The dream became reality for Newcastle teenager Max King when the Sydney Swans selected him with pick 49 in the AFL draft, making him the first Hunter product to join the club's senior list since Isaac Heeney in 2014.
Welcome message from Swans superstar
As news spread of King's selection, his phone lit up with congratulatory messages, including one particularly meaningful text from Swans superstar and fellow Cardiff product Isaac Heeney. The 18-year-old forward described receiving the message from his childhood idol as a special moment that helped ease his nerves about joining the professional ranks.
King will begin his official AFL journey on Monday when he joins Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, Tom Papley and the rest of the senior squad for the start of pre-season training. The Cardiff Hawks junior admitted to feeling some apprehension but overwhelming excitement about the challenge ahead.
Rapid transition to professional football
The past few days have been a whirlwind for the former Warners Bay High student. After being drafted on Thursday night, King signed a two-year contract with the Swans on Friday and was officially welcomed by coach Dean Cox and senior players at the club's headquarters.
By Sunday, the 191cm forward had already moved into a shared house with three teammates in Sydney's eastern suburbs, quickly adapting to the demands of professional football life.
Reflecting on his first visit to the Swans headquarters as a senior list member, King described the experience as surreal. Walking into the facility knowing he belonged to the elite squad represented the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
Tribute to junior coach and community support
King made sure to acknowledge the crucial role his junior club Cardiff played in his development, paying special tribute to former first grade coach Danny Priest, who passed away last year. The family had one of Priest's jerseys displayed on their lounge during the draft night for good luck.
King's mother, Debbie, emphasized how instrumental Priest had been in their family's football journey, mentoring Max as a 15-year-old transitioning into senior local football and providing unwavering support through the challenges of high-level competition.
The young athlete's performance at the draft combine, where he excelled in physical and skills-based testing, had positioned him as a likely high draft pick. However, the actual draft night proved nerve-wracking as the family remained uncertain about Sydney's intentions until the moment his name was called.
A surprise Swans official waiting outside their home to deliver a jersey added to the magical moment, demonstrating the club's commitment to making the experience memorable for the Newcastle family.
High praise from AFL experts
Respected AFL commentator Kevin Sheehan offered glowing assessment of the Hunter region product during draft coverage, comparing his athletic abilities to those of Isaac Heeney. Sheehan highlighted King's magnificent running jump, quick acceleration over 20 metres, and aerial prowess around goal as standout attributes.
Chris Keane, Sydney Swans Head of List Strategy, elaborated on the club's excitement about acquiring King, noting his rare athletic traits and versatility as major assets. Keane emphasized King's ability to play as a tall forward, on the wing, or in the midfield, combined with top-end speed and an impressive vertical leap that makes him a dynamic scoring threat.
Having already gained experience with three games for the Swans reserves in the VFL last season, King approaches his new role with flexibility and team-first attitude. While uncertain about where coaches envision playing him, the young athlete expressed willingness to contribute wherever needed while focusing on physical development.
As he embarks on this new chapter, King carries with him the support of his Hunter region community, the legacy of mentors like Danny Priest, and the excitement of fulfilling a childhood dream that began in the local Cardiff Hawks program.
