Harper Sercombe
A dream has become a reality for Calder Cannons young-gun Sarah Grunden.
The Keilor local was selected by the Sydney Swans with pick 16 of Monday night’s AFLW draft.
The medium forward debuted in the Coates Talent League in round three of this season and had an immediate impact after moving across from the Western Jets.
Following a dominant start to the year, Grunden’s standout performance came in round 11 which saw her finish with 17 disposals, five marks, four tackles and two goals.
The 18-year-old’s form across the season earned her selection with Vic Metro playing in the AFLW 2023 Under 18 Girls Championships, before going on to play in the Under 23 All-Stars side.
After nominating for national selection an interstate move was always on the cards for Grunden, however she said now that it has become an actuality she is more prepared than ever.
“I wasn’t expecting to go that early,” Grunden said.
“Moving to an interstate club that has such a welcoming and strong culture is something that I’m really looking forward to joining.
“Moving away from home but then being able to play footy for an AFLW club is awesome, so I have no issues moving away from home.”
Grunden said she is already being made to feel right at home with the Swans after receiving messages from her new teammates and meeting coaches and fellow draftees on Tuesday morning.
“All the girls have been messaging me and congratulating me,” she said.
“I went out for brekkie with some of the coaching staff and met the new draftees… it was really awesome to see how happy they were and getting to know them as well was awesome.”
Swans’ AFLW coach Scott Gowans said Grunden would be a fantastic addition to his club’s forward line.
“Sarah is a half-forward that can use both sides of her body which was really important for us,” Gowans said.
“I could see her developing and maybe move into the midfield, but she is definitely a half forward that is exciting. One of my big things is score assists and score involvements, and she definitely does a lot of that.”
“We just liked the way she uses the ball, she has a beautiful kick and makes great decisions forward of the centre, and that’s an area we feel we want to double down in and be really good at.”
Grunden also said she was “stoked” to see Cannons teammate Kayley Kavanagh also be picked up on Monday night.
Kavanagh was the first to go of the pair, with the West Coast Eagles selecting the inside midfielder with their second pick of the night.
“I’m so happy that she’s got her dream to come through and to see her on an AFLW list now is awesome,” she said.
