We are proud to announce two QBE Sydney Swans Academy products have been named in the U16 All Australian team, following the 2024 Marsh AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys.

Guy Jenkin and Aidan McCartney have featured after the QBE Sydney Swans Academy had an undefeated run in Pool B of the competition. The team won all three of their matches, including a 13-point victory over Tasmania in Round 3 which decided the title.

Jenkin averaged 18.3 disposals, including 5.7 contested possessions. The wingman finished the championships with a best on the ground performance against Tasmania.

Full forward Aidan McCartney showed excellent goal kicking craft from long range and on tight angles, averaging 2.3 goals per game from his 10 disposals and three marks. He's the son of Jason McCartney who played for Collingwood, Adelaide and North Melbourne.

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QBE Swans Academy claim National U16 Development Championships title

When asked about the up-and-coming stars, U16 Top End Male Head Coach Shane McGahan spoke proudly about the skills they have developed.

“Guy has great endurance and clean skills on both sides of his body and has shown he has a natural ability to read the game," McGahan told Sydney Swans Media.

McGahan explained Jenkin plays well under pressure, emphasising that the young wingman displays well calculated decision making skills, despite encountering several hurdles this year.

Guy Jenkin represents the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

“Being selected in the All Australian team is a real testament to Guys dedication and work ethic as he has had to work his way through some setbacks this year with a back injury that kept him on the sidelines for an extended period.” he added.

According to the Academy head coach, McCartney has similarly shown his willingness to push himself.

“He can take a strong contested mark and has a quick turn of speed on the lead which gets him into good spots as a forward as well as a sound knowledge of the game.”

“His size and strength, as well as his agility are proving a hard match up for any defender."

The All Australian team is made of an all star group of athletes. This year the group were selected by a panel comprising Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Paul Hamilton (AFL National Talent Development & Competitions Manager), Tarkyn Lockyer (Marsh AFL National Academy Manager) and AFL club recruiting staff Brett Anderson (Port Adelaide), Scott Clayton (North Melbourne), Mark Finnigan (Hawthorn), Neville Stibbard (Tasmania), Jason Taylor and Matt Lannan (Melbourne).