Our 2025 draftees have been handed their guernsey numbers as pre-season continues this month. The six athletes appeared in a press conference at Sydney Swans HQ on Wednesday to discuss the news as they continue to adjust to life in red and white. 

Jesse Dattoli, Riak Andrew, Ned Bowman, Ben Paton, Riley Bice and Blake Leidler were recruited to the club via the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft and Telstra Rookie Draft last month. Bowman, who was drafted from Norwood in South Australia, admitted it's been a "shock to the system" but said he's enjoyed the change in scenery. 

"It all happened pretty quickly... It's been a good few weeks to start off. I'm finding my feet at the moment and working my way through it," he shared.

Werribee star and mature-age recruit Riley Bice echoed the notion adding how grateful he was for the position. 

"I'm just looking forward to getting to work and seeing what happens," Bice said. 

"A lot of hard work has gone into it, but I'm very grateful for a lot of people that have been in my corner supporting me and pushing me along the way."

Riak on the moment he called Sam Reid

"Sam Reid had 10-plus years here, kicked a lot of goals, premiership player. I'm honoured to wear the number 20 and hopefully carry the legacy for years to come. 

"I gave Sam a call yesterday. I think he was caught by surprise... We had a good chat for about five minutes or so and he said, 'enjoy the ride. It comes quick, but, it's a family club here and everyone here is here to support you.' 

"He taught me a lot of lessons and gave me some good advice."

05:25

"This is my life now, its all a bit surreal" - Andrew

Hear from Swans draftee Riak Andrew as he speaks to the media around joining the club and what we can expect to see from him in the future.

Ned on wearing number 23

"It's pretty special for me to see the previous wearers like Matty Nicks, and especially Buddy Franklin. He's one of the most dominant players to ever play the game really. So to be in the same sentence as those types of players is pretty surreal."

05:03

“I’m just happy to put it on and live up to even a quarter of what the number represents.” - Bowman

Hear from Swans draftee Ned Bowman as he speaks to the media around joining the club and what we can expect to see from him in the future.

Blake on his on-field strengths

"I think a few things. Obviously with my one-on-one defending, I think I can set myself apart from others with that  and being happy to play a deeper back role and a match-up role.

"But then my speed as well is - I can make that a big weapon of mine."

03:38

“He’s probably the hardest person I had to match up against this year.” - Leidler

Hear from Swans draftee Blake Leidler as he speaks to the media around joining the club and what we can expect to see from him in the future.

Riley on why he chose Luke Parker's old number

"It's obviously a massive privilege following him. He's a champion of the club, premiership player, and captain. As a Swans supporter growing up I looked up to Parks a lot."

02:22

“It’s a massive privilege to follow him and he’s a champion of the club.” - Bice

Hear from Swans draftee Riley Bice as he speaks to the media around joining the club and what we can expect to see from him in the future.

Ben on joining the Swans

"I think a new club, new surroundings [is motivating]. And obviously fresh set of eyes looking over you. I suppose just the new coaching staff and players as well gives you a fresh perspective. Looking forward to what's ahead."

04:09

“I back myself in to play” - Paton

Hear from Swans draftee Ben Paton as he speaks to the media around joining the club and what we can expect to see from him in the future.

Jesse on what improvements he wants to make to his craft

"There's obviously a few things that I need to do, like working on my work rate, my tackling approach and my front centre work. "So I'm just trying to work on those still to put myself and my name in consideration."

02:44

"First thing I thought was I've gotta pack my bags and get to work." - Dattoli

Hear from Swans draftee Jesse Dattoli as he speaks to the media around joining the club and what we can expect to see from him in the future.

The Swans will play in an AAMI Community Series fixture against the Gold Coast Suns before kicking off their season, hosting an Opening Round fixture against Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday, March 7.

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