For a third consecutive year, eight up-and-coming athletes from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy have been inducted into the Basil Sellers Scholarship Programme in an intimate dinner at Sydney Swans HQ on Wednesday.
Funds received by the scholars will assist to pursue their chosen sport alongside education, training, employment, and personal development. The program provides an opportunity for young athletes to excel in their chosen sport while receiving holistic support for their overall development.
Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich was in attendance and praised the important contribution to the next generation of AFL and AFLW stars, and growing the game in northern states.
“The Basil Sellers Scholarship has proudly entered a third year of fostering our up-and-coming athletes,” Pavlich said.
“Only 27 percent of our players on the AFL list last year were from New South Wales. We must keep investing and growing in the Academy and the AFL's presence. That’s why the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, and generous donors like Basil, are integral to the success of the game in this space.”
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Academy athlete Grace Tracey said it was a “big honour” to be included in this year’s scholarship group.
“Looking out at the people before me that have received [the Basil Sellers Scholarship] and how well they’ve done - the boys who have been drafted and the girls I played with this year - I feel super grateful to have been recognised alongside them,” she shared.
Grace’s parents Cindy and Mark echoed this, recalling her commitment to the sport after sustaining a significant setback in 2023.
“As parents of Grace we feel honoured really to think that the Swans and Basil have the same belief we have in Grace,” they said.
“She did her ACL 18 months ago and to come back and have the belief that you can come back. Just the commitment is huge.
“The money will go to her schooling but also assist with travel. It’s a three-hour trip to attend training twice a week, and then she plays in Sydney as well so that’s a huge help for her. Grace works hard at school. She’s not just a player, she’s not just AFL, there is another side to her.”
The Academy has been successful for more than 14 years in helping young players improve their AFL skills. Over 700 kids are currently enrolled across NSW.
The Sydney Swans Foundation plays a vital role in funding to provide the Academy with the best opportunity to produce a pipeline of talent.
Aidan McCartney
Club: North Shore Bombers
Academy Pathway: Under 13 Youth Boy (2021)
Playing Position: Key Forward
Aidan is a key position forward and former Under 16 All Australian. His biggest strengths are his ability to use his size effectively and convert opportunities into scoreboard impact. He’s highly regarded in AFL circles and recently kicked two goals on Grand Final day at the MCG in the Under 17 Futures game.
Aidan is part of the 2025 Marsh AFL National Academy Squad, recognition of his consistent performances at the elite junior level. What separates him from other key forwards is his running capacity. He covers the ground exceptionally well for his size and works into multiple contests throughout games.
With his proven ability to perform under pressure and his physical attributes, Aidan has the potential to develop into a high-quality
AFL player.
Mason McGroder
Club: Maroubra Saints
Academy Pathway: Under 12 Youth Boy (2020)
Playing Position: Key Defender
A dual-sport athlete excelling in both athletics and AFL, Mason is a raw but powerful player with significant upside. His overhead marking is a weapon, with explosive leap and strong hands overhead making him dangerous in aerial contests.
At 15 years old, Mason won bronze in the Long Jump at the Under 20 World Athletics Championships in Peru. He holds gold medals at the Australian Athletics Championships in the Under 20 Long Jump (7.73m) and U17 400m (49.37s), demonstrating elite speed and power.
Mason’s athleticism translates directly to his AFL game. He’s a dynamic defender who can compete as a Ruckman or Tall Defender, using his speed and explosiveness to impact contests. His ball-handling is very strong, and he attacks the ball in the air with confidence. As Mason develops his football IQ and refines his positioning, his athletic foundation gives him enormous potential.
This is Mason’s second year as a Basil Sellers Scholarship recipient.
Guy Jenkin
Club: Manly Warringah Wolves
Academy Pathway: Under 13 Youth Boy (2021)
Playing Position: Wing
Guy is an elite runner with excellent footy smarts. He creates space out of nothing and always seems to have time with the ball. His composure is a major strength, he rarely looks flustered even when under physical pressure.
