A teenager from the Illawarra has made history by becoming the first woman signed to play for the Sydney Swans' inaugural AFLW team.
Ruby Sargent-Wilson, 18, was selected to represent New South Wales in the sport three years ago, having only played one game.
The Woonona prodigy, who studies under the Riewoldt AFL Excellence Scholarship at Bond University in Queensland, said she was overwhelmed to receive the call.
"I'm so honoured and so proud and privileged to be making history," Sargent-Wilson said.
"It's something that I never really thought would happen and the news did come as a bit of a shock, so I'm still in a bit of awe myself.
'Amazing opportunity'
Sargent-Wilson was voted best AFL player at the School Sports Australia Championship in 2018 before being picked up by the Sydney Swans Academy last year and playing in the under-19s.
Sargent-Wilson, who trained with the Giants AFLW squad, said she had always hoped to pull on a Swans guernsey.
"Definitely have always wanted to part of the Swans team," she said.
"It's an amazing opportunity and experience, but I can't wait for what's ahead."
Slow to fill roster
The Swans were included in the expanded tournament alongside Essendon, Hawthorn, and Port Adelaide in August last year.
The club has been slow to start putting together its roster for the upcoming season, despite all 18 clubs being given the green light to begin signing players in December.
As the AFL considers bringing forward the 2022-23 season with a potential August start date, Sargent-Wilson said she doubted her new club would struggle to put together a strong squad.
"Obviously it's a quick turnaround for the girls who have been involved this season with them only really getting into finals now," she said.
"I think the Swans will have a strong idea of who they're looking for and who they need on their team.
Ruby the runner
In a statement on the club's website, the Swans AFLW coach Scott Gowans said he was thrilled by Sargent-Wilson's signing.
"Ruby is an incredible runner, which is crucial," Gowans said.
"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.
