Former Kangaroo aiming to become a Swan

Photo: Peter Hardin, Northern Daily Leader

Jack Dadd is starting to make his mark on the footy field in the big smoke, with the Sydney Swans taking notice and including him in their VFL setup.

The former Tamworth Kangaroo spent much of last season playing in the Under 19 Division 1 competition with Sydney University and it was his performances in this forum that caught the Swans attention. As a result, Jack has been included as a train-on player with the Swans VFL program and trains twice a week with the group.

On Saturday, Jack was named as an emergency player for the Swans in their pre-season practice match against the Brisbane Lions. Despite the fact that he’s not under contract with the Swans, this won’t limit his opportunities according to the club’s VFL coach Damian Truslove.

“We’ve been impressed with Jack’s raw ability. If he keeps progressing the way he is, there will hopefully be a chance for him to be involved in matches in the future,” Truslove said.

In addition to his involvement with the Swans VFL team, Jack will be backing up with the Sydney University Under 19 team and will be hoping to press a claim for a place in the club’s Premier Division team within the AFL Sydney competition.

Jack’s rapid rise, together with the selection of Ruby Spark and Lauren Appleby into the Swans Academy Top End program, shows that there is a pathway for talented male and female players from the North West to the higher levels of the sport.

AFL North West is introducing Under 10, Under 12, and Youth Girls Under 17 age groups in addition to Under 14 and Under 17. To find your local footy club and join the ranks go to play.afl/play/club-finder.