Members of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy experienced a day in the life of an elite footballer at yesterday’s Academy training day.

The under-16 and under-18 Academy squads took part in gruelling day of training at the SCG, which included fitness and skills sessions and team meetings.

The training day was held in preparation for tomorrow’s match in the Sydney Swans and GWS Academy Series at Lakeside Oval. Tomorrow’s match will be the second in the series for the under-18 sides and the first clash of the under-16 teams.

Swans Academy under-16 coach Mark Drinkwater said the training day gave his players a taste of being a part of a professional football club.

“It was a chance to look at our team structures, our team rules and basically what the players have to go through each week, so it’s a little stepping stone for the players but a very important one for this group,” he said.

The Academy Series is an opportunity for Academy players to gain selection in the NSW state team.

Swans Academy under-18 coach Nick Davis said tomorrow’s match is of great importance to players hoping to get drafted to an AFL club.

“Jason Saddington is using these games in his selection for the Rams teams, and obviously the Swans recruiters will be there as well,” he said.

“It’s important for their development and it’s early on in the year, but (it’s an opportunity) to put their best foot forward and to get their names out there for the rest of the year.

“The under-18 year of their careers is very important with the drafts and rookie lists coming up at the end of the year.”

The last time the under-18 Swans side met the Giants the result was a draw, but Davis said the outcome of the match was not the purpose of the series.

“It is more for the guys to get out there and play good footy and represent the Swans as best they can,” he said.

“As long as the guys go out there and showcase themselves and the team the best way the can, the result is somewhat irrelevant, but of course we’d like to win.

“Even a one-point win to us would be handy!”

The under-16 Academy series match between the Swans and GWS will begin at 10:30am tomorrow, and will be followed by the under-18 clash at 1:30pm.


Members of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy under 16 and 18 squads watch the seniors train yesterday.