The Sydney Swans have selected Matthew Ling with pick 14 in the 2017 National Draft.

Matthew Ling

Club: Geelong Falcons
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
Position: Midfielder

Profile

Matthew Ling is a medium defender or midfielder with line-breaking speed and good vision. He has shown an ability to distribute the ball well by both hand and foot. Ling represented Vic Country in the NAB AFL U18 Championships, using the ball very efficiently across the four matches. He is a left footer who uses the ball when it comes his way on the outside of the pack. Is widely recognised as a smart footballer who makes good decisions with the ball in hand. Has elite agility and knows how to use it to his advantage against his opponents.

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"Ling's standout trait is his pace. The Geelong Falcons midfielder enjoys running and taking the game on, which is sure to appeal to some clubs as they search for a line-breaker. Sometimes the 18-year-old can get himself into some strife with his go-at-all-costs approach, but he can also give his side a lift. Given speed always tends to catch the eye at the championships, Ling seems likely to get some attention across the carnival."
- AFL.com.au draft guru Callum Twomey ahead of the U/18 National Championships.

"Matthew is one of the quickest players in the TAC Cup this year and has great lateral movement. Without being biased I think he is one of the best decision-makers in the competition and has an ability to see targets no one else can see. I’d suggest he’d be, at a minimum, a second rounder but could go earlier given his pace and skill off half back."
– Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe.