AFL Sydney 2023: The 65 men and women set to shine in the premier divisions this year
With the AFL Sydney season underway, we look at the men and women set to light up the premier divisions. Check out our list of the 65 local talents set to shine throughout the 2023 season.
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WITH the AFL Sydney season getting underway prior to the Easter break, excitement is peaking for the remainder of the regular season.
We take a deep dive into the 65 talents that are ready to ignite the premier divisions throughout 2023.
PREMIER MEN
Paddy Bolger (North Shore)
The midfielder has come through the Swans Academy, and his use of the football, as well as his composure, makes him a key part of this side.
Will Hopkins (North Shore)
Also from the Academy and has a great boot on him that can get the Bombers on the front foot. His decision making has improved off a very strong pre-season.
Jack Dillon (North Shore)
Pleased club officials with the progress he has made. Giving himself every chance to succeed this year and was rewarded with a spot in round one’s big win.
Harrie Lahy (UTS)
Brings experience from Melbourne and was a very consistent performer at a high amateur level down there. A polished midfielder and prized recruit.
Will Devlin (UTS)
Came to the club from country Victoria and stands at a staggering 6’3. A skilled player who is a strong defender but also brings utility value.
Nick McGill (UTS)
Is a new Bat from South Australia and wants to work his way onto the Swans VFL list. Has previously held that role with Adelaide and is a quality defender/midfielder.
Antony Eussen (UTS)
They call him the four-quarter beast because of his endurance. A very talented young player rising to the top flight from the U19s.
Harry Maguire (Pennant Hills)
Comes back to the Demons after a stint with the VFL Swans and is a key forward in the side. Maturing into an elite player and a real leader within the group.
Mitch Blow (Pennant Hills)
A best and fairest gong last year has the ruckman ready to take his game to another level. Growing in confidence and has great mobility for a big man.
Mitch Kunigiskis (Pennant Hills)
Really impressed in the pre-season with the young gun among the club’s best. Changes position into defence this year and can use his dash and ball use.
Brayden Hawkins (Pennant Hills)
A new recruit who comes down from Cardiff in the Black Diamond League. A midfielder/forward who has caught the eye with his execution and intensity.
Cam Edwards (East Coast)
There’s a big reason why the club is excited to see him back - his fitness is career-best. He has played in the VFL and Talent League before as a strong half-back.
Harry Sutherland (East Coast)
The big man will take the lead in ruck duties this year again, and with another year under his belt, has come back stronger in a key position.
Scott Brown (East Coast)
Gets his chance in the forward line after coming from the back. His height, athleticism and vertical makes him a competitive force for the Eagles.
Kyle Mckellar (St George)
It’s no surprise the former Swans NEAFL representative took out the best and fairest last year, and his ability should have him right at the forefront again for the Dragons.
Tim Tegg (St George)
After one of his best outings with the club, the winger is looking to continue that upwards trajectory in 2023.
Jeromos Mills-Basas and Tye Gander (St George)
Two players currently in the Swans Academy and remain a chance of playing with the club later in the season. Exciting prospects who will add a lot should they get the opportunity.
Sam Thorne (UNSW/ES)
Returns to the league after a stint in the SANFL, and is a talented midfielder always going hard at contested possessions. Makes smart decisions with the ball.
Tom Longmire (UNSW/ES)
A famous surname as the son of Swans coach John, Tom has played centre-half back in the VFL and can push his way onto the AFL radar.
Kieran Emery (UNSW/ES)
Injuries played a role last year, but on his day the key forward is among the league’s best. Look for the Bulldogs midfield to target him with long kicks.
Oscar Peter (UNSW/ES)
Will feature more so in the midfield and up forward this year. Showed good signs throughout the pre-season and can take his game to another level.
Cale Gabilla (Manly Warringah)
A forward who has been described as having freakish abilities. An exciting talent who will provide plenty of highlights this season.
Will Smit (Manly Warringah)
A rising midfielder graduating through the junior ranks with the club to the seniors. A highly promising young talent.
Zach Youlten (Manly Warringah)
Returns to the fold after injuries hampered his 2022. A strong player and a key component for Manly in the half-back line.
Kye McGrath (Manly Warringah)
Had an outstanding season, claiming best and fairest honours as well as making the All Sydney team. A midfielder who is a natural leader.
Lachie Tiziani (Inner West)
Was on the Giants list last year and brings an incredible resume to the Inner West. Is on the bounce back from a knee reconstruction and is set to fire.
Luke Jamieson (Inner West)
Boasts plenty of size in the ruck at 6’6, and he continues to develop in football after coming across from basketball.
Cooper Newton (Inner West)
A local junior making his way back to the side and hasn’t put a foot wrong. Will play in the middle and adds a new dimension.
Oscar Davis (Sydney University)
A good user of the ball, Davis is a versatile player in the midfield and half-back line. He looks poised for a massive season.
Riley Fitzroy (Sydney University)
Will only get better after playing in his first year of premier footy. His confidence great each week last year and will only improve upon that.
