Sydney Swans Academy general manager Chris Smith gives his thoughts on the club’s upcoming NAB League Boys season.
2018 FINISH: This is the first time the Swans Academy has played in the NAB League. The Swans Academy played in the AFL National Academy Series for the past two years, against the GWS Giants, Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns Academy’s, the NT and Tasmania. The Swans Academy lost only one match during that period, finishing second in the Academy Series last year to Tasmania.
2018 BEST AND FAIREST (MVP): Nick Blakey
2018 AFL DRAFTEES: Nick Blakey (Sydney Swans), Sam Wicks (Sydney Swans, rookie list)
OTHER FORMER PLAYERS ON AFL LISTS:
- Selected in 2014: Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans) 81 games
- 2015: Callum Mills (Sydney Swans) 56 games
- 2016: Ben Davis (Adelaide Crows) 0 games
- 2017: James Bell (rookie draft, Sydney Swans) 0 games
2019 AFL ACADEMY:
- Level 2 (18yo): Jackson Barling, Hamish Ellem, Luke Parks, Josh Rayner
- Level 1 (17yo): Errol Gulden, Braeden Campbell
2019 HEAD COACH: Jared Crouch
2019 SEASON START: vs Tasmania Devils @ Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Saturday March 30, 9.30am - live video streamed via the app
TOP 2019 AFL DRAFT PROSPECTS
Josh Rayner (local club – North Shore Bombers): Josh is a strongly built key forward/defender who has been part of the AFL Academy since 2017. He was selected for the Allies last year as a bottom-ager and proved his versatility at both ends of the ground. He has a great pair of hands and is very strong overhead, but also has the running ability to play as a big-bodied midfielder and is very good at making an impact when the team most needs it. Josh did extremely well in Year 12 last year, so he can now concentrate his energies on footy.
Luke Parks (North Shore Bombers): Luke is a tough, courageous player who is very competitive. In last year’s Academy Series he played as a tall defender and was one of the most consistent performers. He was rewarded with selection in the 2019 AFL Allies Academy. He reads the play very well across half-back and will be a key player for us.
Nick Brewer (North Shore Bombers): Nick is one of our most exciting players. He’s a medium-sized defender or winger, and is a lovely left foot kick. He’s still light but is very courageous and has the pace to take the game on. He loves to run and carry off half- back, and has a penetrating kick. In 2018 he really stepped up, and he’s now one of our best ball-users and a very good decision-maker.
Jackson Barling (Willoughby Mosman Swans): Jackson is a talented all-round sportsman who also excels at basketball. He’s a very clean, tough inside midfielder who is strong at the stoppages and brings other players into the game. He can push forward and hit the scoreboard, and is in the AFL Allies Academy. For his size he’s extremely strong above his head.
Sam Thorne (Figtree Kangaroos): Sam is an inspirational leader, both with his actions and his words. He’s extremely competitive, wins his own ball and can run all day. He was very important for our Academy side in 2018 as a bottom-age player and has done everything in his power to ensure he’ll be even better this year. He’ll play in the midfield and as a small forward, and has the temperament and ability to deliver when it counts.
POTENTIAL DRAFT SURPRISE PACKET
Harry Maguire (Pennant Hills Demons): Harry is very athletic, a multi-talented sportsman who can run all day. He’s agile and a good mover, but in many ways he’s still raw and has a huge amount of upside. He’s a really good size at 190cms, and loves the contest. In the last couple of years his game understanding has really improved but he’s still got a lot of scope to develop.
BOTTOM AGERS TO WATCH
Errol Gulden (Maroubra Saints): Errol is a naturally gifted footballer, and very focused and determined to achieve. Won the Medal for best player in Division Two of the U16 National Championships last year, and was named in the All Australian U16 team. He’s a prolific ball-winner, has an outstanding work rate and makes smart decisions. Against the NT last year he had 27 kicks, 11 handballs, 10 marks, eight clearances, four tackles and five goals, and he averaged 32 disposals during the Championships.
Braeden Campbell (Westbrook): Braeden is all class, a left-footer with pace and courage. He was named in the All Australian U16 team last year, and was praised by the selectors for his ability to win both contested and uncontested ball. He plays as a defender/midfielder, is hard at the ball, an outstanding kick and a clever, composed decision-maker.
Marc Sheather (Pennant Hills Demons): Marc is still raw but is strong overhead, highly competitive and can handle pressure situations. He leads well as a forward and enjoys the physicality.
Pierce Roseby (Willoughby/North Shore Bombers): Pierce is a gutsy inside midfielder, an excellent ball user and a very focused, professional young man.
LEADERSHIP MATERIAL
Sam Thorne has been in the Academy since he was 11 and embodies everything we admire in our players. He lives in the Illawarra, nearly two hours south of Sydney, but never misses a session. He’s very focused and disciplined and always puts his team-mates and the team first. He’s courageous and a supreme competitor who all our players look up to and see as their natural leader.
TEAM STRENGTHS
We’re an evenly balanced outfit, with a spread of talent across the field. Many boys in our team played in the Academy Series as bottom-agers last year so that experience will be invaluable.
We pride ourselves on being physical, disciplined, well drilled and hard-working. They have a team-oriented mentality and try to bring each other into the game. We’re strong on the idea that if boys put the team first and play for their mates, that will also give them the best opportunity to showcase their individual talent and strengths. They’re really excited about the chance to play in the NAB League and test themselves against some of the best U18 players in the country.
