players. 

With Keeley Sherar, Brooke Vickers, Annie Lee and Poppy Schaap all coming in to cover players under Health and Safety Protocols, the Club was able to unearth talent that it may not have been able to in a regular season. 

“The growth that we have had in our young girls this season has been phenomenal,” she said. 

“You can tell that they’re going to be really good quality footballers from the minute they walk in the door but for so many of them to get an opportunity this season with COVID and a couple of late outs just meant that more of the group got an opportunity.

“It’s really exciting for the future.” 

As a leader of the Club, what Stevens really wanted the team to do was focus on the good times rather than the pressure of winning games, which eventually saw the young side rise to the challenge. 

“A lot of the time we get caught up in winning and caught up in what it means to win premierships and stats,” she said. 

“I think as I’ve kept playing throughout the years, I’ve realised that it’s more about the experience that you share with each other and making memories and enjoying those special moments –  I think that can go a long way in being a successful team.” 

With the potential of an August start date looming, Stevens considers herself lucky that she’ll get to play two seasons in one year, as well as thankful that the Carlton list is young, fit and healthy, ready to back up their 2022 season. 

“Most of our list is really fit and healthy and given that we’re a young group, we have no issues going into the next season so soon,” she said. 

“I think for some of the older players it’s good as well because we get two seasons in one year and I think at some point they needed to make the switch in timing and it’s great that we’re able to play [away from] summer.”