ONE of the top AFL Women’s draft prospects in NSW/ACT, Swans Academy defender Marnie Robinson is determined to make it to the top level. That determination to reach the elite level has been a focus of the teenager’s having come through the pathway, donned the red and white, as well as the NSW/ACT Rams last year.

Robinson’s journey started back in primary school where she took part in a Gala Day. On that particular day, the Swans Academy recruiters took notice of Robinson’s ability and invited her from trial and from that point on, she easily assimilated into the program.

Preferring a role at half-back, Robinson has been able to prove her ability at both AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships level as well as among the best players in her draft class. Last year, Robinson represented the Rams against the Allies and picked up seven disposals and three rebound 50s in a 40-point defeat.

“It was a really good experience, really good getting around the girls and playing with the top notch girls,” Robinson said of the match. “Learning a lot of them and some of them got drafted so it was really good to watch their game.”

Against her own age group, Robinson impressed for the Swans at the AFL Women’s Under 16 Championships, showing an extra year of experience to average the 16 disposals, four marks, four clearances, 3.5 rebound 50s and 2.5 inside 50s spending time at both half-back and in the midfield. Her form earned her a place in the Under 17 Futures game at GMHBA Stadium where she ran out for Team Black where she recorded nine disposals and four tackles.

“It was so good,” Robinson said. “Learnt so much from them, especially from the coaches and learnt positions, how in juniors it’s all squishy and how to spread out and all that.”

In terms of her individual game, Robinson said her footy IQ and defensive pressure were key strengths, while she is working on her leadership, in particular her on-field voice. The Swans Academy youngster will be able to hone her craft and work on those areas further as a member of the prestigious AFL Women’s Academy.

“Getting to know the girls really good, and playing that top notch training and that’s been really good,” Robinson said.

Now in her top-age year, Robinson has worked hard to get to the point where she is one of the rising stars of the AFL NSW/ACT program, and for Swans fans in particular, the prospect of adding more homegrown Academy members is strong. Her goal for 2023 is simple.

“Get drafted and play at my best every game,” Robinson said.