WITH a large gap between its first and second selections, Sydney opted for a trio of familiar faces with its last three picks after grabbing one of the fastest players in the AFLW Draft at Pick 5.
>> EVERY PICK: National Draft | Recap
DRAFT HAUL
National Draft:
5. Zippy Fish
55. Amelia Martin
58. Caitlin Reid
59. Sarah Steele-Park
Despite rumours the Swans were looking tall for their first selection, they ended up going the opposite end of the scale and picking up the most talented 160cm player in the AFLW Draft. Zippy Fish is appropriately named thanks to her explosive speed and ability to evade players with ease consistently. She is one who can play on-ball, off a wing, or coming off half-back, breaking the game down with her run-and-carry across the field.
Sydney nominated three Northern Academy members but ended up just selecting the one in Amelia Martin. The only one of the trio to not receive a Draft Combine invite, Sydney showed it rated Martin higher than the other clubs, taking a chance of the Swans Academy prospect, who can play both midfield and attack with some great intent on the ball, and ability to find targets forward of centre.
With the Swans’ last two selections, Sydney opted for a couple of mature-agers with ties to the area. Caitlin Reid has dominated the AFL Sydney competition for some time as a ruck for East Coast Eagles, and she showed her ability at VFLW level with Geelong. The Swans saw enough to bring her on board, alongside train-on player Sarah Steele-Park. The North Adelaide prospect moved to Sydney for the train-on spot having played as a defender, but the 173cm draftee was seen as a tall midfielder by the Swans.
Overall, Sydney was able to pick up four players who are physically ready for the demands of senior football and will push for a spot early in the season. Fish will be a Round 1 lock if fit, while Reid looms as a great option depending on the fitness of other talls. She could always rotate forward as well, while Martin and Steele-Park will get their opportunities at different stages.
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