UNSW-ES AFL Players
Dane Rampe - Sydney Swans
A mature-age success story, Rampe took his game to another level in 2016 to become one of the best medium defenders in the competition. Ranked second in the League for rebound 50s, Rampe was rarely beaten one-on-one and was justly rewarded with his first All-Australian selection. The Sydney local thrived after being elevated to the Swans’ leadership group and took on more responsibility as one of three vice-captains in 2017. Rampe played for the UNSW-ES Bulldogs in 2012, winning Best and Fairest in the league and helping the Dogs to the Sydney AFL premiership.
Maddy Collier – GWS Giants
At just 21, Maddy Collier made history as the first NSW/ACT player to be selected for the GIANTS’ women’s team. Originally from Nowra, Collier burst onto the local football scene when she won the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Best and Fairest Award in 2013 at just 18. The AFL NSW/ACT Development Officer made her debut for the Western Bulldogs in the 2016 Women’s Exhibition match before becoming the first NSW/ACT player selected by the GIANTS. A smart and skilful midfielder who will only continue to grow. Collier has played 56 games for the UNSW/ES Bulldogs and won back to back premierships in 2016 and 2017.
Rebecca Beeson – GWS Giants
20-year-old Rebecca Beeson hails from the UNSW-ES Stingrays in Sydney. Known for her smarts, Beeson is a half-forward who at only 19, she stepped up her game again in the last half of 2016. A great football brain, good skills and can take a great overhead mark. One to watch in 2017. Beeson was drafted at pick 32 in the inaugural AFLW Draft. One of the Giant’s youngest players could be a surprise packet across half-forward. Has the skills to go with footy smarts and can take a great leap overhead. Beeson has played 36 games for the UNSW/ES Bulldogs and took out the leading goalkicker award for the league in 2016 with 48 goals. She’s also won back to back premierships in 2016 and 2017.
Ben Davis - Adelaide Crows
Adelaide pounced on Davis with pick No.75 at the 2016 National Draft when the talented teen slipped through to the Club’s final pick on draft night. A clean ball-user with electric pace, Davis is the younger brother of former Sydney Swan Abe and was an inaugural member of the Swans’ Academy squad. Originally from the UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, the speedy utility represented NSW/ACT and the Allies at the Under-18 National Championships and booted 10 goals in the Rams’ unbeaten Division Two campaign, including two bags of four goals against Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Jordan Foote - Sydney Swans
Took a huge step in his career by breaking into the senior side for the Round 18 clash with Carlton at the SCG. He held his own, collecting 14 disposals and laying four tackles. He took that experience back to the reserves level and continued an incredibly consistent season. The tenacious midfielder was rewarded with a spot in the NEAFL Team of the Year, after averaging 26 disposals and seven tackles a game, before being elevated to the senior list permanently. Despite the Sydney Swans’ midfield depth, Foote will draw confidence from another big pre-season. Foote played 25 games for the UNSW-ES Bulldogs from 2012 – 2014 in both the U18 and Premier Division teams.
Jacinda Barclay - GWS Giants
Jacinda Barclay has represented Australia in women’s baseball and most recently was playing American Football (LFL) for the Chicago Bliss where she led them to the championship. Having played a number of sports, the advent of the inaugural AFL Women’s competition was an opportunity that Barclay was not going to miss out on. Jacinda Barclay was drafted with pick 65 from the UNSW-ES Stingrays. A multi-talented sportswoman who has represented Australia in baseball and player quarterback in American Football both in Australia and the US. Brings plenty of athleticism to her game. Barclay played 14 games for the Bulldogs across 2015 and 2017 in between her overseas commitments.
Phoebe Monahan - GWS Giants
Phoebe Monahan is a tough midfielder from the UNSW-ES Stingrays in the AFL Sydney competition, with whom she won this year’s AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Grand Final. A sapper in the Australian Defence Force, Monahan placed third in the 2017 Mostyn Medal for the best and fairest of the AFL Sydney competition, behind GIANTS AFLW captain Amanda Farrugia and last year’s number one draft pick Nicola Barr. Hard and tenacious at the ball, Monahan is a running midfielder who can also play along half-back. Monahan has played 26 games for the Bulldogs since moving to Sydney in 2016.
Jack Buckley - GWS Giants
The GIANTS listed local forward Jack Buckley as a Category B rookie ahead of the 2018 AFL season. Buckley is a key forward who played as a top-up for the GIANTS’ NEAFL side during the 2017 season. He represented the UNSW-ES Bulldogs in the AFL Sydney competition and is a strong contested mark and has good athleticism for his size. The 19-year-old won AFL Sydney’s Under-19s League Best and Fairest in 2016 and was a member of the Swans Academy in his teens. A local junior, Buckley has played 49 games for the Bulldogs across both U19s and Premier Division from 2014 – 2017.
Errol Gulden - Sydney Swans
Errol Gulden burst onto the AFL scene with an impressive debut season in 2021, quickly showcasing his skill and composure at the senior level. Starting his journey with the Maroubra Saints and the UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, Gulden honed his craft in Sydney's local leagues before excelling in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. In his first year, Gulden earned an AFL Rising Star nomination and was named the AFL Players Association's Best First-Year Player. His silky foot skills, work ethic, and footy IQ set him apart, averaging 18 disposals per game while playing a mix of midfield and wing roles. After another standout season in 2023, which saw him selected as an All-Australian and win the Bob Skilton Medal, Gulden has cemented himself as a pivotal figure in the Swans' midfield. His journey from grassroots to the AFL exemplifies his determination and talent, with his future looking even brighter as a cornerstone of Sydney’s premiership ambitions.
Nick Blakey - Sydney Swans
Nick Blakey has established himself as a key player for the Sydney Swans, renowned for his blistering pace, precise left-foot kicking, and versatility. Before his AFL journey, Blakey honed his skills with the East Sydney Bulldogs and UNSW-Eastern Suburbs and excelled in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. His strong performances at junior levels saw him drafted by the Swans with pick 10 in the 2018 AFL Draft. Blakey’s ability to transition seamlessly from a forward to a defensive role has made him an invaluable asset to the team. In 2023, his importance to the Swans was underlined with a seven-year contract extension, cementing his future at the club. A proud product of Sydney’s grassroots pathways, Blakey continues to thrive as a pivotal figure in the Swans' pursuit of success.
Indi Kirk - Sydney Swans
Indhi Kirk has continued his family’s proud legacy with the Sydney Swans, showcasing his skill and tenacity as a promising midfielder. Beginning his football journey with the Maroubra Saints, Indhi later joined the UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, where his talent flourished. A standout in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, he impressed with his composure and work ethic, earning his place as a Category B Rookie in the 2023 AFL Draft. In 2023, Indhi made his VFL debut, highlighting his potential to contribute at higher levels. His dedication and development pathway reflect the strength of Sydney’s grassroots football system, with Indhi poised to make a significant impact for the Swans in the years to come.
Joel Cochran - Collingwood Magpies
Joel Cochran is an athletic and versatile key defender whose journey through grassroots football has set the stage for an exciting AFL career. Beginning with the East Sydney Bulldogs junior club, he later played for the UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, further showcasing his skills and work ethic. His strong performances earned him a place in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, where he developed into a standout player. In 2024, Joel’s talent was on full display as he won the 2km time trial at the National Draft Combine with a record-breaking time of 6:05. Selected by Collingwood with Pick 47 in the 2024 AFL Draft, Joel is set to make his mark with his intercept marking ability and elite endurance. A proud product of Sydney’s grassroots pathways, Joel Cochran’s future in the AFL looks incredibly bright.