The Sydney Swans have bolstered their AFLW list, with experienced key forward Rebecca Privitelli joining the red and white.
Privitelli comes to the club with five seasons of experience, having previously played for Carlton and GWS.
Also putting pen to paper is North Shore Bombers athlete Zoe Hurrell, and Ella Heads of the Inner West Magpies.
Executive General Manager – AFLW, Kate Mahony revealed it’s exciting to see Sydney’s AFLW list beginning to take shape.
“With the 2022 AFLW season now complete we’re full steam ahead building our list, and it’s incredibly exciting to be able to add experienced talent,” Mahony said.
“Rebecca Privitelli is a senior signing. We know she will be one of many to bring with her a wealth of experience, having played at the highest level of professional women’s footy.
“Our first Sydney Swans AFLW side is taking shape and we look forward to making further announcements in the coming weeks.”
It’s Game On for the Sydney Swans entry into the AFLW competition commencing in 2022. Follow along the Sydney Swans AFLW journey on our new social media channels on Instagram and Twitter.
OUR NEW SYDNEY SWANS
Rebecca Privitelli
Recruited from: GWS Giants
Height: 169cm
DOB: 03/01/1995
Position: Key forward
Rebecca Privitelli joins the Swans with five seasons of AFLW experience to her name. Privitelli was drafted by Carlton in the 2016 AFL Women’s draft, making her debut for the Blues in Round 2 of the 2017 AFLW season.
The 27-year-old played five games for Carlton before she was signed by the Giants, where she went on to play 23-games over four seasons.
Privitelli revealed her move to the red and white was largely influenced by her desire to grow her game under head coach Scott Gowans, who she once worked with at Carlton.
“I’ve worked with Scotty previously and when I saw he was going to be head coach it was a massive part of my attraction to the club. I think he’s a great coach and I think he’s going to do some incredible things, not just for the club, but also for footy in Sydney,” Privitelli said.
“I’m excited to start something fresh and from the beginning, and be a part of building the club culture and growing with the club going forward. The Bloods culture is well known across Sydney and it’s something I’ve always aspired to be a part of, so that’s really exciting as well.”
Zoe Hurrell
Recruited from: North Shore Bombers
Height: 178cm
DOB: 15/10/01
Position: Midfielder
At just 20 years of age, Zoe Hurrell already has 10 seasons of AFL under her belt and a list of accolades to go with it.
Hurrell spent six seasons playing with her junior club Willoughby Mosman Swans, followed by a year with her senior club at Sydney University, before joining North Shore Bombers in 2020.
On top of club footy, Hurrell played for NSW/ACT and the Eastern Allies in 2018/2019. Shewas named in the ‘Team of the Year’ for AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division, while also placing third for the rising star.
Hurrell is no stranger to the red and white, having played in the Under 19s QBE Sydney Swans Academy side last year.
“It’s so surreal, I’m really grateful to be given this opportunity and be part of such a great club,” Hurrell said.
“I started playing footy when I was 11, when youth girls footy came to Sydney. I went through the NSW/ACT pathway, played in the state teams and the Allies. I missed out in the draft when I was 18, and now finally, I’m here.
“As a player I’m quite versatile – I’ll happily play anywhere, but my strengths are definitely either end of the ground, especially half-back because I like reading the play.”
Ella Heads
Recruited from: Inner West Magpies
Height: 175cm
DOB: 24/6/03
Position: Midfielder
Ella Heads joins the Sydney Swans from the Inner West Magpies. A natural talent, Heads earned a spot on the Sydney East Academy in 2019 and maintained her selection in 2020.
Heads enjoyed a strong 2020 season at the Magpies, by claiming the Under 18s Best and Fairest.
The 18-year-old joins the red and white having already spent some time with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, which she credits for best preparing her to play professional AFL.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Sydney Swans. They were my Academy team growing up through juniors, and to go back to my home club and pull on the guernsey is such an honour,” Heads said.
“I was part of the inaugural team for the Under 19s competition in 2021, and also played for the Swans in the Summer Series this year. When the Swans opened up the QBE Sydney Swans Academy last year, I got to experience the rich culture at the club and I am really excited to be joining the red and white.”
