AFL Sydney future watch: Meet 50 bright young male and female talents making their mark
The pathway to the top starts here. These young stars from AFL Sydney are building their reputations early, and could be future draft picks in the making. See the full list of 50 rising talents.
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There’s plenty of young talent on the rise in the AFL Sydney ranks.
From Swans and Giants Academy members through to those on early draft boards, there’s no shortage of future AFL and AFLW players right here.
We take a look at 50 young men and women who are making their mark in the local league.
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TOM CHARLES
UTS - 18 - Full Forward
One of the most promising players in the AFL Sydney Premier Division competition, Tom is a talented key forward who has a strong contested mark and is a proven goalkicker. Despite his age, Tom’s ability to compete with the best was highlighted by kicking four goals on both occasions this season against the undefeated Manly Wolves. Tom has become a key focal point for the Bats.
BRODY KANE
East Coast - 18 - Half-forward/Hallf-back/Midfield
Brody only joined the GWS Giants Academy this year as an 18 year old after making Aussie rules his focus after a long period playing high-level soccer. Featured for the Allies in the U18s National Championships and is expected to return to the academy as an over-age prospect. Has leg speed, line-breaking capability and is a ball winner.
BRYNLEY RYAN
South West Sydney - 16 - Forward
Featured at the National U16s Championships for the GWS Academy. A small forward with an uncanny ability to kick a miraculous goal. Has a high footy IQ and can generate separation within the forward line.
HARRY KYLE
UNSW-ES - 17 - Defender
Harry has made it all the way to the Allies team in his first year of representative football.
Still only 17, Harry is an exciting 188cm rebounding defender who can relieve pressure and turn it into points. Has already featured in the Premier Division with the Bulldogs this season.
ARKI HO-COLES
UTS - 17 - Ruck/Key Defender
An athletic and mobile key position player, Arki can play in multiple positions either as a ruck, key defender or key forward. At times this season, Arki has beaten key forwards and been influential in leading the ruck during the Bats stretch of four undefeated games. Despite his size, Arki’s mobility enables him to act as another midfielder covering the ground with ease.
ETHAN MATTHEWS
South West Sydney - 16 - Half-back/Wing
A very promising prospect with South West Sydney who has already made his VFL debut this season, including a game with 21 disposals. Captain of the U17s Div 1 side who plays in the Prems when available. Had a Coates League series with the Giants and is a super player on both sides of the ball who is courageous and has a great understanding of the game.
CAVE MCKNIGHT
St George - 17 - Midfield
From powerhouse school Endeavour Sports High, McKnight is a great kick of the footy who has pushed into the Prems side this year. An accurate user of the footy who is a ball magnet, the Swans Academy prospect is among the fittest at the club.
COOPER DONALD
North Shore - 20 - Midfield
Coming back off an ACL injury, but you wouldn’t know it given how prominent he has been in a strong North Shore outfit. Strong in the midfield and continues to get better with every game he plays.
TOM RYAN
Sydney University - 19 - Forward
Has made the move from Port Macquarie and boasts a season best of seven goals in the Premier Division. A strong forward who can take a great contested mark, Ryan has featured in four games for the Swans in the VFL at just 19.
COBY HILTON
South West Sydney - 19 - Midfield/Half-Forward
Already has a host of Premier Division games under his belt for the Blues. They say he is one of the fastest players on the books at the club. It’s a weapon he uses as an attacking midfielder who has Academy and Coates League experience to his name.
LUKA JORDAAN
Pennant Hills - Defender
Made his Prems debut with Pennant Hills in round one and has been a regular ever since. Is able to complete whatever role is asked of him at a high level and has been a consistent force in the defensive line as a lockdown defender.
CHARLIE MCLENNAN
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2009 - Midfield
A composed midfielder with clean skills on both sides of his body who consistently wins his own ball in the contest. He has a rare ability to make time stand still with his composure under pressure and decision-making in traffic.
ALEX MCBURNEY
Hawkesbury - 17 - Centre Half Back
Alex has established himself as a key part of the Jets strong back six over the past two seasons. With agility that belies his hulking frame, Alex gets first pick of the opposition’s dangerous forwards, and then provides a launching pad for Hawkesbury’s attack. A long accurate kick to a field target, or even sliding forward to kick a goal, Alex has gone from strength to strength after winning the best and fairest for the division last year.
MAX JANS
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2008 - Defender
A classy ball user with silky skills off both hands and a reliable left boot, who plays a pivotal role setting up play behind the contest. He reads the game well and isn’t afraid to push forward to impact the scoreboard.
TOM HITCHENS
Sydney University - 19 - Forward/Midfield
Another promising Sydney Uni talent with VFL experience to the Swans to his name. Hitchens is able to impact the game when in the forward line or gathering possessions in the midfield. Has a big motor and continues to take big strides.
