SYDNEY Swans Academy took bragging rights over their state-based rivals the Giants by winning Pool B of the 2025 AFL Women’s Under 16s Development Championships. The Swans accounted for both Tasmania (34 points) and Northern Territory (54) to boast the highest percentage from the two games.

RESULTS:

Swans Academy 8.15 (63) def. Tasmania 4.5 (29) | Scouting Notes
Swans Academy 12.4 (76) def. Northern Territory 3.4 (22) | Scouting Notes

TOP TALENT:

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

What a carnival it was from the bottom-age Swan, who does not turn 15 until October. Hollingsworth averaged 19.5 disposals, 3.0 marks, 7.5 tackles, 5.0 clearances, 5.5 inside 50s and booted five goals. Considering she was a a part-time midfielder and part-time forward, the fact Hollingsworth starred at both roles is a huge tick. As one can see from the numbers, she impacts both offensively and defensively, and while being second best in the win over Tasmania, was clearly the best-on in the victory over the Territory with three goals. Kicked at 73.7 per cent efficiency in that match, and has a knack for winning it around the coalface or in space, but is best utilised as that second-possession winner.

NAMES TO REMEMBER:

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

Another bottom-ager who lit up the carnival, Davidson had a particularly influential game against Northern Territory where she gathered 18 disposals, four marks and four inside 50s. Competes well in the air and has the neat capacity to lower her eyes going inside 50 and makes good decisions. Does not need a lot of it do do damage with those 18 touches seeming more like 25-30. Understands the game so well and the fact she can return again in 2026 is exciting. Definitely a prospect in the making for the Swans Academy.

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

Just one day off being a bottom-ager at the tournament, Hynes is a player who will provide effort wherever she goes, and even if not winning a stack of the ball, seems to have an impact. The Swans Academy midfielder had a big game against Tasmania which included 20 disposals, five clearances and a goal of which the latter was a classy finish on the run. Not afraid to take the game on, Hynes provides run and carry between the arcs and will be one to note down for the future with continued progression.

#10 Sienna Kennedy-Wilkie
Killarney Vale Bombers | 172cm | 13/02/2009

The standout player against Tasmania, Kennedy-Wilkie had the ball on a string in that win, using her evasiveness and smarts to not only win the ball, but cut through the defence then look for open targets inside 50. A facilitator who can catch the opposition off guard, Kennedy-Wilkie set up numerous goals through clever assists, and was clean at ground level the majority of the time. Not as prolific against Northern Territory, but still had some great moments.

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

An undersized ruck for the top level, but McCallum makes it work against her peers. She has a great leap and is fierce at ground level, competing well as that ‘fourth midfielder’. Has a point of difference compared to most other talls with her footy IQ to get into ball-winning positions a feature. Still raw so developing some of her fundamentals, she was able to kick a couple of goals against Northern Territory including a classy snap around her body.

OTHERS WHO IMPRESSED:

Sydney Swans Academy genuinely have double-figure potential draftees for the class – albeit a few years out from decision time. To name just a few, Myla Tucker was strong working behind the ball working in tandem with the smooth-moving and clever Annalise Crawley. In the front half, Addison Gale booted three goals in the win over Northern Territory,