QBE Sydney Swans Academy athletes Frankie Walsh and Tom Epis have been named recipients of the 2026 Frank Burton scholarship, which recognises male and female footballers who excel on and off the field.
Frank Burton, a former employee of the Sydney Swans and a member for more than 30 years, left a legacy to the Sydney Swans Foundation to continue financial support for young athletes.
Walsh joined the Academy’s U12 Youth Girl Squad in 2020 after progressing through the Open Athlete Assessment Trials.
Walsh played 123 junior games with the Glebe Greyhounds and now plays senior football with Sydney University Football Club, in addition to her Academy commitments. Last year, she was selected in the Allies U18 squad as a bottom-aged player and featured in three games at the U18 National Championships.
Head of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy Wayne Campbell said Walsh was a deserving recipient of the scholarship.
“Since joining the Academy back in 2012, Frankie has consistently demonstrated the qualities we value most within our program - commitment, dedication, coachability and an unwavering desire to improve,” Campbell said.
“She is currently completing her HSC while balancing the significant demands of her football schedule.
“She reads the game exceptionally well, shows composure under pressure and makes sound decisions that allow her to execute precisely and set up forward opportunities for her team. Importantly, she is a team-first player who understands her role and consistently elevates those around her.”
Epis joined the Academy as a 15-year-old through the Coffs Harbour Hub, where he lives in Ashby, a regional town 600km from Sydney. Last year, he played eight games for Sydney’s U16 Top End team and represented the Swans in the AFL National Development Championships. Epis recently impressed at the Rookie Me AFL Combine, recording the best vertical jump among his peer group and the second-fastest 20 metre sprint.
Campbell said the commitment from both Epis and his family has been substantial, measured in both time and financial investment.
“The commitment has been even greater when travelling to Sydney, a 7½-hour journey, to attend our Youth Program components and, more recently, to train within our Top End program,” Campbell said.
“Tom is a strong and powerful inside midfielder who thrives in contested situations. As he transitions into his first year as a bottom-aged U18 player, we anticipate exposing him to roles across half-forward and half-back to broaden his development and enhance his long-term opportunities.
“Tom is also completing his HSC, balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of our development program, which requires extensive travel.”
The Sydney Swans congratulate these deserving athletes on their selection.
The Sydney Swans Foundation are proud to provide funding to nurturing the pipeline of young athletes coming through the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, fostering on and off field success. If you too would like to show your support, consider donating today.
