SYDNEY Swans Academy member Kaiden McNamara enters his top-age campaign alongside a raft of highly touted teammates. The defender, who fell in love with footy after starting out in Rugby League, as a New South Wales representative last year and is looking to crack into the Allies squad.

We spoke to McNamara at the Swans’ preseason testing event on Saturday.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Kaiden, what are some of your earliest memories of football?

KM: In Year 5 I tried out for a Sydney North team, just hoping to get a day off school because I was a big [Rugby League] boy. I ended up making that team, went to the carnival and fell in love with the sport. So I quit League and played AFL the year after and haven’t gone back.

Q: How many years have you been in the Swans Academy?

KM: I think this is the third year now that I’ve been with the Academy.

Q: Have you had any mentors along the way who have really helped you with your footy?

KM: Definitely. I think Colin (O’Riordan) has definitely been a big one coming into this year, my draft year. He’s helped me out a lot. My coaches back on the Central Coast, Chris Bishop and Mike Bailey, they’ve all helped me a lot and really shaped and taught me about the game.

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Q: Being from further North, what has the travel been like for you between there and Sydney?

KM: Normally I go twice a week for training, which is an hour and a half drive here, an hour and a half drive back. It gets pretty full on, plus travel for games in Melbourne and Sydney and whatnot, so it’s a lot.

Q: How has your preseason been?

KM: Preseason’s been good. I’ve been out with a concussion for a bit of it, but apart from that, I’ve just loved getting around all the new boys coming up and it’s been lots of fun.

Q: Will you be back in time for the Summer Series?

KM: Yeah, I’ll be back for Summer Series. I got back last Thursday so I’m back into the swing of things, feeling really good.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player? 

KM: I’d describe myself as a medium defender who can intercept mark and attack, help out with offence and really lock down in defence as well.

Q: What are some of the things you’re looking to improve?

KM: I’m definitely working on my kicking percentage, so making sure my disposal [efficiency] is a lot better. And definitely my leadership and coming off the ball a lot more for handball receives.

Q: Who are some of the teammates you’re looking forward to playing alongside this year?

KM: Definitely Noah Chamberlain. Just that link-up up forward with him and Max King. It’s always a pleasure seeing them coming towards me. Also, Lachlan Carmichael. Same position as me, I just love working alongside him.

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Q: Are you a Swans supporter?

KM: Yeah, I love the Swannies.

Q: Are there any players you look up to and try to mould your game on?

KM: Nick Blakey, I try to shape my game around him a lot. Especially with his defence, and then his transition into offence as well. I think it’s really impressive. 

Q: Do you have any goals set up for the year?

KM: I think I just want to play every game of Coates League and be injury free throughout the year. I want to play in the Allies squad and then hopefully get in that combine and ultimately be drafted by the end of the year.

Q: Is there anyone you think we should look out for to have a big year?

KM: Noah Chamberlain. I must say, I think he’s had one of the best preseasons I’ve ever seen. His work ethic is just unbelievable. So definitely keep an eye out for him, especially on TikTok as well.