CHARLIE COLWELL
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2009 - Defender
An explosive runner who reads the play superbly, Charlie is a reliable intercept defender who drives rebound out of the back half. His speed and sharp disposal make him a key link in transition, often running the length of the ground to support play.
RICHARD GIBSON
Hawkesbury - 16 - Utility
Hailing from Montrose juniors in the powerful Eastern Football Netball League in Victoria, ‘Gibbo’ showed remarkable skills and maturity during pre-season, rewarded with a spot in Hawkesbury’s senior grade in round one. He held a wing spot before switching to the defensive side of things. A great reader of the play who is fast and good on the ground.
MAX BARNETT
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2010 - Utility
A gifted all-rounder excelling in both cricket and AFL, Max brings a hard work ethic and high footy IQ to the team and is a hidden gem with standout talent and dedication.
NOAH CHAMBERLAIN
UNSW-ES Bulldogs - 18 - Forward
Has played just the two Prems games for UNSW-ES given his commitments around the grounds. Played for the Allies at the nationals, with the Swans Academy in the Coates League and at the weekend made his VFL debut against the Giants.
WILLIAM BOATMAN
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2010 -
Slight in stature but a fearless, freakish player. ‘Boaty’ shows courage, skill, and ability to win the footy make him a thrilling prospect for his club. Has previous experience with the Swans Academy.
FINLEY VAUGHAN
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2008 - Midfield
A tough inside midfielder known for his hard tackling and fearless attack on the ball, Finley thrives in contested situations. He works relentlessly both offensively and defensively and is the type of player who leaves nothing in the tank.
PERCY LUCAS
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2010 -
Relocating from Coffs Harbour to get more footy and chase his AFL dream. He combines a relentless will to win, with a terrific attitude, making him a standout character both on and off the field.
BAILEY-DEAN LATANIS
South West Sydney - 17 - Key Forward
Possesses lightning speed and has a huge motor on the back of his background as a state and national runner. Kicked 15 goals in a four-game stretch. Has the ability to play anywhere through the midfield, but is best as a smart, crumbing forward who is also very strong in the air.
SULLIVAN O’DWYER
South West Sydney - 16 - Midfield
Another Blue who featured at the nationals with the GWS, O’Dwyer was an All Australian at the U15s level. A contested midfielder who is versatile with the ability to play in defence onr more forward. Uses the ball well.
WOMEN
AOIFE BERRY
UTS - 17 - Rover
A quick, sharp-skilled rover, Berry’s strengths lie in her attack through the footy and physicality around contests. She is not one to shy away from ground ball contests, with the ability to scoop up the footy at pace or read the play offensively well enough to receive an outside handpass, before running and carrying and delivering deep into the forward line.
LUCY SMITH
Sydney University - Defender
Joined Sydney University from Victoria a few years ago and has been a pillar of strength for the club ever since. Played four games of Prems last year before becoming a regular in 2025. Smith is a strong defender who is good in one-on-one contests.
BREA TREVITT
Parramatta - 17 - Rover/CHB
Another Parramatta rising talent who has been identified in the Giants Academy. Brea played in the inaugural U20s side at Parramatta and won the flag in 2024. This year stepping
up into the Premier Division she has been a force despite her youth, putting up incredible stats each week competing with even the best veterans.
SOPHIA GAUKRODGER
UTS - 17 - Key Forward/Rover
A strong, fit and well-rounded footballer, Gaukrodger has all the tools from contested marking to short target hitting. Her footy IQ is high, and is often reading the play defensively well enough to shift back and provide tackling pressure before switching fast into an offensive position.
MADELEINE QUINN
UTS - 18 - Ruck, Key Forward
Tall, ball winning and deceptively fast, Quinn could play anywhere on the ground and be a game changer. She wins hit outs, key contested ground balls, and extremely sharp handballing skills to win the ball out of the centre as a ruck. As a key forward she takes contested marks and is willing to run and carry to deliver it further forward or slot goals.
MARLEY RHODES
Parramatta - 18 - Ruck/CHB
Marley is currently part of the GWS Giants Academy in the Coates League and has been part of the Giants program for many years. Coming across to Parramatta this year to play Prems, she stamped her authority as one of the best rucks in the game. Not only a great ruck but this year she has expanded her skill set and has become a dominant back.
ASHLEIGH IRVING
South West Sydney - 18 - Half-Back
Irving’s biggest strength is her pace. She is a smooth-moving user of the football who has a beautiful right-foot kick. Strong overhead, Irving comes up from half-back through the midfield and she runs all day. Has a huge motor.
