AFL hopefuls Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar prepare for this week’s National Draft (November 19-20).
Adam Sweid enjoyed a stand-out season for the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League (CTL) this season. The inside midfielder averaged 25 disposals and finished 11th in the league’s total disposal count.
Sweid also earned All-Australian Under-18 honours this year, averaging 17 touches in four games for Vic Metro this year. AFL.com.au’s latest phantom draft has Sweid projected to Essendon via a bid at pick 25.
Sweid joined Cannons teammate Hussien El Achkar in attending the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft Combine in October.
The crafty and dynamic mid/forward El Achkar booted 28 goals for the Cannons this season to finish equal-fourth in the competition’s goal-kicking ranks, and leading goalkicker for the Cannons.
Head of BHF Programs & High-Performance Ahmed Saad said “It’s really exciting to have Adam and Hussien in the mix to get drafted this year.”
“It’s a credit to them and their families for the work they’ve invested in particular over the last few years. I’ve seen their growth since they were 12 in our Junior Boys Academy, and their commitment to improving every day — on and off the field — has been outstanding. Earning a spot on an AFL list would be a true reward for their effort,” Saad said.
“We are hopeful that both of them will end up on a list, but regardless of the outcome, we at the BHF are so proud of Adam and Hussien, as they remain strong role models and leaders within the Muslim community.”
Both Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar fall under the Essendon Football Club’s Next Generation Academy (NGA), meaning the club has the option to match a bid on their NGA player at any time, regardless of when on draft night the bid from a rival club comes.
The Next Generation Academy program (NGAs) is a joint initiative between the AFL and its 18 clubs to increase participation of Indigenous Australians and those with multicultural backgrounds in Australian Football.
More to come…
