A TALENTED Port Stephens duo is one step closer to playing for the Sydney Swans after being selected in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy for the first time.
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Luke Rymer, 15, from Bobs Farm, and 12-year-old Noah Connick, from Salamander Bay, were excited about the prospect of following in the footsteps of Nelson Bay juniors Craig Bird and Troy Luff.
"My ultimate goal is to play for the Swans," said Rymer, a year 9 student at Tomaree High.
"The academy is just a stepping stone. I have already met Michael O'Loughlin and it's so exciting to be coached by some of the other Swans players at the academy."
For Connick, a year 7 student at Tomaree High, the chance to mix with some of the Swans players including Bird is an absolute thrill.
"The training will focus on fitness and kicking skills. I am feeling a little bit scared but I can't wait to go."
Under head coach and former Swans games record holder O'Loughlin, academy players will get the best platform to learn, develop and become the best footballers they can be.
"It's an outstanding achievement just to be selected in the academy and it's fantastic for kids growing up in Port Stephens to have a clear pathway from junior footy," O'Loughlin said.
"We're starting to see some talented players from NSW get drafted by the Swans and other AFL clubs which is really exciting and there'll no doubt be plenty more players from country NSW in red and white in the future. When they're eligible for the draft (at 18), they will be able to be recruited by the Swans as a priority draft selection or be in the best position to forge an AFL career around the country."
