Game Day 2025 Trade and Draft

[Callipygian]

Time to kick off the 2025 Trade and Draft thread.

I feel like our list is looking a lot healthier after a very productive last trade and draft period and good early season showings from all our new recruits (bar Brown and Steele-Park). I think you always need more class and depth and also we lack a little for tall KPPs, especially forward. Plus we need more experience - that will come organically but we can always look at topping up, when we have such a young and inexperienced list.

Happily, there are a couple of strong Academy prospects that go some way to addressing our need for height:

1. Alex Neyland - a hard working tall forward (178 cm) who is noted for her defensive pressure. Had an injury-blighted bottom age year so less exposure at top level. Ranked #12 in Rookie Me's latest 'power rankings'.

2. Madeleine Quinn - an agile 185 cm ruck-forward who has strong hands but is still developing (reportedly doesn't yet get a lot of the ball or use it especially well). Ranked #26 in Rookie Me's latest 'power rankings'.

Draft-wise there has, until now, been no pick trading and, consequently, we, and all the other clubs, currently have all our natural picks in each round. Last I knew bids on tied players could be matched with picks within 18 picks of the bid. The club will have all the inside intel on these players and it would be great if we could efficiently match bids to maximise our draft return. Ideally we could pick a player before using subsequent picks to match bids on the Academy girls.

Our draft strategy will also be impacted by (and need to complement) our trade strategy. I'm sure we'll be looking at opportunities to bring in good, experienced players. But who will be available is anybody's guess and far beyond my pay-grade.

Two years ago I was disappointed in our club's approach to list management but last year I thought they did brilliantly (the only blight was the poor return for Ella Heads but there was nothing to be done about that). I will place my trust in them and watch with interest.

I expect us to turn over a handful of players. It's too soon to say who they will be except that, as I posted elsewhere, I'm thinking it may be the end of the road for Collier who has just not been able to stay fit and get on the park enough. Ruby Sergeant-Wilson is probably under a fair bit of pressure and the same may go for Kiara Hillier. But, really, all the list is under pressure to perform and their performances from here to season's end will have to do the talking.

 

[joeykanga]

Time to kick off the 2025 Trade and Draft thread.

I feel like our list is looking a lot healthier after a very productive last trade and draft period and good early season showings from all our new recruits (bar Brown and Steele-Park). I think you always need more class and depth and also we lack a little for tall KPPs, especially forward. Plus we need more experience - that will come organically but we can always look at topping up, when we have such a young and inexperienced list.

Happily, there are a couple of strong Academy prospects that go some way to addressing our need for height:

1. Alex Neyland - a hard working tall forward (178 cm) who is noted for her defensive pressure. Had an injury-blighted bottom age year so less exposure at top level. Ranked #12 in Rookie Me's latest 'power rankings'.

2. Madeleine Quinn - an agile 185 cm ruck-forward who has strong hands but is still developing (reportedly doesn't yet get a lot of the ball or use it especially well). Ranked #26 in Rookie Me's latest 'power rankings'.

Draft-wise there has, until now, been no pick trading and, consequently, we, and all the other clubs, currently have all our natural picks in each round. Last I knew bids on tied players could be matched with picks within 18 picks of the bid. The club will have all the inside intel on these players and it would be great if we could efficiently match bids to maximise our draft return. Ideally we could pick a player before using subsequent picks to match bids on the Academy girls.

Our draft strategy will also be impacted by (and need to complement) our trade strategy. I'm sure we'll be looking at opportunities to bring in good, experienced players. But who will be available is anybody's guess and far beyond my pay-grade.

Two years ago I was disappointed in our club's approach to list management but last year I thought they did brilliantly (the only blight was the poor return for Ella Heads but there was nothing to be done about that). I will place my trust in them and watch with interest.

I expect us to turn over a handful of players. It's too soon to say who they will be except that, as I posted elsewhere, I'm thinking it may be the end of the road for Collier who has just not been able to stay fit and get on the park enough. Ruby Sergeant-Wilson is probably under a fair bit of pressure and the same may go for Kiara Hillier. But, really, all the list is under pressure to perform and their performances from here to season's end will have to do the talking.

So early Alex the first of three very talented sisters
https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1467535/sydney-swans-foundation-spotlight-the-neyland-family
And possibly the second Basil Sellers scholarship holder in consecutive years to be drafted... Amelia the first.
Kiara seems to be preparing for an after football career in the media.
If that takes her away from Sydney, Giselle could possibly move with her as her partner.

 

[joeykanga]

Time to kick off the 2025 Trade and Draft thread.

