SYDNEY Swans Academy has made quite the start to the 2023 Coates Talent League season, with the girls’ side claiming back-to-back wins. After defeating reigning grand finalists in Round 1, the Swans knocked off Murray Bushrangers in Round 2, running out a massive 12-goal winner. Leading from the front in that huge 72-point victory was Swans’ captain Olivia Morris.

Morris earned the Rookie Me Central Coates Talent League Girls Player of the Week for Round 2, after a best on ground performance for the red and whites. After an impressive first round last week, Morris stepped it up another notch in Round 2. The top-ager picked up a whopping 34 disposals – 12 more than anyone else on-field – laid five tackles and six inside 50s in a clear statement to the opposition.

>> FEATURE | MORRIS ENJOYING “AWESOME” FOOTY JOURNEY

One of two AFL Women’s Academy members in the Swans’ side, Morris was appointed captain of the team, and is undefeated in the role. Having tested herself last season in the Under 17s Futures match, Morris is taking all her achievements within her stride. She becomes the first top-age player to earn a Player of the Week nomination this season after Geelong Falcons’ bottom-ager Sara Howley won it last week.

The other two players considered for the Round 2 Player of the Week were fellow AFLW Academy member and GIANTS Academy co-skipper Melanie Staunton, and Geelong Falcons tough nut Chloe Adams. Incredibly Morris joins boys’ midfielder Indhi Kirk as Players of the Week this round, with the father-son Academy prospect winning the Boys’ Round 1 Player of the Week.

>> 2023 COATES TALENT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: ROUND 1

2023 RM CENTRAL TALENT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1 – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
Round 2 – Olivia Morris (Sydney Swans Academy)