An eclipse of moths has covered North Sydney Oval to make for uncomfortable conditions in the AFLW’s season opener between Collingwood and Sydney.
With temperatures in the mid to high 20s in Sydney on Friday, the pest insects were out in force during the first game of season nine.
They might be harmless, according to some, but Channel 7’s boundary rider Nat Edwards was struggling to see it that way from ground level.
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“They’re everywhere. Nat’s terrified down there,” Jason Bennett said on commentary.
They didn’t go unnoticed by fans either.
“First match of the AFLW Season and the countdown clock isn’t working, plus there are visible moths flying all over the ground. Not ideal,” one said.
“The moths are invading North Sydney Oval,” another added.
“So many moths at North Sydney Oval…. Anyone would think I’ve opened my wallet,” a third joked.
Players did their best to brush the distraction off though, in a hotly contested contest.
Speaking before the game, Sydney captain Chloe Molloy said she was ready to unleash the competitive beast within against her former side.
The dynamic forward — a two-time All-Australian, an AFLW Rising Star and a Magpies club champion — played 47 games across six seasons for the Victorian team before being lured interstate in 2023.
After coming away with a 19-point victory against Collingwood last season, Molloy was always going to be intent on retaining the bragging rights on Friday night.
“The ‘do not disturb’ has been put on for anybody in black and white this week,” Molloy said.
“Obviously there’s a mutual respect and a competitive beast inside of all of us.
“There’s a lot of people I love there but get to game day and the competitive nature comes out.
“I’d be lying, if it wasn’t more exciting. It’s just that little bit edgier when you do play against your old side.”
All-Australian ruck Ally Morphett returned to action for the Swans after recovering from a foot injury sustained from a VFLW match.
Former West Coast players Hayley Bullas and Maddy Collier also featured for their first game in the red and white after both returned from anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
But Collingwood captain Bri Davey will be watching from the sidelines after failing to prove her fitness following an off-season ankle reconstruction.
“I would hate to be a coach trying to select the Round 1 team,” Molloy said.
“I don’t think any person or any player should be comfortable.
“(Swans coach Scott Gowans) mentioned that literally last season in our review, and then day one, we dropped up in the auditorium and he said, ‘Don’t be comfortable’.
“That’s just a credit to the hard work that we’ve been able to put in, and just the mindset that we’ve been coming into the club with each day.”
– With AAP