Sarah Grunden is a sharp, high-impact forward who made an immediate impression in her debut AFLW season with the Sydney Swans. Recruited from the Calder Cannons, she earned Vic Metro selection at the Under 18 Championships and later featured in the Under 23 All-Stars side, highlighting her rapid rise through elite football pathways.

Drafted with pick 16 in the 2023 AFLW Draft, Sarah transitioned seamlessly to senior football in 2024, playing 10 games for the Swans. She averaged 6.3 disposals, 3.8 tackles and an impressive 87.9% disposal efficiency, showcasing her clean ball use, strong defensive pressure and composure under pressure. Her impact was further underlined as she finished equal first at the club for goal assists, demonstrating her team-first mindset and ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.

Building on that strong foundation, Sarah continued her development in 2025, further establishing herself within Sydney’s forward structure with her work rate, football IQ and attacking creativity.

With her sharp skills, competitive edge and growing influence, Grunden remains an exciting young talent in the AFLW and a key part of Sydney’s future.

Off the field, she’s known for her grounded personality and strong connection to her junior club, Keilor FC, where she played over 100 games before being drafted. Her story is one of loyalty, grit, and fast-tracked development—making her a compelling figure for campaigns focused on youth, community, and high-performance culture.

Drafted from: Calder Cannons / Keilor Football Club

Career Highlights:

• Equal-first for goal assists (Sydney Swans, 2024)

• Vic Metro U18 Representative

• Under 23 All-Stars selection

• Pick 16 in 2023 AFLW Draft