After three QBE Sydney Swans Academy products were drafted to Sydney's senior team last week, Head of the Academy Chris Smith certainly had reason to smile. 

It was no doubt with a smile and a spring in his step that Smith walked onto Lakeside Oval on Monday morning, where Sydney Swans player Jordan Dawson had some complimentary words as he approached.

“Here he is - the QBE Sydney Swans footy factory!” Dawson called.

The pair had a bit of a chuckle and Smith continued onto the ground.

While Dawson's comments may have been a little tongue in cheek, he was also on on the money. 

The recruitment of Braeden Campbell, Errol Gulden and Marc Sheather was another important step for home-grown Sydney talent, and illustrates the important role the QBE Sydney Swans Academy plays in providing talent pathways and opportunities. 

Chris Smith has played an integral role in the Academy since its establishment in 2010 and has been part of the journey for the Academy graduates who are now professional athletes at the Sydney Swans, including Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, Sam Naismith, Nick Blakey, James Bell and Sam Wicks.

It was a big 24 hours for Smith and all those involved in the Academy program as Campbell (pick 5), Gulden (pick 32) and Sheather (Category B Rookie) all saw their dreams become reality. Former QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate Luke Parks, who had moved to South Australia to play for Glenelg, was also picked up by Carlton in the Rookie Draft.

Smith has again played a key role in the football pathway of the new recruits, having coached and mentored Campbell and Gulden since they were nine years old and Sheather since he was 12. 

“You certainly get to know each and every boy well over their seven-to-eight-year journey,” Smith said.

“You want the best for each of them, especially those who work hard, are self-motivated and passionate.

“It's a high demand business with very limited supply, so you're always grateful if and when a player is given an opportunity.”

On the morning of the AFL Draft, Smith had coffee with Campbell and Gulden to settle their nerves, and admittedly, to settle his own as well.

As the main event unfolded later that night, unlike the players who were surrounded by family and friends, Smith watched the draft in solitude.

“I watched the draft alone and I'm not much of a drinker, but I thought it appropriate to open a bottle of red when their names were read out,” Smith said.

“I'm confident Errol, Braeden and Marc will make a real and positive impact on the club. I'm very proud of them.”

The work of Smith and the Academy coaching team led by Jared Crouch, along with QBE's investment in the youth boys and girls programs, is not only important in providing talent pathways but also helping grow the code in NSW.

In 2021, there will be 810 athletes in the Academy across the boys and girls programs, ranging in age from 10 to 19 years. No doubt many of them will be hopeful of following in the footsteps of Campbell, Gulden and Sheather - and no doubt Smith will be there to share the journey and smile with pride at their success.

The inside word.

There’s not too many who know our draftees better, so Chris Smith has provided some insights on our latest QBE Sydney Swans Academy trio:

BRAEDEN CAMPBELL
- Braeden is a real talent who is yet to fully mature physically, but already has amazing power and speed.
- His kicking ability, goal sense and courage will excite Swans fans.
- Braeden is focussed, self-motived and responsible, requiring very little guidance.
- He takes friendships and family seriously, and will be a great team man.
- He is quite shy, but is starting to come out of his shell, which is great to see.
- I am expecting to see many highlights from Braeden in the future.

ERROL GULDEN
- Errol is a genuine footballer who has displayed advanced football smarts from a young age.
- He is unbelievably consistent, and performs when it matters, always rising to the challenge.
- We had absolute certainty that he was giving himself every opportunity to succeed in terms of his preparation, recovery and extra skill sessions.
- He is a young man from a fantastic family, who is good company, always providing energy and has a fresh outlook on life.
- I have no doubt Errol will make a strong impact at the Sydney Swans for many years to come.

MARC SHEATHER
- Marc is a super athlete who is powerful, tough and versatile.
- He is an exciting prospect with enormous potential.
- He is another self-motivated individual who has trained independently, focussed on his studies after lengthy car travel to and from training, and is a high achiever academically.
- Marc has a friendly demeanour and caring nature.
- I suspect he’ll become a fan favourite given his hard-edge style.