SYDNEY Swans Academy midfielder Kiera Yerbury is a tall and athletic ball-winner who is strong at the contest and competitive around the ground. Capable of drifting forward and impacting up there, Yerbury had an impressive first-up against in Sydney’s victory over Tasmania Devils on Anzac Day.
We spoke to Yerbury at the Swans’ Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, game and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Kiera, tell us a little about your footy journey and earliest memories?
KY: “I did soccer and netball up to Year 5 and then quit soccer in Year 6 because dad’s a massive footy fan and my brother played so I just decided to take it up. After my first year dad was like ‘oh I’ve put your name to sign up for the Swans’ and I was like ‘oh ok’ but ever since then I’ve loved it ever since.”
Q: How many years have you been in the Swans Academy?
KY: “Five. 2020 was my first year so this is my fifth year.”
Q: Apart from dad and brother, have you had some mentors along hte way that have really helped?
KY: “Grandparents on my mum’s side, my grandad is a massive footy fan as well, he lives in Adelaide. He’s pushing me to do my best. A few coaches definitely Tanya (Hetherington, Swans Academy head coach) has played a massive role on me as a player I think. But not only as a player, but as a person. She’s just made me a better person in general. I’ve done kicking work with Tim Schmidt and he’s played a massive role in not only my kicking but my gamestyle as well, so I think they’re the main influences.”
Q: How’s preseason been for you?
KY: “It’s been really good. Started up before Christmas in November so great to get back into it after club and everything. Good time over the Christmas break, had some training drills to do in the off-season, that was super good. I love getting back at it now.”
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
KY: “Definitely competitive. I love to compete, I love to win. I don’t like when people stand in my way of doing what’s best for the team.”
Q: What are some of your other strengths?
KY: “I think I’ve got a good overhead mark and I’m definitely working on my kicking at the moment but probably reading the play is a good strength. I think I know the gameplay and where’s best position to get into.”
Q: What kind of role will you play this year?
KY: “Midfielder.”
Q: Do you go for the Swans?
KY: “I actually go for Collingwood.”
Q: Any reason?
KY: “Again, dad. He didn’t follow AFL massively when he was little but his first game he went to he lived in Sydney was a Swans vs Collingwood and everyone was going for Swans so he thought I’ll be different and go for Collingwood and they won and we’ve kind of been diehard supporters ever since.”
Q: Is there any player you look up to? Maybe someone you’ve met at the Swans?
KY: “Errol Gulden, he just knows how to read the game, his second efforts are incredible to watch. I’d love to be able to play like him. At Collingwood, probably Nick Daicos, cliche but he’s a great player. Scott Pendlebury as well. In W, Chloe Molloy or Ally Morphett, quite tall for Ally but they’re just both amazing players and read the game so well and both have great strength.”
Q: Are you set on playing for the Swans or are you happy to go elsewhere?
KY: “I’m just honestly set on W. I don’t mind where I go but just the thought of playing W is amazing. I’d love to be able to do that, not set on any particular team.”
What goals do you set for yourself this year?
KY: “Well draft at the end of the year, but I guess more milestones along the way like Allies would be a massive thing. Before that, making sides for the Swans and playing good games in Coates league and all that stuff before Allies and then from then on Allies, and draft would be fantastic.”
