GREATER Western Sydney coach Alan McConnell believes the advent of more regional women's leagues will only accelerate the quality of the AFLW competition.

The Giants (2-2) currently sit fourth in Conference A after last week's loss in Brisbane, and will look to bounce back in Saturday's vital clash with winless Richmond at Wagga's Robertson Oval.

McConnell, in his third season at the helm, said the increase in established women's competitions, including the AFL Southern NSW league, will give the next generation a head start when they step up to AFLW.

"One of the reasons that the game is improving is girls are getting a chance to play at an earlier age, and getting exposed earlier to coaching," McConnell said.

"As a result I think the skill level across the competition is on the rise, as well as the game knowledge of the women coming into the game.

"They come in with a far more savvy understanding of some of the finer aspects and tactical aspects of the game. That's why it's really important that there's leagues to play in for women across the regions.

"The skill level has improved and the contested marking has been a real feature of the game over the first four rounds.

"It's interesting because it's been a skill that's been a bit lost to the men's game because of skill level and game style that's been adopted.

"Some of the contested marking in the women's space has been fantastic to watch."

McConnell said he's wary of a desperate Tigers side looking for a first win in their maiden season, and hoped the Wagga community supported the fixture to press their case for future games.

"If we get a good turnout and we put up a good show hopefully people will see the value in it in the Wagga region, and equally the club will embrace that," he said.

"I think Richmond's performance has improved with each round so they'll be anxious to get on the scoreboard, and hopefully we'll quell that and put on a good show ourselves."

The AFLW clash will begin at 5.10pm Saturday, with Richmond and the Giants' men's teams to hold their captain's runs beforehand.

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