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Emerging Swans named in Indigenous academies

June 16, 2025

Five emerging stars from the Sydney Swans Academy have been named in the 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies.

The AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies comprise talented Indigenous and Multicultural footballers aged 16 to 18 years of age.

Swans Academy athletes Myla Tucker and Telaya Blacksmith were named in the Girls Indigenous Academy, Emily-Summer Hawes and Cristina Jarina in the Girls Multicultural Academy, and Lachlan Price was named in the Boys Multicultural Academy.

Tucker has been part of the club’s First Nations Academy since its inception three years ago, and also featured in the under-16 girls Academy side this year.

Participants in the Toyota AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies complete a year-long program that encompasses monthly online development modules. Players also have access to additional learning and cultural support for the duration of the year.

Football masterclasses will be delivered by AFL and AFLW stars, including Norm Smith Medal winners Bobby Hill and Jason Johannisen, dual leading goal kicker Darcy Vescio and two-time premiership player Danielle Ponter.

A highlight of the program is a three-day camp held in Melbourne. The girls camp was held over the June long weekend, with the Indigenous Academy taking on the Multicultural Academy in a talent showcase match on Monday.

Academy Coach Kristie Whittard said all four athletes who had been named in the girls academies would benefit from their involvement.

“Myla is a strong underage talent who loves to run and carry from halfback, she’s also a young entrepreneur with her own swimwear brand who would benefit from academy peers to strengthen her footy knowledge and next-level aspirations,” Whittard said.

“Telaya is a dual-sport athlete and Paris Paralympian with natural leadership and instinctive attack of the footy, despite being very sick and unable to play the game, she was still able to connect with the group and benefit from the experience.

“Emily-Summer is three months post-ACL reconstruction and unable to play currently, but her academy inclusion demonstrates commitment to returning to elite-level football.

“And Cristina is a tough underage talent who would benefit from academy exposure to build confidence, and she already coaches younger players at club level, showing both grit and leadership qualities.”

The boys camp will be held in Melbourne in October.

SydneySwans.com.au

 

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