I feel like our list is looking a lot healthier after a very productive last trade and draft period and good early season showings from all our new recruits (bar Brown and Steele-Park). I think you always need more class and depth and also we lack a little for tall KPPs, especially forward. Plus we need more experience - that will come organically but we can always look at topping up, when we have such a young and inexperienced list.

Happily, there are a couple of strong Academy prospects that go some way to addressing our need for height:

1. Alex Neyland - a hard working tall forward (178 cm) who is noted for her defensive pressure. Had an injury-blighted bottom age year so less exposure at top level. Ranked #12 in Rookie Me's latest 'power rankings'.

2. Madeleine Quinn - an agile 185 cm ruck-forward who has strong hands but is still developing (reportedly doesn't yet get a lot of the ball or use it especially well). Ranked #26 in Rookie Me's latest 'power rankings'.

Draft-wise there has, until now, been no pick trading and, consequently, we, and all the other clubs, currently have all our natural picks in each round. Last I knew bids on tied players could be matched with picks within 18 picks of the bid. The club will have all the inside intel on these players and it would be great if we could efficiently match bids to maximise our draft return. Ideally we could pick a player before using subsequent picks to match bids on the Academy girls.

Our draft strategy will also be impacted by (and need to complement) our trade strategy. I'm sure we'll be looking at opportunities to bring in good, experienced players. But who will be available is anybody's guess and far beyond my pay-grade.

Two years ago I was disappointed in our club's approach to list management but last year I thought they did brilliantly (the only blight was the poor return for Ella Heads but there was nothing to be done about that). I will place my trust in them and watch with interest.

I expect us to turn over a handful of players. It's too soon to say who they will be except that, as I posted elsewhere, I'm thinking it may be the end of the road for Collier who has just not been able to stay fit and get on the park enough. Ruby Sergeant-Wilson is probably under a fair bit of pressure and the same may go for Kiara Hillier. But, really, all the list is under pressure to perform and their performances from here to season's end will have to do the talking.

Then I guess you have Sarah Strele-Park and even Bec...I love Bec and we'll see how she goes this year. Maybe the full time job she has will result in others overtaking her as Amelia has for the one gane already. I do expect her to play again but maybe its a natural progression to see her getting close to the end of an afl career

 

[Callipygian]

Then I guess you have Sarah Strele-Park and even Bec...I love Bec and we'll see how she goes this year. Maybe the full time job she has will result in others overtaking her as Amelia has for the one gane already. I do expect her to play again but maybe its a natural progression to see her getting close to the end of an afl career

Bec? As in Priv? Sheesh! It's only been one game since she was dropped. And she was one of our better players last year. I'm not ready to contemplate her retirement (or worse) yet.

 

[joeykanga]

Bec? As in Priv? Sheesh! It's only been one game since she was dropped. And she was one of our better players last year. I'm not ready to contemplate her retirement (or worse)

dont get me wrong im not either. She's been a star and I'm sure has plenty to contribute but obviously something led to Amelia playing and it wasn't injury.

yet.

 

[liz]

So early Alex the first of three very talented sisters
https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1467535/sydney-swans-foundation-spotlight-the-neyland-family
And possibly the second Basil Sellers scholarship holder in consecutive years to be drafted... Amelia the first.
Kiara seems to be preparing for an after football career in the media.
If that takes her away from Sydney, Giselle could possibly move with her as her partner.

I hadn't realised they were partners - or, indeed, that we had any couples of our list.

 

[joeykanga]

I hadn't realised they were partners - or, indeed, that we had any couples of our list.

I think they are...I do remember reading a comment on an insta but now I cant be sure.

 

[liz]

I think they are...I do remember reading a comment on an insta but now I cant be sure.

I'd just given it no thought. AFLW players' sexuality is just something no one cares about (on day when the first ex-AFLM player has come out and spoken about his sexuality).

 

[joeykanga]

I'd just given it no thought. AFLW players' sexuality is just something no one cares about (on day when the first ex-AFLM player has come out and spoken about his sexuality).

Finally...hes so brave...its a shame he has to be so brave. The only reason why I mentioned Giselle was in the context of partners...Ella Heads followed her partner to Port, Bella Smith to Freo. Its a part time gig so its a big lure and seems to be more of a thing in AFLW, i guess mostly because the pay is not huge.

 

[joeykanga]

I'd just given it no thought. AFLW players' sexuality is just something no one cares about (on day when the first ex-AFLM player has come out and spoken about his sexuality).

You're so right. It's amazing at the difference of where the 2 lie..

