Harry Kyle
DOB: 16.07.2007
Recruited from: East Sydney Bulldogs / Willoughby / QBE Sydney Swans Academy
Position: Defender / Midfielder
Arguably no player has come from further back to be in draft contention this year than Harry Kyle. The defender/midfielder started out the season just hoping to get a game with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, and has now become a first round draft pick.
A Sydneysider born to Victorian parents, he grew up playing rugby union and basketball, only joining the QBE Swans Academy in the middle of last year.
He had played Australian Rules sporadically to that point, but an email to the QBE Swans Academy landed him a successful four-week trial. 2025 marked his first full year with the Swans and after promising Summer and Academy series, he continued to build during the Coates Talent League stint. His form warranted an Allies call-up, where he played a full carnival and turned from one to watch, to a genuine draft chance.
Post-champs, Kyle got the opportunity to train with the senior Swans and was afforded a VFL debut in Round 18. It wasn’t the only senior opportunity he had this year, turning out four times in the AFL Sydney Premier Divison for UNSW-ES Bulldogs. Then came the National Draft Combine, where Kyle showcased his athleticism to post three top-10 results and remind recruiters of his significant upside.
What QBE Sydney Swans Academy Coach Colin O'Riordan said:
Harry is a super athlete who has gone from strength to strength over the past 18 months. A really smooth mover who is explosive and has super endurance. He was Top 10 in the AFL Draft Combine for vertical jump, running jump and agility. He has a great left foot and there's been lots of comparisons to Finn Callaghan from the GWS Giants. He's still learning the game but is composed with ball in hand and takes the game on with a damaging kick and his run and carry.
