The women's first grade team had nine debutants in their 90-0 thumping of Gungahlin last weekend in round one. Of those nine, three were promising youngsters, Maddison Bailey, Grace Read and Jorja Simpson.

The exceptional players coming through the system, many of which have gone on to play AFLW, is a credit to the dedication Belconnen has shown in supporting the growth and development of the women's game, coach Robert Moroney said.

"The club as a whole has that future focus," he said.

"For us it's really about developing a pathway for junior players to come through and want to be part of the club and the culture that we've set.

"The focus of the club has always been about setting that expectation that nothing's taken for granted and that we all want to work for it.

"We've got such a bright future in our juniors coming through, and that puts the pressure on all the other players to make sure they're showing the same level of commitment and it creates competition amongst the group."

Former Magpies player and current GWS midfielder Emily Pease claimed the Giants's Rising Star Award on Thursday night after a strong debut season. She is just one of the AFLW success stories Belconnen boasts.

"Belconnen has a good history of players coming through and making that leap into the AFLW," Moroney said.

"Last year, we had Ally Morphett, the year before we had Emily Pease, and we've had more going back to the Giants' first season."

At just 19, Pease is on track for a long AFLW career, but she hasn't forgotten her roots in Canberra.

She'll be at Alan Ray Oval to watch the Magpies play Ainslie at 3.45pm on Saturday.

"Whenever I get back down to Canberra I'll either try and catch up with some of the girls at training or head over to a game and watch them," she said.

"I've heard a few of the younger players have been playing some really good footy."

Pease agreed with the Belconnen coach that the culture at the club is a major driver in the success they've had in producing elite Aussie Rules footballers.

"It's the culture. The coaches are amazing but also the girls around the club," Pease said.

"They were like a second family to me and they still are. The way everyone gets around each other and want to make each other better, they want to see you improve and will help you do it however they can."

This season Belconnen are motivated by the disappointing end to last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No winner was crowned in the women's first grade competition and as the 2020 champions, the Magpies squad have a title to defend.

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"I think the 2022 season is going to be a sense of unfinished business," Moroney said.

"We were looking to go back-to-back and then there was the wet weather impact and then COVID cancelled the season, so it left a feeling amongst a lot of the teams that there was an opportunity that was lost."

Belconnen now face a tougher round two challenge in flag contenders Ainslie.

"This year is going to be quite even. I think Ainslie is definitely going to be the strongest side," he said.

"They have a lot of talent through all areas of the ground, so for us it's going to be about making sure that we're accountable."

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