The Sydney Swans are excited to announce that Montana Ham, Cynthia Hamilton, and Sofia Hurley have recommitted to the red and white on long-term deals.
The news comes as a boost ahead of our second AFLW campaign, with the trio coming off breakout seasons and finishing in the top three of the club's 2022 Club Champion awards.
Ham, our number one pick at last year's NAB AFLW Draft, averaged 14 disposals and impressed in her seven games with her athleticism, football smarts and ability to break the contest. Her 20 disposals against Port Adelaide in Round 4 saw her earn a Rising Star nomination.
Ham said she is excited to extend her say at the Swans.
"The Swans are my home away from home. Ever since I arrived at the club, I felt like this is where I belong," Ham said.
"It's been a dream come true so far, and I'm excited to do everything I can to play some good footy and improve on what we started in our first season."
Executive General Manager - AFLW, Kate Mahony, said the trio's commitment to the red and white will pave the way for success on and off the field.
"We're over the moon to have these three locked in for the foreseeable future. Montana, Cynthia and Sofia will be integral to our long-term success," Mahony said.
"Last year was just the beginning of what will hopefully be special careers for each of them. We're incredibly excited to see what 2023 has in store for them, and we're determined to do everything we can to make their journey one to remember.”
Hamilton, Sydney’s reigning Club Champion, quickly made a name for herself last season with her fearless defensive pressure and relentless presence around the contest.
The former NSW/ACT and All-Australian junior had 19 disposals in two games last season (Round 4 v Hawthorn and Round 10 v Geelong), and kicked two goals in the Swans narrow loss to Essendon in Round 6. She earned a Rising Star nomination in the club's final game against Geelong.
The 18-year-old, who was selected from the Queanbeyan Tigers with pick 11 in the 2022 AFLW Draft, said she is looking forward to making memories in the red and white.
"This is a great club and I'm so excited to be here for the next few seasons. I think the club is in a really strong place and I want to be part of the legacy that we're building together," Hamilton said.
"I feel really proud of what I accomplished last season, but I think there is plenty of room for improvement. I'm just excited to play alongside my team-mates and represent the red and white in the best way possible.”
Hurley, another 2022 Rising Star nominee, came to prominence with starring performances last season against Essendon (12 disposals, 2 goals) and Fremantle (15 disposals, 1 goal).
A core part of the team, the dynamic midfielder said she is determined to improve.
"I feel like last year was just the beginning for many of us and to have my future sorted here is amazing," Hurley said.
"It's a club with rich history, and knowing that we are now forging our own in the red and white is truly special."
The contingent of re-signings further bolsters the playing stocks for the club following the additions of Chloe Molloy, Lucy McEvoy and Irish trio Paris McCarthy, Jennifer Higgins, and Julie O'Sullivan, as part of the AFLW Sign and Trade Period.
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