Riley Bice: Werribee star wasting no time after making his debut for Sydney Swans

Riley Bice has started behind the eight ball in his AFL career, and in his first game was the last on the ground as the sub. He tells Lachie McKirdy he’s making up for lost time.

Riley Bice might have been waiting more than six years for his first opportunity in the AFL, but in just over a quarter he made a starring impact in the Swans’ loss to Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.

Bice’s journey to the AFL has been far from straightforward. Despite some impressive junior form for Murray Bushrangers in 2018, he thought professional football might have passed him by.

There was the occasional opportunity — whether playing VFL for the GWS Giants or appearing for the Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL — but the big leagues never came calling. Throughout it all, his patience has remained his greatest virtue.

It wasn’t until he made the most of a lucky break at Werribee and then starred in the club’s breakthrough VFL premiership last year that he started attracting attention. The Swans were huge admirers of his run off halfback and ability to distribute the ball, taking a gamble on the 24-year-old with the 41st selection of last year’s draft.

Riley Bice after coming on as the sub against Brisbane. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

And although he didn’t think he would make his debut this early in the year, he was a big reason why the Swans almost completed a miraculous late comeback.

“That’s the good thing about AFL footy is no one says there’s similar start dates,” Swans coach Dean Cox said post-game.

“What Riley had to do from being in country footy, to having a chance from Feb starting pre-season at Werribee, to building through the season to get on an AFL list. And, I think by his own admission, he wouldn’t have thought he’d be playing our second game of the season.

“He provided some real bounce for us, he was strong in the contest and defended when he had to. He stood up really well, so I was proud of what he was able to do through that period to get here and then also what he did tonight.”

Bice was subbed into the game at the 23rd-minute mark of the third quarter. From that point until the end of the match, he was the number one ranked player on the ground for ranking points.

During that period, no player had more disposals (12) or uncontested possessions (9), while he was second for metres gained (304m) and score involvements (4) – both behind his superstar teammate Chad Warner.

For a lifelong Swans fan who had grown up dreaming of wearing the red and white, it was almost the perfect way to celebrate running onto the SCG for the very first time.

“I’m super grateful to have the opportunity to run out for the Swans for the first time,” Bice said. “Obviously a disappointing result puts a sting into it, but looking forward to another opportunity.

“It’s different being the sub, you do feel like a bit of a spectator. But it was pretty crazy and still probably doesn’t feel real, to be honest.

“To be out there on the SCG, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I grew up going for the Swans so it’s an awesome feeling.

Bice was drafted after a stellar VFL campaign for Werribee. Phil Hillyard

Bice takes a bounce. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

“I think (that performance) is what all the boys give me the confidence to do. They just tell me to back myself, run and create for us. And I have the confidence to do that when I’m on my own.”

There were naturally some comparisons between Bice and teammate Nick Blakey with his run and dash out of defence. The first-gamer also showed no fear as he took on one of the best defensive units in the competition.

It’s been far from a perfect start to season 2025 for the Swans with two losses and a mounting injury toll, but Bice’s emergence could be a key part of turning it around.

After his scintillating cameo, Bice is likely to be rewarded with a place in the starting side against Fremantle this Sunday. Even without a defensive unit set to be without Lewis Melican, the mature-age selection is confident the Swans can turn things around.

“I’ve had a bit of a taste now and it’s time to build on that,” Bice said. “I’m happy to help in whatever way I can.

“Coxy has obviously come in and changed a few things up (defensively). It’s going to take a bit of time, but once we get it right, it’s going to be really good.

“We haven’t got the results, but there’s plenty to take away from it. We’ve got things to work on, but I think (the results) will come.”

Originally published as Riley Bice: Werribee star wasting no time after making his debut for Sydney Swans