 

[liz]

Finally...hes so brave...its a shame he has to be so brave. The only reason why I mentioned Giselle was in the context of partners...Ella Heads followed her partner to Port, Bella Smith to Freo. Its a part time gig so its a big lure and seems to be more of a thing in AFLW, i guess mostly because the pay is not huge.

Buddy followed his partner to Sydney … (so it’s not just a part-time gig thing)

 

[joeykanga]

Buddy followed his partner to Sydney … (so it’s not just a part-time gig thing)

Bad choice of words on my part. Do wish the season was longer and they were paid more handsomely.

 

[Ticky009]

Bad choice of words on my part. Do wish the season was longer and they were paid more handsomely.

Don't we all.

 

[Kiama Chris]

Bad choice of words on my part. Do wish the season was longer and they were paid more handsomely.

While I'm full of admiration for the way the Swans have gone about their venture into AFLW I can't say the same about the AFL head office. From concept to execution it has been done on the run with often poorly thought through goals and metrics. Creating it as a part-time competition and expecting full time professional performance is a classic example.
It was always going to be a loss leader designed to attract more women, children but particularly adolescents to the game. And it looks as if it's working! Seeing the kids looking up to the female players is great for the game but for society in general, just like with the Matildas.
But the players need to be paid enough to put a life together, otherwise it risks withering on the vine.

 

[Callipygian]

According to Riley Beveridge on the W Show today we're in a fight with Adelaide to sign their key defender Zoe Prowse: https://www.afc.com.au/players/5652/Zoe-Prowse. She looks great but I'm curious that we're prioritising that part of the ground which seems to be going so well at the moment. I would have thought a key forward would be more what we're after. Could we be looking to convert her into a forward? Seems more likely than converting BT or Mitchell but who the hell knows. Anyway, interesting tidbit.

 

[Kiama Chris]

According to Riley Beveridge on the W Show today we're in a fight with Adelaide to sign their key defender Zoe Prowse: https://www.afc.com.au/players/5652/Zoe-Prowse. She looks great but I'm curious that we're prioritising that part of the ground which seems to be going so well at the moment. I would have thought a key forward would be more what we're after. Could we be looking to convert her into a forward? Seems more likely than converting BT or Mitchell but who the hell knows. Anyway, interesting tidbit.

While our defensive group is strong they are not very tall and we lack a contested mark. BT is a great interceptor but not so much in the contest and Alice (183cm) is more a spoiler.
Just guessing but pretty sure we wanted Giselle Davies (180cm) to fulfil this role and Kiara Hillier (both from GC) to fulfil the role Zippy and Ash are doing but are not seeing that working out.
Someone like Zoe (perhaps at either end?) seems like a good addition.

 

[Ticky009]

According to Riley Beveridge on the W Show today we're in a fight with Adelaide to sign their key defender Zoe Prowse: https://www.afc.com.au/players/5652/Zoe-Prowse. She looks great but I'm curious that we're prioritising that part of the ground which seems to be going so well at the moment. I would have thought a key forward would be more what we're after. Could we be looking to convert her into a forward? Seems more likely than converting BT or Mitchell but who the hell knows. Anyway, interesting tidbit.

Oh snap I was just listening to Beveridge saying Swans were very keen. I'm not aware of any backline upcoming movements given most of them there seem to be doing well.

 

[Kiama Chris]

According to Riley Beveridge on the W Show today we're in a fight with Adelaide to sign their key defender Zoe Prowse: https://www.afc.com.au/players/5652/Zoe-Prowse. She looks great but I'm curious that we're prioritising that part of the ground which seems to be going so well at the moment. I would have thought a key forward would be more what we're after. Could we be looking to convert her into a forward? Seems more likely than converting BT or Mitchell but who the hell knows. Anyway, interesting tidbit.

Might be right about turning her into a marking forward but also we don't have a tall marking defender. Zoe is 177 but has a good leap. We have Alice at 180 but isn't a great mark and the others are not great contested marks. Thought maybe Giselle Davies would fill that role but seems not. Zoe was a #1 draft pick.

 

[Callipygian]

I just want to take this opportunity to note who sits on list management committee:

Head Coach - Scott Gowans
EGM AFLW - Kate Mahoney currently replaced by Amanda Turner while she's on maternity leave
Performance analyst - Phoebe Carter
Senior assistant coach - Tanya Hetherington

With additional oversight from CEO - currently Tom Harley but about to be replaced by Matthew Pavlich

Matthew Pavlich

Age

43

Ht

192cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.5

4star

K

11.3

4star

HB

6.3

4star

M

5.6

5star

T

2.6

4star

G

2.3

5star

No current season stats available

D

16.8

4star

K

12.8

5star

HB

4.0

3star

M

8.8

5star

T

1.2

3star

G

3.4

5star

.

