Swans lock up first AFLW signing for 2023

The Sydney Swans AFLW team have made their inaugural signing for 2023, with Ruby Sargent-Wilson signing on out of the club's academy.

The Illawarra-born 18-year-old was a key to lock up for the Swans, with the youngster already representing New South Wales in touch football, netball and AFL in the same year.

She played at the School Sports Australia Championship in 2018 and is rated as one of the best young players in the game.

She played for the Swans in the inaugural under-19 series last year, while she has also been studying at Bond University on the Gold Coast.

“It’s an honour. To be a part of the inaugural team, it’s hard to put into words,” Sargent-Wilson said in a club statement.

“I know how much this means to the Swans, and the effort they have had to put in to get into the competition. It fills me with so much pride – it takes a lot to pull on that guernsey, it represents more than running out to play with the team. I’m so excited for the journey ahead.”

Coach Scott Gowans said he was a thrill to sign Sargent-Wilson.

“To be the first player in the inaugural team, that’s history making,” Gowans said.

“Ruby is an incredible runner, which is crucial, as 16-aside versus 18-aside is a different game. You have to be able to run and carry the ball, and more importantly, you have to be able to get back and defend well.

“I was looking for a player like Ruby who can get up the end of the field and help with offence, but also have the ability to sprint back and help with defence. We’ve found that player in Ruby.”