QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate Holly Cooper will make her AFLW debut when Sydney face Richmond in Coffs Harbour this Saturday.
The 19-year old who hails from Newcastle, was recruited to the Sydney Swans on the final day of the 2023 Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period and has impressed in her first pre-season with the club.
A local NSW product, Cooper heralds from the Cardiff Hawks and also played with the Manly Wolves in her U18s year in 2023.
She joined the QBE Sydney Swans Academy as a 16-year old for the winter series in 2022 and after a taste of the program, went away and worked extremely hard to get herself in a position to realise her dream of becoming an AFLW player, drafted just two years later.
A former Allies representative, the young midfielder is known for her athleticism and showcased this with a near-perfect performance at the 2023 Draft Combine.
Sydney coach Scott Gowans said he was thrilled to give the 19-year her opportunity after she had put in a solid first pre-season on the AFLW list."Holly has just worked so hard," Gowans said.
"She had some really clear things to work on in preseason and she's done that. She's had a couple of really good scrimmages and she has just pushed her way into the side. She's fast, she's quick and she's exciting."
Cooper was told the news in Thursday's team meeting by AFLW Assistant Coach Tanya Hetherington and was swamped by her teammates in jubilation when it was announced.Cooper said it was an emotional moment and that she couldn't wait to run out for her first game on Saturday.
"It's amazing, I have been waiting for this moment," Cooper said.
"It's surreal as I only real thought about it last year when I played my first full QBE Swans Academy season.
"I had a lot of great support around me (in the QBE Academy) Steve (Stephen Kelly, strength and conditioning coach) and Nick Davis too.
"I had opportunities to learn and also being an AFLW training partner last year helped me get here.
"I didn't think would but I am definitely really determined and have trained really hard. I am going to bring my speed, my hunt and intent to win the footy to the team.
"The Swans face the Tigers at C.ex Stadium in Coffs Harbour on Saturday afternoon with first bounce at 12.35pm.
