Why Sydney Swans rookie Indhi Kirk is ready to step out from his father’s shadow

His dad might be one of the most revered leaders in the club’s history, but Indhi Kirk has pledged to step out of his shadow and forge his own path at the Sydney Swans.

Indhi Kirk is ready to make a name for himself at the Swans. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Indhi Kirk could already be considered a stalwart of the Sydney Swans.

The 19-year-old has been around the team for the majority of his life.

He was the Swans’ No.1 fan as his dad, Brett, became a legend of the club. Then throughout his teens, he progressed through their Academy as one of the most talented players across the age groups.

But now, after being selected by the club as a Category B rookie for the 2024 season, Kirk is ready to make his own history.

“I want to be known as Indhi Kirk, not son of Brett Kirk, as cool as it is,” he said.

“I want to make my own name and my own legacy.

“I want to earn respect from all the players and show them why I belong here. It’ll be unreal to break into that senior side, but I’ve got my eyes on earning my place in that squad.”

The Swans have always played an important role in Indhi Kirk’s (L) life. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Kirk was sitting on the couch with his father when the announcement came through on Wednesday afternoon.

Madly refreshing the browser, it became an emotional moment when his name finally appeared on the screen.

“We both jumped up and hugged each other and that was it,” Kirk said.

“It’s probably the first time I’ve seen my dad shed a tear in a while. He just told me this is where the hard work begins and to not give up and to prove people wrong. But also prove everyone who believed in you right.”

It took a lot of belief for Kirk to get to this point. He joins the Swans 12 months after the typical draft year as he was overlooked by the club in 2022.

Kirk now knows it was the wake-up call he needed to rethink his footy journey and identify areas for improvement in his game.

“Last year I thought I was going alright and then getting into the Draft and nothing coming of it, I knew I had to put my head down and really work at it,” Kirk said.

“One of the main things for me was putting on a bit of weight and getting stronger. So I hit the gym, hit up Rob Inness, the Swans’ strength and conditioning coach, and got some advice from him.

“I put in a lot of work behind the scenes to get where I am today.”

Kirk recognised that he had to put on weight after not being drafted in 2022. Picture: Keith McInnes

That effort paid off as he starred for the Swans’ Academy side in the Coates Talent League, leading the competition for tackles (8.2) and inside 50s (6.8) per game.

He quickly progressed to Sydney’s VFL side, before playing a valuable role in the Allies team that won an inaugural under-18 National Championships.

Tasting that success was just as much a vote of confidence in his ability as it was his mindset that he was on the right path.

“It’s more the mental side [that feels different] other than my body and my physicality,” Kirk said. “[Missing out] inspired me to work harder and to realise not everything is handed to you.

“Coming off last year and not having the strongest year and not even having a player-manager, to this year being talked about a lot more and breaking into the squad and getting signed was huge.

“I hope it inspires players at the Maroubra Saints, my junior club, and Academy players that might get looked over to never give up.”

Renowned for his elite work rate, Kirk will hit the ground running at pre-season training. Picture: Phil Hillyard

There won’t be a lack of familiar faces for Kirk when he links up with the squad for the first time next week.

Not only has he trained with the Swans as part of the VFL system, but he’s one of three Allies players the club has recruited along with his best mate Caiden Cleary and Patrick Snell from Queensland.

And as he steps out to be drilled by John Longmire as his head coach, the memories of his days running around Moore Park as a kid will come flooding back.

“I remember begging Dad to go to every session before Christmas to run water and kick the ball behind the goals,” Kirk said. “Now I’m going to be one of those players.

“I met Luke Parker when I was eight or nine. It’s pretty special to think he trained alongside my dad and now he’s going to be playing alongside me as well.”