THE Sydney Swans are pleased to announce that highly regarded West Australian teenager Tom Mitchell has committed to join the Club under the father-son rule.

Tom, a skilful midfielder who toured South Africa with the AIS-AFL Academy Squad this year, has agreed to be drafted by the Club at the 2011 National Draft.

His father, Barry, played 170 games for the Swans in a decorated career from 1984 to 1992. He was the Club’s Best and Fairest winner in 1991 and is a Life Member of the Club.

Sydney Swans senior coach, Paul Roos, said Mitchell was one of the most talented young players he had seen. "Tom is a prolific ball winner and a fantastic young man,’’ Roos said.

“Tom will fit in well with the group of fresh, talented players who have come to the Club recently, and we believe he will be part of a team that can take the Club to a successful future.’’

Mitchell spent a week at the Swans during the 2010 pre-season, as part of his AIS-AFL commitments, and impressed everyone at the Club.

The Club’s General Manager, Football, Dean Moore, said Mitchell would be a very welcome addition to the Swans playing list.

“We are pleased that the Mitchell name will once again feature at the Sydney Swans,’’ Moore said.

“Tom is exactly the sort of player we need in today’s football, and to secure one of the best young midfielders in the country under the father-son rule is very important for the Club.’’

A left-footer, Tom was a standout at the U16 national carnival in 2009, averaging more than 32 disposals per game. He won WA’s Most Valuable Player award and was lauded for his clean ball handling and ability to excel as both an in-and-under player at the contests, and a fast-running outside midfielder.

Tom, 17, is in Year 11 at Hale College in Perth, and plays for the Claremont colts.

Tom said he was looking forward to joining the Swans at the end of 2011.

“I felt very welcome when I visited the Club and met the players and coaches. I’ve made this decision because I believe the Swans will be the right Club to help me develop my game,” he said. “I’ve always liked the Swans because of my family connection.''