Three Swans have been named in Opening Round coaches votes following strong individual performances, despite recording a 20-point loss to Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday night. 

Forward-turned-defender Sam Wicks received five votes for his speed off half-back, the 25-year-old recording 18 disposals and four tackles.

Midfielder Chad Warner continued last year's strong form and was recognised for his strong contribution, including a team-lifting goal in the third quarter, with one vote.

To close out Opening Round, defender Nick Blakey received one vote for his prolific performance, notching 26 disposals, 804 metres gained and a goal.

07:54

Highlights: Sydney v Hawthorn

The Swans and Hawks clash in Opening Round of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

VOTES - PLAYER (CLUB)
10 Will Day (HAW)
7 Karl Amon (HAW)
6 James Sicily (HAW)
5 Sam Wicks (SYD)
1 Nick Blakey (SYD)
1 Chad Warner (SYD)

The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

Catch Up On Opening Round

  • 00:36

    Goal of the Week - Opening Round

    The lizard dashes off halfback to help set up a brilliant team goal in the third quarter. Goal of the Week, presented by Origin Energy

    AFL
  • 10:13

    Cox post-match, OR: 'A lot of things we need to improve on'

    Watch Sydney’s press conference after the opening round match against Hawthorn

    AFL
  • 00:19

    Round 1 Mark of the Week, presented by Qatar AIrways

    Tom McCartin takes a big mark in the second quarter of Opening Round.

    AFL
  • 07:54

    Highlights: Sydney v Hawthorn

    The Swans and Hawks clash in Opening Round of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Lizard turns wizard as pure strike lights up SCG

    Nick Blakey glides forward in trademark fashion and nails a mesmerising goal to raise the noise level around the ground

    AFL
  • 00:54

    Warner wakes up Swans with typical flair

    Chad Warner sparks his side’s comeback after half-time with a brilliant goal and assist moments later

    AFL
  • 00:34

    The Chad kicks off 2025 with sizzling snap

    Swans star Chad Warner wastes no time making an impact, snapping the first major with a clever finish under pressure

    AFL
  • 02:17

    "They've done a lot for me during the journey." - Paton

    Ben Paton chats through his excitement as he debuts for the Sydney Swans in the clash with Hawthorn.

    AFL
  • 01:13

    Announcing our debutants for Opening Round

    Go behind the scenes as Swans senior coach Dean Cox announces to the playing group our two debutants for our Opening Round clash with Hawthorn.

    AFL
  • 01:36

    "I will be forever grateful" - Hanily

    Hear from Swans debutant Tom Hanily after he was told that he will be making his AFL debut in our Opening Round clash with Hawthorn.

    AFL
  • 07:00

    "He'll do everything he can to get back" - Hayward

    Hear from Swans star Will Hayward as he addresses the media ahead of our Opening Round clash with Hawthorn.

    AFL