Greater Western Sydney speedster Haneen Zreika will race into the AFLW history books, with the teen to become the first Muslim to play in the women's competition.
Giants women's team coach Alan McConnell on Thursday confirmed Zreika would make her debut in Sunday's opening-round clash against Brisbane.
McConnell said the 19-year-old Auburn product, who'll also be the first AFLW representative of Lebanese descent, had come a long way since appearing to dash her dreams mere months ago.
"She's had a fabulous preparation," he said.
"She's done it pretty hard. I delisted her at the end of last year and she's had to earn her spot back on the list."
Zreika was re-drafted with pick 66 in October after impressing with the Auburn-Penrith Giants in last year's AFL Sydney women's competition.
She'll be one of at least three AFLW debutants for the Giants' 2019 season opener with last year's beaten grand finalists in Brisbane.
The Giants will also throw top draft pick Alyce Parker into their midfield mix, while Gaelic footballer Yvonne Bonner will feature forward alongside ex-Collingwood recruit Christina Bernardi.
McConnell said his newest Irish star Bonner had had a limited pre-season, training just 12 times before her impending AFLW debut.
"She came over pre-Christmas but unfortunately due to a bereavement in the family had to go home again for three weeks," he said.
"What she's doing now is basically on sheer, raw, natural talent."
The Giants are rated genuine premiership contenders, nominated as the third most likely to make the grand final for this year's expanded 10-team competition by rival captains.
McConnell urged his chargers to embrace the expectations.
"It's absolutely amazing that people think that we might be a genuine, bona fide team in the competition," he said.
"I'm hoping that our girls are basking in that. But the truth is it's about what happens next. Respect is hard to earn and it's pretty easily lost."
