The QBE Sydney Swans Academy under-18 side recovered from a poor first half to register a draw with the GWS Academy at Blacktown International Sportspark on Sunday.

Coached by former Swan Nick Davis and assistant coaches Paul Roos and Jarrad Sundqvist, the young Swans were slow to start, but recovered in the final half to record a 73-all draw, helped by accurate kicking which saw them kick 12 goals and one behind.

Daniel Robinson was the stand out performer for the Swans Academy, while Dylan Roos, Bradley Plug, Jordan Weir and Brandon Jack were other notable performers.

Swans Academy Talent ID and Operations manager Chris Smith said the team fought back hard in the second half to get back in touch with the Giants.

“We were quite lucky to get away with a draw,” he told sydneyswans.com.au.

“After a poor start in the first half, the Swans Academy team finished strongly in the second half, nearly escaping with a win.

“We’ve got to give full credit to the GWS side as they did outplay us in the first half of the game.”

Sunday’s game was the first of a three match series between the Sydney Swans and GWS Academy teams in the under-18 age group.

The series is the best opportunity for talented young footballers to earn a place in the NSW/ACT Rams state team, who will compete in the national competition in July.

The Swans Academy under-18 side will take on GWS in the second match of the series on Friday April 20 at Lakeside Oval from 2pm.