AN EXCITING inclusion to the Swans Academy this year has been top-age forward Alex Neyland who donned the red and white at Under 16s level prior to tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). While she returned late last year, her Swans representation through the Under 22s Summer Series and Coates Talent League Girls has been her first on-field action since the knee injury.

We spoke to Neyland (pronounced knee-land) after the Swans Academy’s impressive win over Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels on the weekend about her return to football, how she has found playing in a new role, and her goals for the future.

Q: Alex, give us a bit of a rundown into your footy journey?

AN: “I started playing football I think it was Year 7 at the Paul Kelly Cup. That was my first ever game and ever since then I guess I just loved it and signed up for rep and Hunter and Swans the next year.”

Q: The last few years, what’s been the progression been like?

AN: “The last couple of years, my first year in Under 16s, that was heaps of fun. That’s when I really started to love playing and I think improving. But then I did do my ACL that year and then in those two year periods that I was off, I guess I just worked really hard to get my skills up and just improve watching vision and now I’m back.”

Q: When did you return from that ACL?

AN: “At the end of last year, but I just started playing now. This was my first season back.”

Q: In terms of your inspirations over the journey, who’s really helped you along the way?

AN: “My mum has definitely been a big one. She takes me everywhere, she gives me every opportunity to improve and get better, and definitely just my whole family being supportive. My sister she always comes down to the field with me.”

Q: The transition to go to those higher, level have you adapted to play against better competition?

AN: “I’ve found it very tough at first, especially with some expectations I put on myself, but I think as the seasons went on and just improving has been really good. It’s also been really good to play some bigger bodies which has been nice.”

Q: In terms of your role, have you always played forward?

AN: “No I’ve always played centre half-back, so playing forward this season was very different but it’s been heaps of fun and enjoyed learning a new position. Of course scoring some goals is fun.”

Q: Going into that new role, what was the catalyst for making that switch?

AN: “I think I’m very good aerial so I think the Swans kind of noticed that and thought ‘we can put her in centre half-forward’ and I did ask to have a go at centre half-forward just because I’ve never played it before, and I guess it stuck.”

Q: You mentioned aerial, but what are some of the strengths in your game?

AN: “Definitely aerial, second efforts, I do pride myself on my second efforts, and then my pressure and then tackling.”

Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?

AN: “Definitely my kicking, my goalkicking and just staying composed when I get the ball and not rushing it. Those are my improvements, and just getting stronger.”

Q: Is there a player you look up to at the top level or model your game on?

AN: “I do love Nick Blakey. Even though he is a back, I just love that he runs with the ball and even though he is one of the smaller men he always puts his body on the line and gives 100 per cent.”

Q: In terms of club support, I presume Sydney?

AN: “Yeah I’m a Swans fan.”

Q: Have you always been a Swans fan even before you were in the Academy?

AN: “I think Academy was the first time I knew AFL so I stuck with Swans. I do love the Giants colours and their song, but the Swans (are my team).”

Q: Did you play many other sports growing up?

AN: “I did a lot of sports growing up. I did a bit of swimming, my mum forced me into swimming and then I did Little Athletics, touch football, a bit of netball, league tag.”

Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?

AN: “Definitely my mum and my family, but my coaches have been amazing. Always making me feel part of the team even though I wasn’t playing.”

Q: What goals do you set for the season ahead?

AN: “Just to improve I guess, get drafted of course this year, that would be amazing, but just to improve along the way and get better.”