 

[Callipygian]

In this post I want to consider which players are in danger of being de-listed or traded away. The players I think are candidates to be cleared out to make room for fresh blood are:

Kiara Hillier - didn't get a game all year despite being fit. Has been overtaken by Grierson and van Loon.

Ruby Sergeant-Wilson - not first on the chopping block and perhaps more likely to be retained. Improving but unconvincing.

Caitlin Reid and Giselle Davies - I think one of these players is likely to be moved on and replaced by draftee Madeleine Quinn, who has far more upside.

Maddy Collier - has retired.

Paris McCarthy - probably in a similar situation to Ruby Sergeant-Wilson, serviceable but not convincing. In the long term I think we can do better. Not first in line to go now and may survive another season for that reason.

Privitelli - I think we should retain her. Her best is good and we lack depth in this position. However, she has had a poor season and an up and down career (she's been delisted twice already - first by Carlton and then by the Giants).

Sarah Steele-Park - mature, seasoned body and mind but perhaps not at the same level as potential replacements.

Julie O'Sullivan - I think we should retain Julie provided she is on track to fully recover from her injuries. She was going quite well before she did her ACL against the Pies.

****

I don't expect to have anywhere near the turnover we did last year but I reckon it will be 4-6 players that are turned over (not including unexpected trade scenarios like Ella Heads last year).
****

In terms of players coming in, I have no idea about possible trade targets except for reading somewhere that we had approached KPD Zoe Prowse from Adelaide. She would be a great get and would bolster our tall defender stocks.

In terms of the draft, we have two highly rated Academy youngsters that we are likely to draft: Alex Neyland (KPF) and Madeleine Quinn (ruck-forward). The Rookie Me Central power rankings rate them 7 and 20 respectively: https://central.rookieme.com/afl/power-rankings/aflw-draft-power-rankings-september-2025/.

We will have picks 10, 28, 46 and 64. We can use any pick within 18 picks of a bid to match a bid. There seem to be two strategies we could employ: either (a) trade our first selection up to try and get a pick ahead of a bid for Neyland; or (b) split our first pick and trade back so we can match the bid on Neyland and get another player in the first round and then still match the bid on Quinn. I lean towards plan b because otherwise it will be hard to match the bids on Neyland and Quinn and, by trading back, we will be able to comfortably get both Neyland and Quinn plus another first rounder (I would think). E.g. could we trade 10 + 28 + 46 and wind up with something like 16 + 17 +35 (thereby being able to use pick 16 to match the bid on Neyland, pick 17 to draft someone good and pick 35 to match a bid on Quinn). Quite possibly we could split in to additional later picks (i.e. more picks in the 20s) - and that might be a great way to go if we then want to trade the picks for players (which I am in favour of) while retaining currency to match the bids on our Academy players.

Possibly we could get involved with Gold Coast trading their picks back as they are going to have an absolutely bonanza (4 of the top 6 ranked players are Gold Coast Academy players). Gold Coast can trade back pick 1 to ideally wind up with three picks in the early 20s. They can then use their pick 19 to match any bid on Ava Usher, and the others to match bids on the other highly rated Academy players - what a windfall!

I have to say this bidding system will need to be reformed soon, probably before the next draft. Gold Coast aren't going to stay down the bottom of the table long with the amount of talent coming into their team and they can't be permitted to continue profitting from their Academy to this degree. Women's footy in Queensland is actually pretty strong and doesn't need the same encouragement as in NSW.

 

[Callipygian]

Here's some highlights of Alex Neyland:



I'm excited!

 

[joeykanga]

Here's some highlights of Alex Neyland:



I'm excited!

So am I! Imagine the 3 sisters in the team in 3 or 4 years time

 

[Callipygian]

Priv, Davies and Hillier out the door. So that's 4 list spots opened up (when you add Collier).

Maybe another 1-2 to come?

 

[Callipygian]

I guess they are doing exit interviews right now. How long is an exit interview anyway? Is it 5 minutes or 30? Does anybody know?

Geez, it all moves on very quickly. We could have been preparing for finals, instead we've got delistings.

 

[Callipygian]

While it is true that we have Neyland (KPF) and Quinn (ruck-forward) coming in effectively to replace Priv (KPF) and Davies (ruck-forward), I am still minded to interpret these two outs as a sign that we have a tall trade target in our sights. Let's watch this space, but I'm tipping that we trade in at least one KPP. This was already a list need before Priv and Giselle left and I think we can't just rely on two draftees to fill the gap.