{"id":183291,"date":"2025-03-20T16:44:09","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T06:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=183291"},"modified":"2025-03-20T16:44:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T06:44:11","slug":"2025-summer-series-recap-sydney-swans-academy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2025\/03\/20\/2025-summer-series-recap-sydney-swans-academy\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Summer Series recap: Sydney Swans Academy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THE SYDNEY Swans Academy went undefeated in this year’s Summer Series, accounting for all comers by an average winning margin of 37 points. Boasting two National Academy members and three potential first round prospects, there is plenty to be excited about for fans of the red and white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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RESULTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

RECORD: <\/strong>3-0 | WWW | 205.3%<\/p>\n\n\n\n

def. AFL Canberra U22 9.9 (63) to 3.7 (25)
<\/a>def. AFL Sydney U22 7.8 (50) to 5.1 (31)
<\/a>def. Giants Academy U18 12.10 (82) to 5.9 (39)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOW IT HAPPENED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sydney blew out the cobwebs one the road in game one with a 38-point victory over AFL Canberra Under 22, setting up the result with five goals to one in the first half. After being challenged in term three, the Swans came home strongly to pile on three unanswered goals in the final quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An accurate AFL Sydney Under 22 side was next on the agenda. The Swans rose to the task to lead at every break and come away with a hard-fought 29-point win in Blacktown. All seven of their goalkickers nabbed one apiece in a side which was bolstered by key draft age inclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Swans completed a 3-0 series by downing their Under 18 counterparts, GWS Giants Academy, to the tune of 43 points. Max King<\/strong> starred with six goals as the Swans were hardly challenged in Blacktown. They again shot out of the gates to post seven goals to one in the opening half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kaiden McNamara<\/a>
Defender | 186cm | 26\/04\/2007<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would be easy to name King here but McNamara deserves recognition for his solid contributions across the three fixtures. He started out in his customary defensive post against AFL Canberra before making good on increased midfield minutes throughout games two and three. He was hard at the contest going both ways, won his share of clearances, and got good purchase on long kicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Q&A:<\/strong> Kaiden McNamara (Swans Academy)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Max King flies for a mark | Image Credit: Merrillie Redden Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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MOST GOALS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Max King<\/a> – 7 (1, 0, 6)
Midfielder\/Forward | 192cm | 09\/01\/2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

King’s star turn came in game three where he snared six goals against the Giants Academy. He was made to play as a makeshift tall forward in the absence of Noah Chamberlain<\/strong> and Tom Ryan<\/strong>, presenting up the ground as a connection piece and getting dangerous close to goal. His end product was at its best in that game, though King’s raw athleticism and freakish talent were on display throughout the series. He impacted in exciting bursts and showcased his dynamism as a tall utility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> AFL Draft:<\/strong> Race to #1 \u2013 Max King<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Six goals for Swans Academy prospect Max King in a 43pt win vs. the Giants – including this one. Full of raw talent and athleticism, some clubs rate him among the top five. #AFLDraft<\/a>

Scouting Notes tonight ? pic.twitter.com\/YsADTDNvbY<\/a><\/p>— Michael Alvaro (@MichaelTAlvaro) March 18, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>