THE last of the four Coates Talent League Girls Northern Academy sides to complete their stint in the competition, the Sydney Swans Academy played four games for one win, but were ultra-competitive throughout and some promising AFLW Draft prospects emerged.

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RESULTS

Sydney Swans Academy 10.11 (71) defeated Gippsland Power 2.7 (19)
Sydney Swans Academy 5.2 (32) lost to Eastern Ranges 8.6 (54)
Sydney Swans Academy 7.5 (47) lost to Tasmania Devils 7.6 (48)
Sydney Swans Academy 5.4 (34) lost to Dandenong Stingrays 7.6 (48)

LEADING STATS-GETTERS:

Disposals: Imogen Brown (20.8)
Marks: Emma Juneja (5.3)
Tackles: Imogen Brown (7.5)
Hitouts: Madeleine Quinn (16.5)
Inside 50s: Imogen Brown (3.8)
Rebound 50s: Caydelan Mitchell-Bruce (8.0)
Goals: Lauren Bull & Imogen Brown (1.3)

AFLW DRAFT PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Emma Juneja
Wing | 172cm | 08/05/2006

The AFLW Academy member is the Swans Academy’s top prospect for this year’ AFLW Draft and she looked impressive through the Coates Talent League stint, particularly in her games against Gippsland and Eastern. A point of difference to a lot of others in her role is her aerial ability and burst speed down the ground, not afraid to take the game on and still apply defensive pressure when required.

Ella Parker
Defender | 170cm | 04/10/2006

Having settled into that defensive role off half-back, Parker won double-digit disposals in each of her four games for the Swans. She was good overhead, got into the right spots and took the game on with her run, while applying strong defensive pressure. Parker has areas to improve on such as her composure, but after playing in a number of roles, seemingly is thriving in defence.

Imogen Brown
Midfielder/Forward | 175cm | 03/03/2005

The tall utility was able to hit the scoreboard in each of her four games to show her versatility in the front half of the ground. A good size, the over-ager already has played VFLW an not looked out of place there, with her defensive pressure and contested work features of her game. Her outside game can still further develop, but she has really emerged as one to watch this year.

Taylor Smith
Forward | 168cm | 27/09/2006

The Swans Academy skipper was a key architect inside 50 and continually impacted the scoreboard not just through her own scores, but in setting up teammates. Smith left a few chances out there blazing away, but still kicked four goals and was able to provide a marking target as a medium forward. She has shown potential to further improve after a solid four games.

Others:

A couple of defenders in Taya White and Ellie Veerhuis are among the most consistent from the carnival, with both more than up with those aforementioned players. They provided continual drive turning defence into offence, while forward Lauren Bull is another name to remember. Over-age pair Gabby Eaton and Kendra Blattman put their hands up for a second chance too.

2025 AFLW Draft:

Mobile ruck Madeleine Quinn showed raw potential throughout the three-game series, while Molly Thomas and Lucinda Watson are among the other bottom-agers to keep an eye on. Midfielder Kiera Yerbury also has some promising traits and adds to a handy core of players for the red and white side next year.

SUMMARY

The Sydney Swans Academy might have only won the one game, but were competitive throughout the entire competition showing great competitiveness against quality rivals. They have had some top-agers emerge as promising prospects, while a trio of over-agers and some bottom-agers made their names this year.