THE SYDNEY Swans Academy went undefeated in this year’s Summer Series, accounting for all comers by an average winning margin of 37 points. Boasting two National Academy members and three potential first round prospects, there is plenty to be excited about for fans of the red and white.

RESULTS

RECORD: 3-0 | WWW | 205.3%

def. AFL Canberra U22 9.9 (63) to 3.7 (25)
def. AFL Sydney U22 7.8 (50) to 5.1 (31)
def. Giants Academy U18 12.10 (82) to 5.9 (39)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Sydney blew out the cobwebs one the road in game one with a 38-point victory over AFL Canberra Under 22, setting up the result with five goals to one in the first half. After being challenged in term three, the Swans came home strongly to pile on three unanswered goals in the final quarter.

An accurate AFL Sydney Under 22 side was next on the agenda. The Swans rose to the task to lead at every break and come away with a hard-fought 29-point win in Blacktown. All seven of their goalkickers nabbed one apiece in a side which was bolstered by key draft age inclusions.

The Swans completed a 3-0 series by downing their Under 18 counterparts, GWS Giants Academy, to the tune of 43 points. Max King starred with six goals as the Swans were hardly challenged in Blacktown. They again shot out of the gates to post seven goals to one in the opening half.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Kaiden McNamara
Defender | 186cm | 26/04/2007

It would be easy to name King here but McNamara deserves recognition for his solid contributions across the three fixtures. He started out in his customary defensive post against AFL Canberra before making good on increased midfield minutes throughout games two and three. He was hard at the contest going both ways, won his share of clearances, and got good purchase on long kicks.

>> Q&A: Kaiden McNamara (Swans Academy)

MOST GOALS

Max King – 7 (1, 0, 6)
Midfielder/Forward | 192cm | 09/01/2007

King’s star turn came in game three where he snared six goals against the Giants Academy. He was made to play as a makeshift tall forward in the absence of Noah Chamberlain and Tom Ryan, presenting up the ground as a connection piece and getting dangerous close to goal. His end product was at its best in that game, though King’s raw athleticism and freakish talent were on display throughout the series. He impacted in exciting bursts and showcased his dynamism as a tall utility.

>> AFL Draft: Race to #1 – Max King

Six goals for Swans Academy prospect Max King in a 43pt win vs. the Giants – including this one. Full of raw talent and athleticism, some clubs rate him among the top five. #AFLDraft

Scouting Notes tonight ? pic.twitter.com/YsADTDNvbY

— Michael Alvaro (@MichaelTAlvaro) March 18, 2025

TOP-AGE TALENT (2007)

King is among the three likely first round talents at Sydney’s disposal this year. 194cm powerhouse Noah Chamberlain proved his versatility as a key forward and wing before suffering a head knock late in game two. Midfielder/defender Lachlan Carmichael was also excellent upon entering the fray after game one.

McNamara played a key hand in defence and midfield, while Harry Kyle popped up as one to watch. At the other end of the ground, Ned Hardman had a solid first outing and James O’Loughlin (son of Michael) showcased his craft to hit the scoreboard in all three games.

There were plenty of other solid top-age contributors, including rotating ruck Oscar Clifton. The likes of Lucien Sennitt and Will Morahan provided drive and stability in defence, while Louis Jans made an impact through the middle of the ground in his only appearance.

>> AFL Draft: Northern Academies pick their breakout contenders

OVER-AGERS (2006)

A pair of 2024 Allies representatives made their way back for the Swans, with Nicholas Andreacchio (two games) and Joe Harrison (one) taking little time to impact after missing game one. Both were employed through midfield, with the former constantly looking to put speed on the ball.

Marking forward Tom Ryan – the cousin of Richmond tall Samson – only made one appearance but booted a goal against AFL Sydney and showcased his aerial ability. Big 205cm ruck Ben Lenarduzzi was another to feature for the Swans, looking to impose himself through sheer size.

>> National Championships: Why the 2025 Allies can repeat history

BOTTOM-AGERS (2008)

The Swans cracked double-figures in terms of bottom-agers used throughout the series, including a host of members from last year’s Pool B-winning Under 16 National Championships squad. MVP Conrad Blackwell-Smith was among them, coming into the side to take on GWS in game three.

Among the mainstays were the Jenkin twins – William and Guy – who proved prolific on the outside. Both were made to show their versatility, with Will dropping back and Guy ending game three up forward. Even if you can’t tell them apart, keep an eye on how they progress as wingmen over the next two years.

Lachlan Price staked his claim through midfield and had little trouble racking up possessions, while Leon Titmuss had his moments up forward. North Melbourne father-son candidate Aidan McCartney (son of Jason) also came into the side to show raw potential as a lead-up tall forward.

COATES TALENT LEAGUE FIXTURE

Round 4 | vs. Tasmania Devils
Friday April 25, 1:20pm @ Blacktown ISP

Round 5 | vs. Oakleigh Chargers
Saturday May 3, 12:00pm @ Blacktown ISP

Round 6 | vs. GWV Rebels
Saturday May 10, 1:10pm @ Highgate Rec Reserve

Round 7 | vs. Eastern Ranges
Saturday May 17, 1:00pm @ Box Hill City Oval

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