SYDNEY Swans Academy officially claimed the Pool B AFLW Under 16 Development Championships title thanks to a comprehensive win over the Northern Territory. Both the Swans and Giants remained undefeated through the two-game carnival, but it was the Swans’ back-to-back beltings of Tasmania and then the Territory that secured the overall title.

Sydney kicked five unanswered goals in the first term against Northern Territory, and while the Thunder hit back with the only two majors of the second quarter, the home side got back on top after that. The Swans Academy slammed home seven of the last eight goals to run out 54-point winners, 12.4 (76) to 3.4 (22).

>> 2025 AFLW U16s | Scouting Notes: Giants Academy vs Northern Territory

>> 2025 AFLW U16s | Scouting Notes: Swans Academy vs Tasmania

SWANS ACADEMY 5.1 | 5.2 | 8.4 | 12.4 (76)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 0.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 3.4 (22)

GOALS:
Swans Academy: E. Hollingsworth 3, A. Gale 3, E. McCallum 2, M. James 2, E. Loebel, G. Hynes
Northern Territory: K. Ilett, A. Lake, M. Cunningham

RMC BEST:
Swans Academy: E. Hollingsworth, E. McCallum, A. Gale, L. Davidson, M. Tucker
Northern Territory: P. Rock, G. Anstess, K. Ilett, L. May, L. Hill

SWANS ACADEMY:

#1 Emily Hollingsworth
Miranda Bombers | 11/10/2010

The bottom-age star went to another level again compared to her first game, slotting three goals and showing all her class between midfield and attack. She finished with 19 disposals, five marks, nine tackles, six clearances, eight inside 50s and three majors, with her elite kicking and decision making on display. It is incredible to think she is only a bottom-ager at these championships so is eligible to return next year, as she has great technical ability to go with her footy smarts and class.

#2 Lily Davidson
Killarney Vale Bombers | 11/05/2010

Another bottom-ager with the Swans Academy, Davidson was lively across the ground and aside from a fresh air kick early in the game, did well across the course of the four quarters. Davidson took a few really good marks around the half-forward region and has the capability to lower her eyes going inside 50 and hit targets on the lead. Like Hollingsworth, has that understanding of the game and was a key contributor in the win.

#9 Genevieve Hynes
Lane Cove Cats | 165cm | 31/12/2009

Finds a way to be involved even when winning less of the ball than others. She had a huge third term where she seemed to be everywhere, and capped off her game with a long-range bomb and classy finish on goal nine minutes into the quarter. She applied some great pressure in the forward half and ended with 12 disposals, four tackles and five inside 50s to go with her major.

#14 Emma McCallum
Warners Bay Bulldogs | 174cm | 13/03/2009

Though undersized as a ruck going forward, McCallum has some terrific athletic traits that help her match it with taller opponents. She can act as a “fourth midfielder” once the ball hits the deck, and is not afraid to shark the ball and clear it forward. While able to also rest forward, McCallum capitalised on her opportunities with a couple of goals too, one with a classy snap around her body, and the second with the last kick of the day running into the goalsquare from point-blank range.

#20 Myla Tucker
Newcastle City | 170cm | 30/08/2009

Showed some nice strength around the ground and seemed to pop up between the arcs a fair bit. She worked hard back and forth and though her efficiency under pressure could be tidied up, she looked to put the ball into dangerous spots even if risky. She had one instance where she marked at half-back, took off and backed herself to break free of her would-be tackler, kicking to a half-forward contest. She backed up with a secondary effort to win the ball again and handball cleanly to Hynes.

#28 Addison Gale
The Entrance Bateau Bay Blues | 162cm | 10/11/2009

Caused quite a few headaches inside 50 for the Northern Territory defence to finish with three goals and realistically could have added a couple more. Gale has velcro-like mits that clunk anything in her vicinity and she plays far taller than her 162cm might suggest. Strong and smart, she will compete in the air, but wins a lot of her touches from just assessing the situation quickly and geting into the right spot to mark. A perfect example was reading an awkward dump kick by a Territory defender from closer to goal, marking in space 20m out where she made no mistake.

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

#12 Peggy Rock
Nightcliff | 169cm | 20/07/2009

Describing Rock as ‘aggressive’ would not do her gamestyle justice as she only has one gear – full throttle. She attacks every single contest with absolute vigour and though it gets her into trouble – she gave away five free kicks – opponents know when she sticks a tackle it is going to hurt. She can use both sides of her body and is clean at ground level too, with Rock’s next step just having that bit more composure around the stoppages rather than throwing the ball on the boot without looking. Has serious talent with some rare traits such as her dual-sidedness so plenty to work wit hgoing forward.

#17 Grace Anstess
St Mary’s | 175cm | 10/05/2010

Did a great job as a bigger midfielder for Northern Territory and helping get back to assist the defence at times. She had a game-high 23 disposals as well as laying six tackles, and having seven clearances, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s. She was clean and quick with her disposals, and though the efficiency could tidy up, was the first to the ball at ground level in many instances, cracking in for contested possessions.

#23 Kayla Ilett
St Mary’s | 174cm | 18/12/2009

Worked hard through the game and did well in the front half to convert a set shot goal from the pocket. She worked up the ground too and was able to show off a mean sidestep that bought her some time transitioning the ball from defence into attack. Early in the third quarter, Ilett shrugged off a would-be tackler to kick forward.