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How to tune into Sport NationSydney draftee's resilient journey to the AFL
Jaiden Sciberras • November 27th, 2025 8:50 pm
The AFL Draft is a night where dreams come true, and few are more deserving than that of Sydney draftee Billy Cootee.
At 22 years of age, Cootee had tried and tried again to reach the pinnacle of AFL football. Featuring for multiple clubs around the country, the 178cm talent spent several seasons in and around the system without any luck of a senior opportunity.
But on night two of the 2025 AFL National Draft, Cootee finally heard his name called, with the Swans taking a punt on the mature-ager with Pick 42.
Joining from Norwood in the SANFL, the country Victorian has landed in his third state ahead of the greatest chapter of his footballing journey thus far.
“It has been a complete whirlwind,” Cootee told SEN Afternoons.
“Drafted on the Thursday, fly over on the Sunday and first training on the Monday. They show no mercy; you go straight into it so it’s very good. Very exciting time for me.”
Entering the draft unranked, Cootee didn’t have significant faith that he would have his name called out on draft night. In fact, the 22-year-old was out for dinner with friends as his name was called by Greg Swann.
“I was hopeful, I’m not going to lie about that, but I certainly didn’t get my hopes up,” he said.
“I’ve got them up in the past and it hasn’t come to fruition, but this time I was sitting at an all-you-can-eat Japanese joint with a few of my mates!
“I’d spoken to Sydney, and I knew it was around their pick at the time, but I wasn’t watching it. One of my mates actually mentioned, ‘imagine you got drafted tonight’.
“15 minutes later, my phone started erupting. I just thought, it must have happened! It was a crazy moment and a very special one. I wasn’t able to share it with mum and dad, but I was able to share it with four of my really good mates. It was lovely.”
Taken by the Swans in the third round, Cootee revealed that despite having conversations with the Swans in the lead up to the draft, he was unaware that the club were planning on selecting him come draft night.
“It was probably a month out, maybe a month and a little bit (when they first reached out). A couple of comms between the two of us about that time leading up to the draft.
“I really didn’t expect much; they keep their cards pretty close to their chest. I was left in the dark a little bit, but it was very exciting when I found out that it had happened.”
Having captained the Western Jets in his junior years and the Essendon VFL side at 20, Cootee took a punt that would prove career-defining, joining Norwood in the SANFL to continue his journey in South Australia.
“The move to Norwood was sparked through wanting to be part of a club that really valued winning. Being a part of an AFL aligned team, you can sometimes feel that there are a few things out of your control,” he said.
“I just wanted to be a part of a club that really wanted to win a flag and Norwood was that for me. It was a great move for me, and I’m forever grateful for the club.”
Passed on in four consecutive drafts, it was fifth time lucky for the mid/forward.
“I’ve applied for all the drafts since I was 18 in that top age year going through,” Cootee said.
“In the previous two years, once moving over to Norwood in the SANFL, I’ve had a little bit of communication with a few clubs - nothing to get my hopes up really.
“I was pretty comfortable with where I was at; I was happy playing at Norwood, they were a great club and did a lot for me, welcomed me with open arms. I certainly was very happy, but my goal was to play AFL footy, so I’m so grateful that I got to that, but I haven’t played yet, so I’m ready to knuckle down.”
Averaging 23 disposals, five clearances and a goal per game at SANFL level, Cootee's call-up is beyond deserved, however it's one that comes after years of development, working as a tradie whilst working towards his AFL dream.
“There were certainly times where you think, ‘what am I really doing here?’ I put my eggs in the football basket for a long period of time,” he admitted.
“I delayed some study and opportunities to work and make a bit of coin, but I’m so happy that I did that. I did always believe that it was probably getting to a point where I knew where I was at, and if it happened it happened but I was content if it didn’t.
“Right now, I’m so glad that it has.”
So, what can Swans fans expect from their new draftee?
“The Alex Neal-Bullen role – he has probably nailed it, and one that is underrated outside the four walls but heavily valued inside,” he said.
“That one that can get up and back at speed consistently and try to hit the scoreboard as well.”
Listen to the full interview below:
