QBE Sydney Swans Academy Under 19 Captain Jess Doyle and fellow Academy member Georgie Fowler have become the first athletes in the QBE Sydney Swans Youth Girls program to be drafted.
Doyle, a 19-year old from the Manly-Warringah Wolves was drafted to the GWS Giants at pick 49 in tonight’s AFLW Draft.
An athletic forward, Doyle has impressed in her appearances in the Academy Series for the QBE Swans Academy and in the national championships for the Allies.
Doyle rounded off a successful national championships with selection in the AFLW Under 19 Championships All-Australian Team and also became the first QBE Swans Academy graduate to play in the VFLW when she played two games for Williamstown earlier in the year.
Fellow Academy member Georgie Fowler, who plays for the East Coast Eagles, was also picked up by the Giants at pick 59.
Fowler, a forward, was unfortunately injured during the Academy Series with stress fractures in her back, but is known for her strong marking ability and finishing skills.
She was nominated for an AFL Sydney Rising Star after returning from her stint on the sidelines and kicked three goals for her East Coast Eagles side.
Head of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Chris Smith said he was very proud to see the girls take the next step in their football careers.
“We are very proud to see Jess and Georgie have an opportunity to progress their football journey at AFLW level,” Smith said.
“In the short amount of time we have with them, we can’t speak highly enough of their attitudes, drive and professionalism.
“We believe they will make an enormous impact at the next level.”
QBE Sydney Swans Academy Under 19 Coach Jared Crouch echoed Smith’s sentiments and said he was very proud of his players.
“Jess has led from the front as co-Captain of our Under 19 QBE Swans Academy side,” Crouch said.
“From kicking goals in the Academy series and then leading the side to our first ever win in Victoria against Geelong in Geelong, she’s been brilliant, and I am thrilled for her to get the chance at AFLW level.”
"Unfortunately Georgie didn't get to play the Academy Series but she was always supporting the girls at the games and at training.
"She is an impressive forward talent and we wish her all the best in the next chapter."
Oakleigh Chargers product Charlie Rowbottom was the number one pick of the AFLW Draft and will join the Gold Coast Suns.
She said her brother, James, a Sydney Swans player was a "big role model" for her and that he was "stoked" for her.
It is hoped that when the next AFLW Draft takes place in 2022, the Sydney Swans will be part of it.
In May this year, the AFL announced that the club would be granted entry into the AFLW by 2023.
However the club has put in a bid to be part of the competition sooner, in 2022.
This bid was submitted to the AFL in the last fortnight and the AFL Commission is expected to make a decision on the club's submission at its meeting in August this year.
