Of the 51 currently listed players in the AFL that began their careers in this region, these 22 have exhibited consistent on-field excellence throughout the 2013 season.
The players were chosen by AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley, Deputy General Manager Craig Bolton and Manager – Talent & Coaching, Darren Denneman.
2013 has seen an explosion of NSW/ACT talent with 13 players making their AFL debuts, including eight who have been named in the Team of the Year.
The Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS have the most NSW/ACT players on their respective lists with their players making up nine members of this team, including Swans co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack and GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis.
McVeigh and Jack were named in the 2013 All-Australian team for the first time while McVeigh was also named the Swans’ Best and Fairest winner.
Hawthorn stars Isaac Smith and Luke Breust each finished the season with Premiership Medals.
The Hawks have three players in the final team while the Western Bulldogs also have three representatives.
Harley said the selection of this team marked another important moment for AFL in NSW and the ACT.
“NSW/ACT talent has reached new heights in 2013 with 13 debutants capping off a remarkable year,” Harley said.
“It is the highest-ever number of debutants from our region and it is a reflection of their impact on the AFL that eight have gone on to make the NSW/ACT Team of the Year.
“With Kieren Jack named Swans co-captain alongside Jarrad McVeigh, for the first time ever we have a local team led by two of our most successful local players – a great inspiration for the young players across the state.
“We’ve also seen the rise of Zac Williams at the GIANTS – the first player to graduate from the Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy, be picked on their list and then play for the side.
“Every player in the NSW/ACT Team of the Year is a role model for the next generation of AFL players across our region, and I hope we see another fantastic year in 2014.”
This year NSW and the ACT experienced over 20 per cent growth in participation across the state and territory, including the greatest number of children participating in the Auskick program nationally.