Guy’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions across the ground. He can impact games from inside or outside, and his running capacity allows him to get to contest after contest. Guy played on the MCG before the Grand Final in the Under 17 Futures game.
Already a key voice in the group, Guy’s leadership continues to develop. With the right guidance in 2026, he can grow further in this area and become even more influential.
William Jenkin
Club: Manly Warringah Wolves
Academy Pathway: Under 13 Youth Boy (2021)
Playing Position: Wing
Will is an elite runner with outstanding game awareness. He finds space in congested situations and is consistently clean with ball in hand. His composure under pressure is a standout trait and makes good decisions under pressure.
Versatile across multiple positions, Will can play inside and outside midfield roles. He was selected to play in the Under 17 Futures game on the MCG before the Grand Final which is a strong reflection of his talent and trajectory.
Will’s leadership is already influential within the group. With continued development in 2026, he has the potential to become a key leader for the Academy program.
Grace Tracey
Club: Figtree Kangaroos / East Coast Eagles
Academy Pathway: Under 12 Youth Girl (2020)
Playing Position: Key Defender
Grace is a key position player and former elite netballer. She has outstanding overhead intercept marking and reads the ball in flight exceptionally well. As a key defender, she consistently wins one-on-one contests and can push forward to kick goals when needed.
Grace played in the final Allies game before being selected for the Under 17 Futures game at Ikon Park, where she was best on ground for her team and won the Vescio Award. She’s a member of the 2026 AFLW National Academy, recognising her as one of the country’s top AFLW prospects.
Playing out of the Illawarra region, Grace’s commitment to the program is significant. She regularly travels to train and compete with the Academy, demonstrating her dedication to her development. Grace’s leadership is another important quality. She leads by example on the field and is vocal when needed. With continued development in 2025, Grace is tracking toward AFLW level.
Charlotte Tidemann
Club: North Shore Bombers
Academy Pathway: Under 13 Youth Girl (2021)
Playing Position: Halfback, Wing
Charlotte is an elite runner with outstanding run and carry ability. Her skills and decision-making with ball in hand are her biggest strengths. She breaks lines with her speed and has elite kicking efficiency.
Charlotte played every game for the Allies as a bottom-ager at the 2025 National Championships, showing her readiness to compete against older players. Her consistent performances and talent earned her selection in the 2026 AFLW National Academy. She also played at Ikon Park in the Under 17 Futures game.
Charlotte dominates the AFL Sydney Women’s competition, regularly being one of the best players on the ground. Her work rate is exceptional, and she leads by example with her effort and integrity. Charlotte sets the standard for her teammates on and off the field, showing her developing leadership traits.
Ashleigh Barlow
Club: Figtree Kangaroos
Academy Pathway: Under 12 Youth Girl (2020)
Playing Position: Key Defender
Ashleigh is a key defender who excels in one-on-one contests. Her ability to read the ball in flight and position herself well makes her difficult to beat. What sets her apart is her elite skills coming out of defence and her decision making, even under pressure.
Ashleigh was an Under 16 All Australian and was named the Academy’s MVP at the 2024 National Championships. Playing out of Figtree in the Illawarra region, her commitment to the program is significant. She regularly travels to train and compete with the Academy, demonstrating her dedication to developing at the highest level.
Ashleigh is highly regarded and tracking well towards AFLW level.
Aurelia Russell
Club: Maitland Saints
Academy Pathway: Under 12 Youth Girl (2020)
Playing Position: Midfielder
Aurelia is an elite runner with outstanding endurance. Her athletic traits, clean skills, and smart decision-making under pressure are her main strengths. Her agility is exceptional, allowing her to evade tackles and create separation from opponents.
Aurelia has exceptional composure with the ball, she finds time and space that others don’t see. Her ability to remain calm in congested situations and make the right decisions consistently sets her apart.
Playing out of the Hunter region, Aurelia’s commitment to the program is significant. She regularly travels considerable distances to train and play with the Academy, demonstrating her dedication to developing her game at the highest level. With her athletic base and continued development of her football IQ, Aurelia is developing into a high-quality AFLW player.
