Sydney Swans Academy highlighted in new TikTok series that features potential AFL draftees such as Noah Chamberlain

The Swans Academy has already helped uncover future AFL and AFLW stars — and thanks to a new Tiktok series, the next generation of young talent could become household names even earlier.

A screen shot from the ‘Young Bloods series’

Noah Chamberlain played almost any sport that was available to him as a kid. Soccer, basketball even swimming competed for his attention.

But the 17-year-old now finds himself on the fast-track to play in the AFL. After appearing in this year’s Futures game on grand final day at the MCG, the Sydney teenager is one of the most highly rated prospects ahead of the 2025 draft.

WATCH: CHECK OUT THE YOUNG BLOODS HERE

And he knows he wouldn’t be anywhere near that level if it wasn’t for the Sydney Swans Academy.

Chamberlain continues to rise up draft boards thanks to his work with the Swans Academy. Picture: Keith McInnes

“If there was no Academy, I don’t see any way in which I’d be able to have my dream come true.”

The Swans Academy has already launched the careers of players across the AFL and AFLW including Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and Ella Heads. And footy fans have been given unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the next generation of stars coming through the program thanks to a new documentary.

The Young Bloods series follows eight teenagers in the club’s Academy, with the footage spread across 28 episodes exclusively released on TikTok.

Chamberlain is one of those players at the heart of the series, providing a unique insight into juggling his AFL dream after six years in the Academy.

@youngbloodsafl Episode 1 🦢 Get your footy boots on and find out what’s on the line for our eight Young Bloods this season #youngbloods#afl#sydneyswans♬ original sound - YOUNG BLOODS

The athletic key forward has already been tipped by recruiters as one of the top 25 prospects ahead of next season’s draft, and he has loved the chance to showcase his journey to the AFL in a non-traditional footy state.

He’s strong in the air, has a lethal left foot in front of goal and has already become one of the Swans Academy’s most-exciting prospects. And he’s hopeful he can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Caiden Cleary and Joel Cochran in recent years to be picked up by an AFL club in 12 months time.

@youngbloodsafl MEET THE PLAYERS — Introducing your new favorite footy stars! Follow their journey from December 2nd 🏉 #youngbloods#sydneyswans#afl♬ original sound - YOUNG BLOODS

“It’s being able to showcase what the Academy is like and having that to view for people all over Australia so they can see the life of a student athlete and what they have to overcome,” Chamberlain said.

“Just being mentored by great people, head coach Colin (O’Riordan), past head coaches like Spike (Mark McVeigh), they’ve all helped me get to where I am today. They always say the greatest trainers are the best players, so that’s what I took out of their advice.

@youngbloodsafl How we all feel about new eps dropping today 🤪 #youngbloods#afl♬ Violent crimes x Jerseyclub slowed - Prodbycpkshawn

“This year, we’ve got a handful of potential draftees which is so exciting to see. Hopefully, I can be one of them and pursue my dream.”

It’s been a rapid rise for Chamberlain who has been in the Academy since the under-13 level, but the new series has even opened his eyes to teammates he’s known for more than five years.

@youngbloodsafl EPISODE 6 🦢 Meet Ned, recovering from a serious leg injury and itching to return to the field 👟#youngbloods#afl#sydneyswans♬ original sound - YOUNG BLOODS

“I didn’t really understand everyone’s story,” he said.

“Obviously Ned (Hardman) coming back from injury and how that affected him, so it’s seeing what everyone does.

“Getting to know them a bit better has been pretty cool to see.”

Hardman’s story has been one of the most viewed in the first week of the series. The 17-year-old suffered a devastating knee injury playing rugby which broke off the tibia, but has since bounced back to be involved in the Academy again.

Telaya Blacksmith is already a Paralympian, but is now on the verge of being a future AFLW star. Picture: Sydney Swans

One of the other inspiring athletes featured is Telaya Blacksmith who is part of the club’s AFLW Academy. A Walpiri woman from the Northern Territory, Blacksmith was a part of the Academy’s under-18 Top End Female program who has since become one of its brightest stars.

She’s also a talented athlete who competed at the recent Paralympics in both the 400m and long jump.

The account has already amassed more than 400,000 views across TikTok with episodes continuing to drop until the end of the year.

@youngbloodsafl EPISODE 7 🦢 Meet Telaya ⚡ Taking marks and breaking athletics records 🥇😮‍💨 #youngbloods#afl#sydneyswans♬ original sound - YOUNG BLOODS