The QBE Swans Academy's senior boys' teams will finally be back in action this weekend, breaking a competition drought that has lasted almost a year.
The Academy's Top End Under 17 and Under 19 teams, both boasting plenty of next generation talent, will play the GWS Academy on Saturday at Manuka Oval in Canberra. (see below for details of times and live streaming)
With most representative football cancelled in 2020, the boys can't wait to ditch the training drills for some fierce competition against their cross-town rivals.
Academy Head Coach, Jared Crouch, says the senior boys played only two competitive games last year and they're ready to go.
"The boys are itching to go out and play. They've been training for a long time, and as coaches we're really excited to see how they've developed over the last year,'' Crouch said.
The AFL has changed the representative age groups to Under 17 and Under 19, which will allow boys who missed out on Under 18 competition in 2020 to stay in the elite pathway and development system this year.
"There was virtually a whole year without competitive football for many of the boys, and at the ages of 16, 17 and 18 they go through a lot of physical development, so there's excitement mixed with the unknown ahead of these games,'' Crouch said.
"We think it's fantastic that those boys who missed out on opportunities at the Under 18 level last year are getting the chance to play again and show recruiters what they can do.''
The Academy's U17 and U19 groups have played a number of practice matches over the past few weeks, and Crouch has been pleased with what he's seen. "The ball movement has been really quick, so we hope they can implement that on the field on Saturday.''
Crouch has had a busy start to the season, overseeing the Academy's new Under 17 and Under 19 Girls teams, and then coaching the combined AFLW Allies Under 19 squad at the National Championships in Melbourne last week.
"Our boys get their turn now and they're ready to continue the great energy that the girls brought to the Swans Academy,'' Crouch said.
After Saturday's games, the Swans and Giants will play a second Academy series match at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney on Saturday May 8.
The Under 19s will then join the NAB League competition, playing three matches in Melbourne against the best under age players from Victoria. They'll meet Gippsland Power on May 22; the Dandenong Stingrays on May 29; and the Northern Knights on June 5.
Crouch detailed a few players to watch this weekend:
QBE Swans Academy Under 17s
Billy King
Billy is from Newcastle. He's just shy of 200cm and he'll play in the ruck but also at both ends of the ground. He's a really exciting player with a lot of potential.
Christian Webster
Christian is 190cms and can play in the midfield but also forward and in defence. He's a running machine - his nickname is 'roadrunner'. He's a left footer with great speed.
Ned Hawkins
Ned is still in the Under 16 age group so has another year at this level, but we love his work ethic and his willingness to learn, those are the things that have stood out for me.
It's his first year in the Top End program; he brings great energy, and he'll play forward and midfield this weekend.
QBE Swans Academy Under 19s
Kye Pfrengle
Kye is one of those older boys who gets the chance to stay in the system and we're really looking forward to watching him play as an under 19. He was in the Allies squad last year so it's great we can continue to help him develop. He plays half back and midfield, and during the past few weeks he's played for his local club, St George, in the AFL Sydney Men's Premier Division - it's great for him to get that experience in open age competition. He reads the ball well, can come across to help as the third tall in defence, and he's a good user of the ball with a nice change of pace.
Pierce Roseby
Pierce is another one who gets an opportunity as an under 19 this year. He's a tough inside midfielder whose specialty is winning the contested ball and clearances. He'll lead our side in the midfield.
Will Edwards
Will is under age at this level, turning 18 this year. He can play key position at either end of the field, and he's a fantastic athlete. He was hampered by injuries in the past and he's had a big growth spurt, so we're excited by his athletic talent and what he can produe. He played in Manly's Under 17 side last year and helped them to a premiership.
This weekend's matches against the Giants Academy:
QBE Sydney Swans Academy Under 17 v GWS Giants Academy Under 17
Saturday April 24, 12.30pm, Manuka Oval, Canberra
Watch the live stream HERE
QBE Sydney Swans Academy Under 19 v GWS Giants Academy Under 19
Saturday April 24, 2.45pm, Manuka Oval, Canberra
Watch the live stream HERE