Angus Jones (Sydney University)
Looked really good at full forward before injuries hurt in 2022. If he can remain on the paddock he’s got a very bright future.
Nathan Tang (Sydney University)
Another who has worked hard in the pre-season and is set to bring that form into the season proper. Wasn’t consistently in prems last year, but can change that this time around.
PREMIER WOMEN
Abby Latimer (North Shore)
A very talented junior coming out of the U18s competition. Latimer continues to improve and is a safe choice in the half-back line or midfield.
Imogen Hungerford (North Shore)
The left foot of the half-forward is her best asset. Strung a row of games together to finish last season and will only get better.
Lucy Krimmer (North Shore)
Brings valuable experience to the side and is another that has risen in stature. Moves up the field from the backs to the midfield.
Bella Hendriks (North Shore)
A young player who didn’t play a lot of prems last year, but is set to change that. Listens to feedback and has been rewarded with a spot in the middle.
Bec Ives (Pennant Hills)
The new recruit will take on rucking duties. Makes her way down from Wyong and is ready to prove she is up to the higher standard of play.
Mia Hartley (Pennant Hills)
Graduates up from the juniors after impressing to date. Plays in the back flank, good with the footy and is always creating options.
Emily Phelps (Pennant Hills)
One of the smaller players for the Demons but is always hunting contested possession. A win who earned her spot last year and is backing up from a division two premiership.
April Devine (UTS)
Comes to the Bats from UNSW and the tall ruck has represented the state. Can also play up forward, and is a dominant player on her day.
Marnie Robinson (UTS)
One name to keep an eye on. A top 30 NAB Academy player who travels down from Newcastle, Robinson is a 17-year-old looking to shine in her draft year.
Ella Parker (UTS)
Made the move from the Southern Power and is another talented 17-year-old in this UTS squad set for bigger things. A part of the Swans Academy and has played Coates League.
Taylah Canobie (UTS)
Was a standout in the trials and has earned her spot in the midfield. Has taken her time but is on the rise and approaches the game in a good manner.
Teagan Germech (East Coast)
Brings power and explosiveness to the midfield. Can kick the ball a long way and has draft aspirations in the coming years.
Caitlin Reid (East Coast)
A tall ruck who can get around the ground well. Good with her hands, brings athleticism to the side and is able to run and gun.
Jess Whelan (East Coast)
A key part of the Eagles midfield, Whelan is a smart footballer and brings plenty of skills to the side.
Erin Naden (East Coast)
Took home the rising star gong for the club last year. A good pre-season puts her in good stead at the half-forward role.
Mac Harley (Sydney University)
The tenacious on-baller was a runner up in the competition’s best and fairest last year. A classy player and the leader of the team.
Sas Johnson (Sydney University)
Was a rising star runner up last year and looks set to explode after turning 18. The club is very excited to see her develop.
Lucy Gilfedder (Sydney University)
Plays in the forward line and is coming off a huge 2022. Look for her to make an impact at crucial stages.
Molly Cameron (Sydney University)
A new addition to the side after coming across from netball. Has adapted strongly to her new surrounds and will use her size in the ruck.
Amanda Farrugia (Mac Uni Goannas)
One of the stars of the women’s competition. A former GWS Giant who brings leadership, experience and big-game smarts to the Goannas.
Caitlin Fletcher (Mac Uni Goannas)
Received a rising star nomination playing as a half-forward, but will switch to the midfield this year. An emerging leader who is primed for a big season.
Shannon, Jacqui and Cassie Brown (Mac Uni Goannas)
The trio of sisters give a competitive edge to the side in the back-line, with Cassie a star out on the wing with her strong boot. Very talented family.
Andrea Roditzis (Manly Warringah)
Silky skills and a fantastic player to spectate. She’s a lightning quick midfielder who can cause chaos down the wing.
Kaitlin Manning (Manly Warringah)
Brings aggression and toughness to the forward line. She can break a game wide open and kick a bag when she’s on her game.
Lauren Bourgeois (Manly Warringah)
A highly skilled ruck coming off injury from last year. When fit she is an exceptional talent and highly regarded by the club.
Shannon Fraser (Manly Warringah)
A new recruit to the side and will take her spot as half-forward or in the midfield. Exciting new addition to the side.
Lara Brennan (UNSW/ES)
Returns to the club and is still eligible to compete in the juniors. She’ll likely solidify her spot in the premier team.
Willow Smith (UNSW/ES)
She kicked a heap of goals last year and will again be a major target for the midfield to find her up forward.
Renae Scheffer (UNSW/ES)
After a couple of years away, Scheffer is back in Bulldogs colours. It looks like she hasn’t put a foot wrong in the pre-season.
Imogen McDonald (UNSW/ES)
Was a stalwart in the side last year and has elite skills coming out of the back-line. Her attack on the rebound is all class.
Originally published as AFL Sydney 2023: The 65 men and women set to shine in the premier divisions this year
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