COMING off an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last year, few would have predicted just how much of an impact Sydney Swans Academy member Alex Neyland could have made in her top-age season. The Cardiff Hawks tall expected to play in defence like she did prior to her knee injury, but instead was thrown forward, a role she now loves.

“I think I definitely prefer forward which I definitely wouldn’t have said at the start of the whole season, but just being able to play my own game and more so them following me rather than me having to play against a forward and me play to their game, which I prefer,” Neyland said at the National AFLW Draft Combine.”

Coming back off a major injury is never easy, but Neyland took it all within her stride, describing the year as “fun” and a “learning opportunity” where she could grow as both a player and person. Though her season was not just a year where she returned from injury, instead it was one where she immediately caught attention.

Standing at 178cm, Neyland has elite athleticism and the versatility to play at both ends. While coming into 2025 she might have been considered relatively unknown compared to many others in her draft class, but she quickly became known through her impressive aerial ability and ground level pressure.

While it might have seemed like an incredible year, Neyland admitted she had to overcome some mental barriers when being too harsh on herself at times.

“I definitely found it hard, especially just going from Coates League into Allies,” she said. “The expectation I put on myself to perform at the same level when I’m playing against girls that are really, really skilled and really good opposition. “At first I put a little bit of pressure on myself, but as it went on, I think I just kept growing.”

Ranked seventh in our most recent September AFLW Draft Power Rankings, Neyland received a National Draft Combine invite and was among 46 players to receive the honour.

“I was really excited (when I was told),” Neyland said. “I was stoked to be able to come and just be a part of it.”

While the last few months of a top-age campaign can be a stressful time for young athletes between school, work and the great unknown of her future, Neyland was completely laid back.

“To be honest, not a lot (planned from here),” Neyland said. “It’s going to be very chill from here. “I think after this the break starts, you’ve got to keep up with your footy and your strength because you don’t want that to go, but you kind of get to enjoy yourself. “School’s done, footy’s done, hang out with your friends.”

Neyland is of course tied to the Sydney Swans Academy, though given her trek up to the Harbour City is far from easy living on the coast, the top-age talent would hold no fears about relocating if the opportunity presented itself.

“I’m very open to going wherever of course,” Neyland said. “It’s scary to move away from home, but Sydney’s a foreign place anyway, so either way I’m moving.”