For AFLW athletes, the off-season is an opportune time to perfect their craft and try new roles.

After narrowly missing out on finals last year, North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos' vice-captain Britt Gibson said the team has been working hard behind the scenes to come back better than before.

“I think we’re all trying to improve; coaches and players, so that when the AFLW season rolls around we’re feeling good and we’re ready,” Gibson said.

“We kind of all broke off and had individual goals to work on, some from Scott (Gowans) and the coaching point of view and some from us players that we felt we had lacked throughout the season or that we needed to improve on.

“With these points of improvement in mind, going into the VFLW season it’s been great to trial and error a few things.”

For Gibson in particular, there’s been a key focus.

“Mine has been to work on being thrown through the midfield a little more, and then also the fitness and versatility.

“I want to really be able to move up forward if need be, and to be able to switch that switch and go forward and be attacking, but then also sit up back if I need to.”

Gibson’s off-field life, significantly calmer, allowing her to focus even deeper.

“This time last year I was preparing for a wedding, moving states, and had a baby on the way,” she said.

“But this year things aren’t as crazy. Everything has kind of settled for the year so I can really focus in on sport and improving what I need to.”