The 2025 AFL Draft is set to spotlight Max King, a promising young talent who attributes his rise as a top prospect to the support of the Sydney Swans Academy. Known for his athleticism and explosive gameplay, King is keen to make his mark, with many analysts predicting he could be a first-round selection.
King’s journey in Australian Rules Football was significantly influenced by the academy program, which he credits for steering him away from a potential career in rugby league. “Sydney’s Academy is awesome; I can’t speak highly enough for them,” he stated. “Without the Swans Academy, I’d probably be playing rugby league.” This shift is noteworthy, as it reflects a broader trend in New South Wales where more young athletes are gravitating towards AFL.
Living in Newcastle, King has witnessed a cultural shift that encourages young players to embrace AFL. “The game is definitely growing. The Academy is becoming a lot stronger in the Coates League,” he noted. “Kids want to pick up the Sherrin because there’s a genuine pathway.” His commitment to the sport is evident, considering his background in athletics, where he held national records in the long jump and triple jump during his Under 12 years.
King’s athletic prowess has not gone unnoticed. Before the season, he was considered a potential top-five draft pick, but injuries and inconsistent performances have tempered those expectations. “I’ve been happy with some games and pretty unhappy with some,” he admitted. “It is really hard, especially when you have the bad games. Moving forward, it’s something I’ll really work on.”
Mental resilience has become crucial for King, especially as he navigates the pressures of social media. “It did weigh on me at the start of the year, looking at social media,” he confessed. “Halfway through the year, I stopped.” This decision reflects a mature approach to the overwhelming hype surrounding his draft prospects.
King has faced personal challenges as well, particularly after suffering an injury at the end of the previous year, which sidelined him from a Futures game. Tragically, he also lost his local coach, Danny Priest, who played an instrumental role in his development. “He was a big influence on my footy journey,” King said. “Every time I run out to the footy field, I think of Priest.”
Support from coaches has been pivotal for King. Colin O’Riordan, a former player for the Swans, has been a significant mentor. “He’s probably the reason I’m here today,” King remarked. “He’s been awesome for me, really helped develop me as a player.” O’Riordan’s experience and understanding of the game have provided King with guidance as he prepares for the next steps in his career.
During his downtime, King enjoys spending time with friends and family, engaging in activities such as fishing and golfing. His fun-loving personality shines through, as he describes himself as a fan of the Marvel franchise.
This year, King had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the VFL, where he made a significant impact. “My favourite memory would be my first VFL game running out,” he recalled. “It was a bit of a pinch myself moment.” His performance in the VFL demonstrated his capability to compete at higher levels, reinforcing his potential for a successful AFL career.
As the draft approaches, King remains hopeful about his future. He expressed a desire to join the Swans, particularly as he shares a connection with fellow player Isaac Heeney, who also hails from King’s local club. “It would be absolutely awesome,” he stated. “I can’t control where I go, but I’d love to end up at the Swans.”
The 2025 AFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for Max King, whose journey reflects not only his personal dedication but also the growing influence of the Sydney Swans Academy in nurturing future football talent. As he looks ahead, King’s blend of talent, resilience, and support from his community positions him well for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
