SYDNEY Swans fans can anticipate another strong wave of academy talent this year, headlined by a pair of recent VFL debutants. Emerging defender Jake Medved was the latest to earn a state league berth, joining smooth moving midfielder Henry Meaney at the level in Round 18 over the weekend.

Both prospects were recently part of the Allies squad and have since earned senior promotions. They have come from a fair way back this year, with Meaney putting together consistent form in Swans colours, while Medved showed glimpses of his athletic upside as a dual-sporting talent.

The Swans have a few more academy prospects to ponder, but these two will be front of mind given how they have adjusted to VFL football. They contributed to their side’s 78-point thumping of Greater Western Sydney at ENGIE Stadium, which served as a curtain-raiser for the AFL game.

>> UP THE GRADES: State teammates turn rivals in WAFL

Midfielder

Henry Meaney

184cm

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23-08-2008

Defender

Jake Medved

191cm

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02-06-2008

STRENGTHS

IMPROVEMENTS

PLAYER FOCUS

2026 VFL Round 18

GWS Giants 14.6 (90) def. by Sydney Swans 25.18 (168)
Saturday July 25, 12:35pm @ ENGIE Stadium

#68 Henry Meaney (Sydney Swans VFL)

Plying his trade in a midfield rotation littered with AFL-listed talent, Meaney provided great fold with his poise and precise ball use. He attended just under half of the total centre ball-ups (18/43), with a permanent run up forward during the second term making up 13 of his missed restarts.

The talented teenager showed a good deal of confidence after debuting last week, applying strong intent at the contest. While lightly framed, he was prepared to make repeat efforts and mop up the ground ball at stoppage. One of his best moments was a crunching tackle in the opening term, which led to a goal.

Meaney’s momentum was somewhat halted having spent the second quarter up forward, unable to quite impose himself on Sydney’s scoring onslaught. Still, he worked into intelligent spots up the ground to get involved in the Swans’ wave running towards goal, utilising his quick and clean hands to good effect.

Despite starting term three in attack, Meaney ended up lifting his centre ball-up output late in the term. His ball handling was once again outstanding, able to collect the ball below his knees, jink his way into space and quickly identify a target. He was incredibly efficient with his handballs, albeit a touch reliant.

The third quarter marked a strong one in terms of accumulation for Meaney. He facilitated plenty of flowing moves in the attacking phase, feeding the Swans’ runners and getting involved in dangerous combination play. He even unselfishly gave off a goal opportunity to set up Tom Ryan over the back.

Such level-headedness and team play were indicative of Meaney’s mindset. While lacking that touch of strength and power to truly impose himself on the midfield battle, he had no trouble finding the ball around the ground and looked to make good use of each possession, showing his class along the way.

#72 Jake Medved (Sydney Swans VFL)

Medved took no time to catch the eye in his VFL debut, showing glimpses of the player he could become with greater exposure to the game. He was posted in Sydney’s defence but was prepared to venture high up the ground with expansive transitional play based on pure attacking instincts.

The athletic phenom had a couple of high-impact moments in the opening term. His speed was immediately put to use as he mopped up a loose ball to help lock it into Sydney’s front half. He also accelerated from deep in defence, effortlessly skipping past an opponent to get going on the rebound.

Medved’s crowning moment came towards the end of the opening period as he settled under a high ball and marked it atop the Swans’ forward 50. Seemingly a couple of kicks from goal, he confidently went back and proved that notion wrong with a massive 60-metre roost for his maiden VFL goal.

With a positive start in tow, Medved went on to show his ability to shift gears in the back half. His ball use was measured in slow play, but he would just as readily flick the switch to take on opponents and launch transitional forays. He did so at pace, linking up with teammates before launching long by foot.

Medved continued to lurk for overlap opportunities up the ground after half time, very much fitting the bill as an attacking defender. His defensive acumen was tested, although he was strong over the ball when required and proved capable of snuffing out danger before eventually looking to attack.

Ironically against the ‘orange tsunami’, Sydney made waves of their own with quick ball movement from end-to-end, and Medved was certainly part of that. Coming from a touch football background, his growth and potential are akin to 2025 Swans Academy graduate and first round selection Harry Kyle.