NRL’s Bulldogs strike cross-code blow on AFL after poaching top Swans Academy prospect

Excellent Signing: Bulldogs signs a talented star from…

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have a struck a cross-code blow on behalf of the NRL on the AFL, signing one of the top prospects in the Sydney Swans Academy.

Mitchell Woods, who was a member of last year’s Under-16 AFL All-Australian team and primed to be a draft option in 2024, has signed with the NRL side after departing the Swans Academy several weeks ago.

He appeared to be leaning league’s way throughout 2023 after starring at halfback as a representative player for the Bulldogs, even captaining their under-17 Harold Matthews Cup side to the premiership, meaning he played only a handful of Australian rules games this year.

AFL Media reported in August he had been offered a five-year contract to join the Bulldogs from 2024.

“Sunday was the first time I’d see him play for a year. The last time I’d seen him play was for the Swans under-16 team on the Gold Coast,” Swans list boss Kinnear Beatson said in August on Gettable.

“He hasn’t played a lot of footy. It is hard to assess exactly where he sits. He looks like a good athlete, good pace, great step, but in terms of his footy IQ and knowledge we haven’t seen a lot of it yet.”

It follows the Swans losing key position prospect Navren Willett to Wests Tigers last year.

NRL teams have an advantage over AFL clubs in signing underage prospects because they are able to offer contracts before they turn 18 – though they can’t play at the top level until they’re adults – while Aussie rules teams must wait for the draft in their 18th year to sign them.

“He’s a talented young player,” Swans Academy director Leon Cameron told News Corp.

“We’re rapt for him, he’s a really good kid.

“He was so upset telling us because he felt like he had let everyone down. But we told him he hadn’t … we wish him all the best.

“Yes, we’re disappointed that we lost another talented option to another sport, But we’re proud that the Swans played a part in helping him make a decision.”

Woods’ father Harry told The Sporting News: “It was a very tough decision.

“He’s been part of the Academy and the Academy has been a big part of his life since he was since he was 10. Swans were fantastic about it.”

Woods was also part of the NSW Waratahs’ underage programs and had a chance to embark on a rugby union career as well.