Growthbuilt SUANFC are proud to welcome its first recruits of the off season, with three Sydney Swans Academy graduates joining the Club’s NEAFL program for 2019.
Joey Reinhard, Josh Stern and Sam Wicks all joined the Students in recent days following stellar seasons with the Swans NEAFL side and NSW/ACT U18s Allies.
Reinhard, a versatile key position prospect, played 13 games for the Swans’ NEAFL side in 2018, including a standout performance in the NEAFL Grand Final. Reinhard, who also took to the field for the Allies this year, tested alongside Driscoll Medal winner Ryan Hebron at the Rookie Me Draft Combine in front of AFL Clubs interested in the pair.
Senior Coach Tom Morrison welcomed the addition of Reinhard to the Club’s program.
“Joey has a diverse skill set who is a very capable player at both ends of the ground, and as a tall midfielder also,” said Morrison.
“We hope he is drafted in a few weeks’ time, but if not, we will do our best to ensure he is drafted in 2019.”
Stern joins the Students following 12 games for the Swan’s NEAFL side in 2018, where he kicked 12 goals, including a 3-goal display against the Students in Round 9.
With the ability to play up forward and through the middle of the ground, Stern also featured for the Allies this season, and will be one to watch during preseason training following the departure of Students’ forwards Damien Bonney, Jake Derickx and Mitch Thompson.
“Josh is a small forward who loves the physical elements of the game,” said Morrison.
“He has a strong work ethic and can play through the midfield, where he will have a great opportunity to learn from our senior players and coaches”.
Wicks, an 18-year old midfielder/forward, played 13 games for the Swans NEAFL side in 2018, kicking 11 goals. A consistent performer for the Swans over the past two NEAFL seasons, Wicks also played 11 games in 2017, earning a rising star nomination in Round 11, for his 15 disposals and four goals against the Giants.
“We identified Sam as having the character and capabilities that we are after in our program, and are delighted to have him on board for season 2019,” said Morrison.
“They (Joey, Josh and Sam) will join what will be a talented and motivated group of Sydney kids and we will provide every opportunity to develop them as both athletes and people.”