AFL Draft 2023: Sydney Swans big man Will Green pumped to join Brodie Grundy

Standing at 204cm new Sydney Swans recruit Will Green has the size to make an immediate impact in the AFL, LACHLAN MCKIRDY explains why he may have to wait.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 21: Will Green of the Suns poses for a photograph following the 2023 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Sydney’s newest recruit Will Green believes the Swans is the perfect club for him to develop his craft as a ruckman

After having their first two selections of the night matched by the Suns and Bulldogs, the Swans eventually selected Green with pick 16.

Standing at 204cm, Green was one of the most impressive performers in the back half of 2023. Playing for the Northern Knights, he earned selection as the starting ruck in the Coates League Team of the Year.

He also was also named in the under-18 all-Australian team for his performances for Vic Metro in the National Championships, averaging 24 hitouts and three clearances a game.

While he is still a long way off the finished product, Green will now come into a system that features former all-Australian Brodie Grundy, as well as legendary ruckman Dean Cox as an assistant coach.

A message from one of our newest Swans, Will Green 👋🏾 pic.twitter.com/ry9vVpFrXi

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 20, 2023

“I don’t think I could ask for much better mentors, I’m pumped for it,” Green said.

“It was a bit of a slow start to the year, but you can’t be disappointed with all-Australian and all that.

“The Draft was the main goal, but I ended up trying to just break it down and be consistent throughout the year.”

Green believes he can stand out as a prospect in the coming years because of his abilities as a big man. While the physicality can be built, he feels as though his kicking, running and handballing are all natural things that can set him apart.

However, his agility was put to the test on Monday when Swans coach John Longmire made an unannounced home visit after the Draft.

“There were so many people around the house, it was electric,” Green said.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be honest. I had a few boys leaving at the time and he got to meet everyone. [There were] a few selfies, for sure.”

New Sydney recruit Will Green. Picture: Getty Images

The Swans were always one of the clubs looking at Green closely, particularly after his standout performances for Vic Metro. The 18-year-old said he learned of Sydney’s interest about halfway through the year and that it was a good motivator for the run home.

Green will immediately relocate to Sydney by the end of the week – “I’ll be doing a two-kilometre run in not too long,” he said – as he looks to earn a place in the Swans’ best 22.

While Grundy will likely start at the first-choice ruckman, Green will be competing against Peter Ladhams and Lachlan McAndrew for a spot in the side.

The Swans also picked up Academy young gun Caiden Cleary in the first round of the Draft. Collingwood put a bid in for the talented ball-magnet at pick 24, with the Swans always intent on matching it.

It means it will likely be a quiet night for Sydney on Tuesday, with the Swans’ list manager Kinnear Beatson indicating that they would take no more than three players at this year’s Draft.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2023: Sydney Swans big man Will Green pumped to join Brodie Grundy