The Sydney Swans have welcomed three QBE Sydney Swans Academy athletes at the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft on Monday night. 

The Swans selected Alex Neyland with their first selection, after matching Collingwood’s bid at pick six, Madeleine Quinn after matching Brisbane’s bid at pick 18 and selected Molly Thomas at pick 47.

Neyland is a 178cm utility and a two-time recipient of the Basil Sellers Scholarship. Playing in the Coates Talent League this season, she averaged 19 disposals and six tackles as well as booted three goals across four games. 

Quinn is an athletic ruck/forward from the Maroubra Saints and UTS Bats programs. Standing at 187cm, Quinn showcased her ability at the National Draft Combine, posting a top ten finish in the 20m sprint and vertical jump.

Thomas is a smart midfielder, who has a balance of offensive and defensive impact. The left-footer hails from Singleton on the NSW Hunter Coast and has spent four years in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

Sydney Swans Executive General Manger – AFLW Football, Amanda Turner, said she was excited by what all three players could bring to the squad. 

“We are really pleased to officially welcome Alex, Maddie and Molly to the club tonight,” Turner said.

“Alex is a very talented footballer who we think can have an immediate impact for us, so to bring her onto our senior list tonight is a fantastic result for our footy club.

“Maddie’s athleticism is a real asset; she’s a strong mark of the football and follows up well with her defensive pressure at ground level so we are excited by her potential.

“And Molly’s footy IQ is a real standout, we think she has plenty of upside, so we're really excited to have her on board.

“It’s also fantastic to have four of our academy players make it onto an AFLW list tonight. It’s a testament to the players hard work and all those involved with QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

“While tonight is significant for all players who have made it onto an AFLW list, I’d also like to acknowledge the tragedy in Bondi experienced yesterday and we continue to keep all those impacted in our thoughts.”