THE SYDNEY Swans Academy has maintained its perfect record in the 2026 Summer Series after defeating the AFL Sydney Under 22s by 62 points at Henson Park on Saturday. After conceding the first goal and going without one in the opening term, the Swans set up their victory with the next 12 majors.

Returning star Guy Jenkin kicked the Swans’ first goal five minutes into term two, finally putting a major next to his side’s five minor scores. The floodgates well and truly opened after that, as the slick Under 18 outfit complimented its attacking onslaught with desperate defensive efforts to salute in style.

We took note of the Swans’ best prospects and performers on the day.

SWANS ACADEMY 0.4 | 4.6 | 10.8 | 13.11 (89)
AFL SYDNEY U22 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 2.5 (17)

GOALS:
Swans Academy: I. Luke 3, G. Jenkin 2, B. Pignatelli 2, O. Griffiths, L. Macri, H. Meaney, J. Medved, R. Meyrick, A. Norris
AFL Sydney U22: O. Irwin, T. Ryan

BEST:
Swans Academy: W. Jenkin, C. Blackwell-Smith, G. Jenkin, H. Meaney, R. Meyrick, W. Morahan
AFL Sydney U22: B. Latanis, X. Russell, B. Laws, J. Jones, C. Donald, M. Toohey

>> Scouting Notes: Giants Academy vs. AFL Canberra U22

SCOUTING NOTES

SWANS ACADEMY:

#8 Patrick Smith
Midfielder | 187cm | 07/05/2008

Sporting heavy strapping on his right leg, Smith was thrown into the cut and thrust of midfield. He instantly showed a knack for sharking the ball at speed, using his power to burst out of centre stoppages. Smith’s baulks and smooth lateral movement allowed him to shift to the outside and take quick metres, which he usually likes to do off half-back. His kicking on the run was untidy at times, but the top-ager posed a threat in full flight and got the game moving forward.

#10 Conrad Blackwell-Smith
Midfielder | 179cm | 23/10/2008

A workhorse through midfield, Blackwell-Smith willed himself to a strong possessions tally. He nabbed the opening centre clearance of the game and was busy around stoppages, never shy to lay a big hit or apply pressure. That kind of work ethic translated to Sydney’s in-possession phases, where Blackwell-Smith spread hard and got increasingly involved on the attack. His ball use may not have been as flashy as others, but he sparked a couple of scoring passages in the second half and was everywhere at times.

#11 Will Jenkin
Defender | 179cm | 25/11/2008

Jenkin controlled the match from half-back, utilising his polished foot skills and decision making to dictate play. Teammates often looked to get the ball in his hands and he rewarded them with great combination work on the rebound from defence, helping his side flick the switch into attack mode. As the game wore on, Jenkin brought his overlap run further up the field and timed each surge nicely. He also displayed his combativeness with a second term tackle which ridded an opponent of his guernsey.

#23 Guy Jenkin
Forward | 177cm | 25/11/2008

Returning to the fold on the back of an interrupted off-season, Jenkin was stationed up forward. After the Swans went goalless in the opening term, the top-ager helped spark his side’s scoring onslaught with two majors in the second quarter. Jenkin was strong overhead for a player his size but also brought his usual toughness and pressure when the ball hit the deck. His foot skills in open play were a little less assured, but Jenkin is typically quite efficient and made his moments count in front of goal.

#31 Mason McGroder
Key Defender | 195cm | 18/09/2008

Reprising his role at centre half-back, McGroder once again produced some eye-catching moments. His speed was on show as he took off several times through the corridor, backing himself to accelerate away from opponents before taking a bounce and launching forward. That ability to go end-to-end in an instant is rare for a key position player, which counters his rawness. McGroder can continue to refine his kicking on the run, but he hit targets nicely when stationary. Low-possession, high-impact.

#34 Oscar Clifton
Ruck/Key Forward | 198cm | 28/10/2007

While he had less influence with the ball than in game one, Clifton’s domination at the centre bounces went a long way to his side’s success. The over-ager gave Sydney’s midfielders silver service, leaping high to win clear hitouts to advantage. Another impressive facet of Clifton’s game was his handling, able to handle the loose ball or pick it up off his laces. He also positioned well for long balls down the line and spent time resting forward as Oliver Griffiths chopped out in the ruck.

Others:

Midfielders Henry Meaney and Ricky Meyrick produced plenty of nice moments in midfield, including kicking a classy goal each in the second half. Speaking of goals, livewire Isaac Luke booted three in stylish fashion, while fellow small forward Levi Macri managed one. The latter brought great energy and speed to the game after half time. Down back, Will Morahan played a crucial role in shutting down AFL Sydney spearhead Tom Ryan, and Alex Norris showed his power before finishing the day with a goal.

>> Scouting Notes: Swans Academy vs. AFL Canberra U22