Sydney Swans young-gun Sofia Hurley has capped off a breakout 2024 season, winning her first Sydney Swans AFLW Club Champion.
The 20-year-old played in all 11 games for the Swans in 2024, averaging 20 disposals and seven tackles a game after spending more time in the midfield.
Hurley took out the Club Champion award ahead of co-captain Lucy McEvoy and midfielder Laura Gardiner who finished second and third respectively.
Hurley said she is honoured to win the Club Champion award for the first time.
“I was certainly not expecting it,” Hurley said.
“It’s definitely rewarding [seeing the hard work come to fruition], but I can’t lie, everyone in this room puts in so much work and I cant say I put in anymore work than anyone else. I just love playing with these girls and I’m really grateful for that.
“I just want to continue to learn more about the game, other players and learning to play with everyone. It’s one thing to just play in a team, but then it’s another thing to know every single person’s strengths and know how to play with them, what they want to do, and adopting to that so that’s the next phase.
“I’m fortunate that I have been able to play at the Swans since their inception and I’ve loved it," Hurley said when thanking her teammates and coaches.
“I love all the coaches, I think they all put in so much effort. To Bronwyn Gulden, Tanya Hetherington, Nick Davis and Colin O'Riordan, they have all really helped me develop and I cant thank Kate and Scott enough for coming down to Melbourne to chat to me way back when.
“I really love the club and I really appreciate being here. Thanks to my family and of course, thank you to everyone involved in the program and all the girls. I really appreciate you all and you have all made such a difference and you are a huge reason that we all love this club."
McEvoy claimed second place in the Club Champion after yet another extremely consistent season, largely in defence. The co-captain also played in 11 games in 2024 averaging 15 disposals and four marks per game.
Running machine Gardiner finished third in the award after again racking up huge numbers in the midfield. She averaged 29 disposals in her nine games for the season along with five clearances and six tackles per game.
AFLW Senior Coach Scott Gowans congratulated all three on fantastic seasons.
“Sofia has played in every game across our three seasons and has become an integral member of our team,” said Gowans.
“Her season was simply outstanding, and this accolade is well deserved.”
Of McEvoy and Gardiner Gowans said: “Lucy led from the front all season after becoming our sole on-field leader after Round 1. It was the best season of her career.
“Meanwhile, despite missing a couple of games through injury, Laura was still able to have an amazing year on field. She averaged 29 disposals a game which is remarkable in AFLW, and she just seems to be getting better and better.
“I congratulate Sofia, Lucy and Laura for their enormous contribution in 2024.”
Other award winners on the night include:
AFLW Players’ Player – Sofia Hurley
Best Club Person – Alana Woodward
AFLW Rising Star – Sarah Grunden
The finishing order for the 2024 Sydney Swans AFLW Club Champion is as follows:
- Sofia Hurley – 370 votes
- Lucy McEvoy – 283 votes
- Laura Gardiner – 258 votes
- Tanya Kennedy – 191 votes
- Cynthia Hamilton – 175 votes
- Alice Mitchell – 168 votes
- Montana Ham – 134 votes
- Brenna Tarrant – 132 votes
- Ella Heads – 109 votes
- Rebecca Privitelli – 99 votes / Alexia Hamilton – 99 votes
