Giants ready to take on AFLW big guns

They are regarded as the runt of the AFLW litter, but a new-look Greater Western Sydney expect to be more competitive this year.

GWS finished bottom of the ladder inaugural season in 2017, notching six points from a win and a draw.

The sole win was at home to Melbourne, who they face away on Saturday in round one.

An influx of 14 new players, including an injection of experience, hasn't swayed the bookies.

GWS are the rank outsiders in the eight-team field.

Melbourne are one of the flag favourites.

"It's kind of nice to go under the radar a bit and not have any extra added pressure or expectation on us," Giants forward Phoebe McWilliams said.

"In that sense, it's good and Melbourne are the favourites at the moment.

"It will be really good to see where we stand and it will be a good test for us.

"We played Brisbane in a practice match and they were grand finalists last year and that went really well, so this is the next challenge for us."

The Giants opening-round team includes nine newcomers.

They boosted their roster by acquiring midfielder Alicia Eva, who finished second in Collingwood's' 2017 best and fairest and was named in the preliminary All-Australian squad.

Also fortifying the midfield is Courtney Gum, the inaugural SANFL women's competition's best and fairest.

Another debutante is Renee Forth. She joined GWS more than two years ago as one of the club's marquee players but a serious knee injury in 2016 sidelined her for season one.

At full forward is Gaelic football legend Cora Staunton.

The backline includes Western Sydney W-League co-captain Ellie Brush who has opted to represent GWS this weekend.

"I think we'll be hoping to improve on last year and definitely win a couple more games," McWilliams said.

"We've recruited really well, and some really experienced players that I know will hit the ground straight away.

"We've shown a lot of improvement and, hopefully, that carries through to the ladder."