Max King, an 18-year-old from Belmont, is poised to make a significant leap in his sporting career as he prepares for the upcoming AFL draft this week. Recently, he completed his HSC exams at Warners Bay High School, and he could soon hear his name called as a potential player for the Sydney Swans.
King hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Cardiff Hawks product Isaac Heeney, who has become a celebrated player for the Swans. “He has been my favourite player growing up,” King expressed in an interview with the Newcastle Herald. The anticipation surrounding the draft, scheduled for October 4-5, 2025, has heightened as King reflects on his journey in Australian rules football.
Starting his athletic career at the age of nine, King transitioned from soccer and athletics to Australian rules, eventually joining the Swans academy at under 12s. His commitment to the sport has seen him travel thousands of kilometres, participating in the junior representative system throughout the state.
After a challenging 2024 season, where he battled an AC joint injury, King made his mark this year with three appearances in the Victorian Football League (VFL) and showcased his skills in the Coates Talent League. His determination to perform well during this critical draft year has been evident. “I would absolutely love to play at Sydney next year,” he stated, highlighting the connection he feels with the club due to his extensive time in their academy.
King’s aspirations are not just personal; they also echo a shared history with Heeney. Both players hail from the Hunter region, with connections to the same Black Diamond Cup club, Cardiff. Their shared dream of playing for the Swans stems from a passion for the sport that resonates in their community. King recalls meeting Heeney at Hawks headquarters, where he often returned to support local games. “He’d come back to Cardiff sometimes and run water or watch games,” King recounted, indicating the influence Heeney has had on his journey.
Predominantly playing as a forward or midfielder, King emphasizes his versatility on the field. “I play everywhere. It’s one of my big strengths, knowing I can play any position and change when need be,” he explained. His resilience has been tested, particularly after missing the crucial under-17 AFL Futures fixture in 2024. “Everything is fine with it now, but it was really difficult missing the Futures game. It taught me a lot of resilience fighting back from injury,” he said.
His journey in the sport began at Cardiff, making his senior debut in the Black Diamond Cup at the age of 16 in 2023. King is not alone in his family’s football legacy; his older brother Billy and father Simon also played for the Hawks. The sport’s “free-flowing” nature initially attracted him.
As King looks forward to the draft, he finds inspiration in the local footballing history. Notable players from the region include Paul Hunter, who debuted with St Kilda in 2021, and Craig Bird, who won a premiership with the Swans in 2012. With Heeney’s impressive track record, having played in three AFL grand finals, the stakes are high for aspiring players like King.
As the AFL draft approaches, the anticipation builds for both King and the teams considering his talents. Should he find himself in the iconic red and white uniform of the Swans, he would be taking a step into a legacy that began with his childhood idol.