AVA SAAD
Parramatta - 17 - CHB/Ruck
The Giants Academy prospect also played up in the U20s premiership winning side last year. Saad is a key back with a lethal combination of speed, height and skill. She is also a skilful ruck who dominates in the air and can turn into an agile midfielder around the ground.
AMALIA COSTA DA SILVA
Parramatta - 17 - Rover
Amalia is as skilled midfielder who always executes. Her composure and skills allow her to lead the pack and create momentum changes. She’s played at a strong level within the Giants Academy and has a U20s premiership to her name.
ELLA TYACK
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2009 - Ruck
Part of the Swans Academy and a high-level netball player. Tyack is a strong player who is classified as a ruck beast. She’s always looking to impose herself on the game as a presence in the middle.
ZARA STANFORD
Parramatta - 17 - Rover
Stanford is already an U20s flag winner and is making an impact in the side again this season. She is explosive off the mark and fearless in contests. She continues to improve with every week as a genuine up and coming talent within the club.
AMELIA RAINBOW
North Shore - 15 - Utility
Is featuring in the North Shore Premier Division side at just 15 years of age and has been a regular in the top flight ever since making her debut. A competitive talent who isn’t fazed by taking on much older players, the Giants Academy member is one of the brightest talents in the league.
SKYLA SEAL
Parramatta - 17 - Rover
Skylar has been in the GWS Giants Academy program over the years, just missing out this year. Seal has spent time in both the U20s and Prems this season, improving her skills week in and week out. Not just a great midfielder but a determined player who can play a position at a high level.
ABBIE HAYES
Manly Warringah - 18 - Utility
She is an enthusiastic local junior who has held her position in the Prems team since making her debut. Hayes is a strong presence around the contest and can take a great overhead mark. Her desire to compete and versatility has seen her play in nearly every position on the field. Has an exciting future.
LUCY YATES
North Shore - 19 - Midfield
Only just turned 19, Yates is shaping as a good long-term player with the Bombers. Has a fantastic knock for gathering the ball. A hard-worker at training, that translates onto the playing field as a high-level player at a young age.
ADI SALOTE VEREIEALU
South West Sydney - 17 - Midfielder
A really strong player. Vereiealu brings a Fijian background to the team and is a strong runner. She’s a powerful, aggressive midfielder that wins a lot of ball and goes hard at the contest. She is a good user of the footy as well.
MONTANA DOUBELL
St George - 18 - Rover/Half-forward
It’s no surprise that Doubell can run all day given her background in triathlons and iron events. A leader within the playing group despite being just 18, she has starred with St George since making the move up from Figtree.
KIVA ADAMS
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2010 - Midfield
Adams is the captain of the Northern Beaches Wolves who is strong in the midfield and shown a great versatility both inside and outside. Her leadership skills are growing by the week and she always shows grit at the contest.
GRACE TRACEY
East Coast - 17 - Utility
Another Figtree talent who is featuring in the AFL Sydney Premier Women’s Division in 2025. Tracey can fill a number of positions including a key back or forward, and in the ruck. Stands over 180cm tall and brings a background in netball to the Eagles.
HEIDI DE SAXE
North Shore - 17 - Rover/Forward
Continues to push through injury adversity to put together an impressive second season with the Bombers in Prems. A Swans Academy member who has featured in the Coates League, de Saxe is skilled and determined who has a great talent for winning contested ball.
AMAIA WAIN
UNSW-ES - 17 - Ruck
Also a talented high jumper, Wain made the move to Sydney from the North Coast this season to further her football. Incredibly she won the league’s Best and Fairest at just 16 years of age when playing for Sawtell/Toormina.
HEIDI SALISBURY
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2010 - Utility
A leader within the Wolves who was selected in the U15s state team. Has the versatility to fill a number of key roles.
SOFIA EHNBOM
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2009 - Utility
Ehnbom has the ability to play a number of positions around the ground. She’s always hungry for the footy and running with intent. Has elite skills as a young age.
ISABELLA ROGERS
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2011 - Ruck/Forward
Rogers is key positional player, running in the ruck and also at full-forward. She’s calm and composed at all times in the game and a great leader. Steps up both at the ruck contest and in front of goal.
EMILY CUNNINGHAM
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2012 - Midfield
Emily Cunningham (2012) - U15G Northern Beaches Wolves
Cunningham is a dynamic mid who excels at winning the ball. Her explosive speed, precise kicking, and elite game sense make her a constant threat. A tireless worker, she leads by example.
AERIN SCHMIDT
Northern Beaches Wolves - 2011 - Midfield
Schmidt is a tall, versatile mid with a powerful and accurate kick. Her marking and composure make her a key outlet in transition, combining skill and footy IQ for consistent impact.
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