Four promising young AFL players, Harry Butchart, Stephen Wray, Daniel Robinson and Mitchell Crawford, have signed AFL Scholarships with the Sydney Swans.
Crawford and Butchart are from the Newcastle region, while Wray and Robinson are Sydneysiders.
They join nine other scholarship players already listed with the Sydney Swans. Each boy will be required to attend weekly training sessions at the Club. These are aimed at enhancing their overall skill base and strength and conditioning. Additionally, each will be involved in seminars to support their educational pursuits.
"We are absolutely delighted to have four priority prospects sign scholarships with the Sydney Swans Football Club," Elite Talent Manager Chris Smith said.
"We rate these NSW boys highly for their age group, and each youngster has the potential to become a senior player of the future for the Swans."
Butchart is 15 years of age and has the ability to play key position in defence or attack. He attends St Pius X Adamstown School and plays for Newcastle City FC as well as the Northern Heat Representative team.
"Harry is a gifted and versatile athlete who performed strongly at the NSW State Trials in 2008 and 2009. He has a long left foot kick, has great game sense and can be a match-winner," Smith said.
Wray is also 15 years old and plays in the midfield and half-back. The skilled Hills Grammar School student plays for Westbrook FC and Pennant Hills FC.
"Stephen has an all round athletic ability; speed, endurance, great skills and sound competitive instincts," Smith added.
Crawford can play as a midfielder or in defence. The 14 year-old Hunter Sports High School student plays alongside Butchart for Newcastle City FC as well as the Northern Heat Representative team.
"Mitchell has genuine leg speed and an ability to run and carry the ball. His competitiveness, athleticism and skill will provide him with a solid foundation to work with," Smith said.
The fourth of the signings, Robinson, aged 14, is a midfielder who can also play up forward. He attends St Ignatius Riverview and plays for the Mosman Swans and Riverview.
"Daniel is an extremely exciting prospect with enormous potential. He reads the play well and is a natural ball-winner," Smith said.
The four players signed a three-year deal that comes into effect on November 1 this year. When the player turns 18, the Swans have the option either to place him on the rookie list or elevate him onto the senior list without going through the Draft.
"With the compromised Drafts taking effect from 2009 and beyond, we are confident each of these boys can help counter the effect that will have on our future recruiting efforts," Smith said.
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