Harry Kyle Draft Profile

Swans AcademyDefender-Midfielder

#32

Harry Kyle

height: 188cm

weight:

D.O.B: 16-07-2007

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “An athletic prospect boasting size and upside who connects the lines with his powerful running.” – Michael Alvaro

Arguably no player has come from further back to be in draft contention this year than Harry Kyle. The defender/midfielder started out the season just hoping to get a game with the Sydney Swans Academy, and is now among a quartet of Swans likely to be taken in the national intake. A Sydneysider born to Victorian parents, he grew up playing rugby and basketball, only joining the Academy in the middle of last year.

He had played Aussie rules sporadically to that point, but an email to the Swans’ Academy coordinator landed him a successful four-week trial. 2025 marked his first full year with the Swans and after promising Summer and Academy series, he continued to build during the Coates Talent League stint. His form warranted an Allies call-up, where he played a full carnival and turned from one to watch, to a genuine draft chance.

Post-champs, Kyle got the opportunity to train with the senior Swans and was afforded a VFL debut in Round 18. It wasn’t the only senior opportunity he had this year, turning out four times in the AFL Sydney Premier Divison for UNSW-ES Bulldogs. Then came the National Draft Combine, where Kyle showcased his athleticism to post three top-10 results and remind recruiters of his significant upside.

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STRENGTHS:

+ Athleticism
+ Clean hands
+ Size
+ Transition running
+ Upside
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

+ Consistency
+ Footy IQ

Kyle plays an eye-catching brand of football, able to drive the ball forward with power and repeat running. Stationed mostly off half-back or the wing, he provides plenty of rebound and isn't afraid to take the game on. To do so, Kyle leans on his rugby background to chain up by hand, drawing opponents and dishing off to teammates before getting the ball back and completing another forward carry.

Much of that kind of play is down to Kyle's athletic profile. He's quite tall but agile, possessing a smooth side-step and explosive speed. He ranked 10th in the national combine's agility test, stopping the clock at 8.116 seconds. Kyle translates that on-field with his ability to carve through traffic and gain metres on the outside. It makes him a dangerous connective force throughout the transitional phase.

The second facet of Kyle's athleticism is his vertical leap. He posted the best running vertical jump (98cm) at the draft combine, and utilises it when competing for marks. Kyle is quite clean overhead, lending to an intercept element down back. He can also swoop on loose balls and use his power to spark running waves, again showcasing his clean hands in productive chains of possession.

Kyle's size and build are also handy attributes. He has the frame to be able to compete on the inside and is keen to expand his midfield craft. There, his hardness and tackling ability lend to a solid contested game, and also boost his versatility. Kyle shows great upside in that regard, not only improving rapidly with very little high-level football under his belt, but projecting as a prospect who can play anywhere.

Whether inside, outside, or down back, Kyle has been exposed to many roles already. Although, his relative lack of exposure to the code means he has some catching up to do in the way of game IQ. There remains an element of rawness to Kyle, but time in an elite environment will inevitably boost his skillset and ability to consistently produce solid output. Recruiters are banking on what he could be, rather than what he purely is.

DRAFT RANGE: 25-40

SUMMARY:

Kyle’s upside and strong rate of development will have recruiters peering into their crystal balls to imagine what he could become. His athletic profile suits the modern game, as does his power running and versatile nature. While half-back or the wing are where he will likely first ply his trade, Kyle has said he would prefer to eventually end up in the cut and thrust of midfield. He projects as a Finn Callaghan type with his ability to take ground and carry the ball forward from the centre. There is a world where Kyle attracts a bid late in an extended first round, but he more likely falls in the second and beyond.