THE QBE Sydney Swans Academy has named Tom Epis as a recipient of the 2026 Frank Burton scholarship, which recognises footballers who excel on and off the field.
Epis joined the Academy as a 15-year-old through the Coffs Harbour Hub, where he lives in Ashby, a small community on the west side of the Clarence River across from Maclean.
Last year, Tom played eight games for Sydney’s U16 Top End team and represented the Swans in the AFL National Development Championships.
He also played for the Coffs Harbour Breakers Under 18 team while in 2024 he was a member of the Northern Beaches/Nambucca Valley Under 18s with an approved age dispensation.
The now 17-year-old recently impressed at the Rookie Me AFL Combine, recording the best vertical jump among his peer group and the second-fastest 20 metre sprint.
Head of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Wayne Campbell, said the commitment from both Epis and his family has been substantial, measured in both time and financial investment.
“The commitment has been even greater when travelling to Sydney, a 7½-hour journey, to attend our Youth Program components and, more recently, to train within our Top End program,” Campbell said.
“Tom is a strong and powerful inside midfielder who thrives in contested situations. As he transitions into his first year as a bottom-aged Under 18 player, we anticipate exposing him to roles across half-forward and half-back to broaden his development and enhance his long-term opportunities.
“Tom is also completing his HSC, balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of our development program, which requires extensive travel.”
Frank Burton, a former employee of the Sydney Swans and a member for more than 30 years, left a legacy to the Sydney Swans Foundation to continue financial support for young athletes.
