Young rugby league sensation Tyrell Mayfield is looking to follow in the footsteps of Kieren and Brandon Jack with his sights set on an AFL career.
The 15-year-old has been a part of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy for the last three years and has opted to remain with the Academy in the pursuit of living his Aussie Rules dream.
Mayfield has had a number of NRL sides interested in his talents after he showcased his explosive speed and agility playing for Randwick Boys High School.
He was named in the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League team this year but has opted to concentrate on AFL and his studies.
“It will be a real challenge but I’m up for it,” Mayfield said.
“I wouldn’t say I am giving Rugby League away, I’m keeping my options open and concentrating on AFL and we’ll see what the future brings.”
“There are a lot of different skills in the AFL and I wasn’t much of a kicker playing league so I know I am going to have to improve my kicking.”
Mayfield was identified by scouts from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy at primary school level while playing in the Paul Kelly Cup.
Swans Academy coach Michael O’Loughlin looks forward to seeing the development of Mayfield over the next few years.
“I haven’t seen a lot of Tyrell but what I have I like,” O’Loughlin said.
“Now it’s my job to get the skill component into him and educate him on all the knowledge he needs to play AFL.
“One of the strengths of the Academy is preparation and it might be a shock to the system for Tyrell but we’ve worked with a lot of great athletes over the years and we’re rapt we’ve got him.”