Belmont teenager Max King could hear his name called at the AFL draft this week, fulfilling a dream to play professional Aussie rules. The Cardiff Hawks product may follow fellow club product Isaac Heeney to the Sydney Swans.
King, who recently finished HSC exams at Warners Bay High School, started playing AFL at age nine after switching from soccer and athletics. He joined the Swans academy in under 12s and has been part of the junior representative system in Sydney ever since.
In 2025, King made three VFL appearances and played in the Coates Talent League after overcoming an AC joint injury. He values his versatility as a forward or midfielder, saying it is one of his big strengths.
King idolises Heeney, a three-time All Australian and multiple grand finalist. He said Heeney has been his favourite player growing up and that getting to know him has been cool. King would love to play for Sydney but is open to any club that drafts him.
King previously made his Black Diamond Cup debut for Cardiff at age 16 in 2023. His brother Billy and father Simon also played for the Hawks. He was attracted to the free-flowing nature of the sport.
