Craig Bird

D.O.B:    
21 September 1989
Club:    
Sydney 
Honours:    
2007 NAB AFL Draft Pick No. 59
2008 AFL Debut


Craig is a ball-winning midfielder and has been a fantastic ambassador for junior football in NSW. In 2005, Craig won the McLean Medal when he represented his state in the Under 16 Championships in Brisbane. Bird also won the Hunter Harrison Medal for the best division two player in the 2007 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

After shifting to Sydney at the start of 2007, Craig signed with the Swans as an AFL scholarship listed player. The young gun played outstanding football during 2007, representing the state in the Under 18 National Championships, whilst also displaying his leadership qualities as captain, by leading his team to a division two national title.

Bird made his AFL debut in 2008, in the opening round against St Kilda and held his place through the season, only to miss the finals with a groin injury. The former dual All-Australian Under 18 player showed great maturity as an on-baller wearing the club’s famous No. 14 previously sported by club champions Bob Skilton and Paul Kelly. At the end of the 2008 season Craig was named as the Sydney Swans Rising Star of 2008.

In 2009, Bird played a total of 15 senior games, averaging 16 disposals and 9 handballs a game.

Given Craig’s already impressive performances, the young gun will prove to be a valuable player and a leader for the Swans for many years.