The dream of playing professional Australian rules football could become reality this week for Newcastle teenager Max King as the 2025 AFL draft gets underway.
The 18-year-old from Belmont recently completed his HSC exams at Warners Bay High School and now awaits what could be a life-changing moment when draft selections are announced across Wednesday and Thursday.
Following in Famous Footsteps
King isn't just any draft hopeful - he could follow the exact path blazed by his idol, fellow Cardiff Hawks product Isaac Heeney, who has become a star for the Sydney Swans.
"He [Heeney] has been my favourite player growing up," King told the Newcastle Herald, reflecting on the three-time All Australian who has featured in three AFL grand finals.
The parallels between the two Hunter region products are striking. Both emerged from rugby league heartland, developed their skills at the same Black Diamond Cup club, and dreamed of representing their homestate Swans at the elite level.
A Journey of Dedication
King's football journey began at age nine when he transitioned from soccer and athletics, joining the Swans academy in under 12s. Since then, he's been part of Sydney's junior representative system, making countless trips along the freeway between Newcastle and the state capital.
The versatile player, who describes his ability to play multiple positions as a key strength, made his first three VFL appearances in what he called a "chaotic" 2025 season. He also represented Sydney in the Coates Talent League, building an impressive resume for draft consideration.
This year marked a significant improvement after overcoming an AC joint injury in 2024 that sidelined him for important fixtures, including the under-17 AFL Futures game. "Fortunately playing every game bar one due to sickness" this season, King demonstrated the resilience he developed during his recovery.
Swans Connection Runs Deep
King's connection to the Sydney Swans runs deeper than just academy involvement. He spent time training with the senior squad earlier this year and came away impressed with the club environment.
"I would absolutely love to play at Sydney next year," King explained. "The amount of stuff that I've done with them with the academy, the amount of time and effort, and I know it's amazing there."
However, the practical teenager understands that any AFL opportunity represents the fulfilment of his dream. "At the end of the day my dream is to play AFL football and if my name does get read out someone else, I'm 100 percent with that club."
King's relationship with Heeney has evolved from childhood admiration to genuine mentorship. "When I had a week with the AFL at the start of the year he was the first person I saw and he really took me under his wing and made me feel comfortable," King recalled of the Swans star who would sometimes return to Cardiff to watch local games or even run water.
The talented teenager has already experienced senior football, making his Black Diamond Cup debut for Cardiff at just 16 years old in 2023. Football runs in the family, with his older brother Billy and father Simon also having represented the Hawks.
King represents the latest in a growing line of Hunter region talents to pursue AFL careers, following in the footsteps of Warners Bay's Paul Hunter (St Kilda), Nelson Bay's Craig Bird (Sydney Swans premiership player), and Troy Luff (Sydney grand finalist).
As the draft approaches, King's years of dedication, thousands of kilometres travelled, and resilience through injury have positioned him for what could be a memorable moment for Newcastle's Australian rules football community.
