The Sydney Swans officially welcomeD QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Harry Kyle to the football club, after matching the GWS Giants bid at pick 14 on night one of the Telstra AFL Draft. 

Kyle, an athletic defender/midfielder standing at 188cm, grew up playing rugby and basketball before landing at the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in the middle of last season. 

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media at the end of the night, Head of List Strategy Chris Keane said he was thrilled to welcome Kyle to the club.

"It's a great story, rugby background and pretty new to the sport, to be honest," Keane said.

His rate of development and improvement throughout the year has been exceptional. To go pick 14 at night one in the National Draft is a credit to him and the Academy; we're rapt to have him on board."

01:46

"We're wrapped to have him onboard" - Keane

Hear from Swans Head of List Strategy Chris Keane as he as he recaps our first night of the 2025 AFL Draft.

Keane said Kyle was a versatile player who could play a range of roles for the team.

"He can probably play in a few different positions because of his athleticism; he gives himself a chance," Keane said.

"I think he'll start around the square and play a bit of halfback, a bit of wing. But in time, we see him as potentially a midfielder; he moves really well with that athletic profile.

"So, we'd like to see in time that he might be able to go in there and play some midfield minutes too."

02:44

Harry Kyle Highlights

A look our our new draftee, Harry Kyle - a promising QBE Sydney Swans Academy talent.

QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Lachie Carmichael was drafted to the Bulldogs, and Keane gave an insight into how the scenario unfolded.

'We probably left trade period with what we did through that period, knowing that there were some scenarios with our points and our picks this year that if we did get two picks tonight, then we could be up against it to match it," Keane said

"We had to make sure that we protected our hand this year and next year, so we talked through that with a lot of different scenarios.

"We're really happy for Lachie that he gets an opportunity at the Dogs and gets to live out his lifelong dream of playing AFL footy. And I think more broadly, it speaks to the Academies themselves and the great job that they're doing and bringing talent into the broader pool, so we wish Lachie all the best."