AFL Draft: Sydney Swans secure Academy star Braeden Campbell

He’s the shy kid from Sydney’s north shore who went to a rugby school and emerged as an AFL talent so good he’s now been drafted to the Sydney Swans.

Braeden Campbell playing for the Allies against South Australia last year.

There are interested times ahead for the Campbell family whenever the Sydney Swans next gear up to take on Collingwood in the AFL.

Teen Swans recruit Braeden Campbell from the Pennant Hills Demons said he comes from a split family when it comes to AFL loyalties.

Braeden Campbell playing for the Allies against South Australia last year.

“We are a split household,” said the 18-year-old midfielder secured by the Swans in the draft.

“Mum (Michelle) and I go for the Swans and my dad (Wade) and sister (Hannah) go for Collingwood.”

Campbell has long been talked about as a top 10 selection with the young midfielder owning a deadly left-foot kick and best-on-ground in the NAB All Stars Futures match on AFL grand final day last year.

In pick five of the draft earlier this month, the Swans matched a bid from Hawthorn to secure their highly prized Academy talent who started his AFL at the Westbrook Junior Club at Cherrybrook.

Braeden Campbell has been with the Swans Academy.

The former Knox Grammar student, who lives at Turramurra, actually started his sporting career in soccer but has been with Swans Academy since the under 11’s level.

“At school I actually played soccer. I was the smallest and I didn’t want to play rugby,” said Campbell, now 181cm and 75kg.

“I liked AFL from the start. Everyone has white line fever and I really don’t like losing much.

“I love the team atmosphere and the mateship and I’m as competitive as they come.

“I don’t like losing. I can take a loss well. I just prefer to get the win.”

Campbell already has lofty career aspirations and is happy to dedicate himself to the cause.

“I want to make the most of my career. I want to play over 100 games.” he said.

“At the moment it’s all football. I like to go out with my mates. I choose not to drink and they respect that.

Oliver Florent looks on during a Sydney Swans AFL training session this week.

“I don’t drink alcohol. That’s something that’s important. I don’t want to take any backward step.”

With selection four, Swans recruiters picked up WA forward Logan McDonald, 18, with Campbell’s great mate Errol Gulden also staying with the Swans.

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