The Sydney Swans have signed QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate Emma Juneja as a replacement player for the 2026 AFLW season. 

Standing at 169cm, the 20-year-old is a hard-running utility and recipient of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy’s Basil Sellers Scholarship.

A former AFL National Academy representative, Juneja featured in eight VFLW games for the Box Hill Hawks last season after spending three years representing the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in the Coates Talent League. 

Sydney Swans Executive General Manager - AFLW Football, Kate Mahony, said she is confident Juneja will fit seamlessly into the squad. 

“We’re really pleased to welcome Emma to the team as a replacement player,” Mahony said.

“Having been a train-on player with our side this pre-season and coming through the Academy pathway, she has proven that she’ll thrive in an AFLW environment and integrate well into the team.

“It’s fantastic to welcome another QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete onto our list, a testament to the strength of the pathway and the Academy."

Juneja said she was excited to join the team. 

“All the girls have been so welcoming so far, so I'm really excited to play and train with them and learn from everyone around me,” Juneja said.

“There's so much crossover between the women's program and the Academy, so it's helped me so much having been involved with the team before."

Juneja will replace Alice Mitchell, who has been placed on the inactive list for the upcoming season after she suffered an ACL injury last month. 

Draftee Alex Neyland will also miss the 2026 season, after she sustained an ACL injury at training. The 18-year-old will undergo surgery and begin rehabilitation this week.