From wearing the red and black guernsey of the Manly Bombers to the red and white of the Sydney Swans, Sam Wicks, a Northern Beaches local, has come from the rookie list to become one of the Swan's most reliable lockdown small defenders.

Wicks will mark his 100th AFL game this Sunday against St Kilda, in a culmination of his hard work and dedication to his craft and is another example of the ongoing success and role of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

“Yeah, it's pretty special,” Wicks said when speaking to Swans Media about his milestone.

“When I think about my journey and the people who've helped me along the way, it's a really important milestone, and I'm happy to be able to share it with my teammates, my family and my friends.”

The former small forward joined the Academy in 2010 at the age of 11. He then made his way through the pathway, which ultimately led to him being drafted as an NSW Zone Category B Rookie in 2018. 

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"I'm happy to share this milestone with my teammates and family" - Wicks

Sam Wicks reflects on his career as he prepares for this 100th game in the red and white on Sunday afternoon.

Wicks is a perfect example of the importance of this rookie selection in NSW which offers a designated roster spot to the Swans and GIANTS and allows both clubs to recruit local zone athletes and academy graduates with the potential to succeed in the game.

In his first season of senior footy with the Swans Wicks played all 20 games for the Sydney Swans NEAFL side, including a Preliminary Final against the Brisbane Lions. That season would lay the groundworks for a potential senior call-up from head coach John Longmire, a goal achieved a year later amidst the strangest season in AFL history. 

“[My AFL debut] was right in the middle of the COVID quarantine hub, so we played at a bit of an empty stadium,” Wicks said.

“I actually played Collingwood at The Gabba, which was a bit random, but it was pretty special to be able to debut for the Swans, who I grew up supporting.”

Debuting in Round 10 of the 2020 season, the number 45 kicked his first AFL goal in the narrow nine-point loss. The Academy graduate would play a further six games in the senior squad that season before a breakout season in 2021. 

During the 2021 season, the small forward played 22 games, racking up 17 goals and 245 disposals. Wicks would continue to play in the forward line for the next few seasons before Dean Cox moved him to half-back in 2025, where he has found a new skill set and dominance on the field.

This dominance also saw him recognised with his first Sydney Swans award in 2025 claiming the The Dennis Carroll Trophy for Most Improved.

“I spent most of my career as a small forward, which can be a bit tough at times, so I kind of wish I'd moved back a bit earlier,” Wicks said.

“I think I've found my spot back there now and am pretty keen to finish off my career down back.”

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"I want to reward the form players are in" - Cox

Senior coach Dean Cox fronts the media ahead of our Round 13 match against St Kilda on Sunday.

Entering game 100 this weekend, the 26-year-old acknowledged the impact of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy on his development and the unwavering support from his family and friends that have helped him reach this major milestone. 

“The Academy played a massive role. To be able to have that elite pathway where you can train as a junior and get the most out of yourself, it really set me up,” Wicks said.

“Family is also a massive part for me.”

"They've been there from day one and ride the highs and lows and try to come to as many games as they can and support me as much as they can. So, from a kid and early age up until now, they're always in my corner.”

The Sydney Swans will take on St Kilda this Sunday at the SCG from 3:15 pm AEST.

Tickets are available HERE and you can get all your match day information via our MATCH DAY HUB.

Can't get to the game? Tune into Channel 7, Kayo and Fox Footy from 3:00 pm to catch all the action.