The Hunter region's reputation as a breeding ground for elite Australian Rules football talent has been further cemented, with two local teenagers securing their spots in the AFL Women's competition.
Swans Secure Hunter Talent in National Draft
In a thrilling outcome for the region, Alex Neyland and Molly Thomas, both aged 18, had their names called by the Sydney Swans during the AFLW draft held on Monday night, December 15, 2025. The pair, products of the Swans' Academy system which has a base in the Hunter, will now graduate to the club's senior list.
The draft selection marks a significant step in their football journeys, which began on local ovals. Both players honed their skills as juniors with the Singleton Roosters, a club now proudly celebrating their ascent to the national stage.
Immediate Impact Expected from Top Pick
Utility player Alex Neyland, who also played for the Cardiff Hawks, was the first of the duo to be selected. The Swans matched a bid from Collingwood at pick number six to secure the services of the 178-centimetre athlete under the Academy priority rules.
Swans AFLW manager Amanda Turner was delighted with the result, highlighting Neyland's readiness for the top level. "Alex is a very talented footballer who we think can have an immediate impact for us, so to bring her onto our senior list tonight is a fantastic result for our footy club," Turner said.
Hunter's Growing AFLW Legacy
Molly Thomas, a midfielder also from the Singleton Roosters pathway, was secured later in the draft at pick 47. Turner praised Thomas's football intelligence, stating, "Molly's footy IQ is a real standout, we think she has plenty of upside, so we're really excited to have her on board."
The duo will join another Hunter product at the Swans, Holly Cooper. The 20-year-old midfielder from the Cardiff Hawks has already played 20 AFLW games since her debut in 2024.
Their drafting continues a strong tradition of Hunter region players reaching the AFLW. Recent years have seen Sarah Halvorsen (Newcastle City) and Lisa Steane (Nelson Bay) drafted by Greater Western Sydney in 2019, following pioneer Pippa Smyth (Nelson Bay) in 2017. Tayla Gregory, originally from Blacksmiths, made her debut for the Gold Coast Suns in August.
The success story extends to the men's game, with Max King recently becoming the first men's player from the Hunter drafted since superstar Isaac Heeney in 2014. The consistent output of talent underscores the region's vital role in developing future stars for Australian Rules football at the highest level.
