18-year old Sydney Swans midfield/ forward Cynthia Hamilton has capped off a whirlwind debut season to claim the inaugural Sydney Swans AFLW Club Champion award.
In positive signs for the future of the Swans, it was a trio of teenagers who dominated the count with Hamilton (81 votes), finishing ahead of fellow first year players and Rising Star nominees Montana Ham (71 votes) and Sofia Hurley (62 votes).
Hamilton was a consistent performer for the Swans in her debut season after being drafted to the Swans from the Queanbeyan Tigers with pick 11 in the 2022 AFLW Draft.
The former NSW/ACT and All-Australian junior had 19 disposals in two games this season (Round 4 v Hawthorn and Round 10 v Geelong) and kicked two goals in the Swans narrow loss to Essendon Round 6. She averaged 2.7 clearances, 3.2 tackles and 10.9 disposals and consistently showcased her ability to win the football and bring others into the game through her energy at the contest.
Hamilton's standout game was in the final round of the season against Geelong which earned her a nomination for the AFLW Rising Star Award.
Number 1 Draft pick Montana Ham finished Runner-Up (71 votes) with the 18-year old polling well despite missing three games.
Ham, who looked at home at the top level, averaged 14 disposals and lit up the Sydney midfield in her seven games with her athleticism, football smarts and ability to break the contest. Her best game came in the Swans loss to Port Adelaide, where she had 20 disposals and earned an AFLW Rising Star nomination.
Ham’s impact on the playing group was recognised with the teenager also winning the Player’s Player Award. Ham’s achievements in her first season were even more impressive given she completed Year 12 in Melbourne during the season.
Rounding out the top 3 was another young star, Sofia Hurley who polled 62 votes to finish in third place.
Hurley was drafted to the Swans with pick five in the 2022 AFLW Draft and shone in her debut season, particularly in the back end of the season.
Her games against Essendon (12 disposals, 2 goals) and Fremantle (15 disposals, 1 goal) were particularly impressive with the latter earning her a AFLW Rising Star nomination.
The other award given out at the inaugural Swans’ awards night was the Best Club Person which was awarded to Alana Woodward.
The 32-year old leadership group member’s experience on and off the field has been incredibly valued to the young Swans group this season and she best showcased the team and club values to win the award.
AFLW Club Champion – Top 10
Cynthia Hamilton 81 (received the maximum 20 votes for Round 10 v Geelong)
Montana Ham 71 (received the maximum 20 votes for Round 4 v Port Adelaide)
Sofia Hurley 62 (received the maximum 20 votes for Round 8 vs Essendon)
Brooke Lochland 42
Ella Heads 38
Lauren Szigeti 33
Molly Eastman 31
Paige Sheppard 31
Lisa Steane 30
Bella Smith 27
Voting:
The Sydney Swans four AFLW coaches vote 5,4,3,2,1 at the completion of each game. The maximum amount of votes a player can receive each game is 20 votes.
