Endless Future Options for Exciting Swans Teenager

Sienna Gerardi is one of the most exciting two-sport athletes in Western Australia, and while she has big basketball goals, shooting to play AFL Women’s is becoming increasingly attractive and she’s about to get a chance to showcase her talents.

Gerardi is still only 17 years of age and has set herself big dreams with basketball of firstly going to college in the United States, and then striving to play in the WNBL or even the WNBA given the lightning pace and dynamic ball handling skills that she possesses.

However, those skills translate well to football well and that’s why she continues to go from strength to strength with Swan Districts having played impressive Rogers Cup football and now having played eight games in the WAFL Women’s competition.

That included 11 possessions and two tackles in the first game of the 2025 season where Swan Districts had a win against East Perth, with Gerardi now getting ready to shortly head to Melbourne for a showcase opportunity.

Gerardi has been selected in the All Stars team for the National Academy game that will take place at Melbourne’s RSEA Park on Sunday April 20 and she’s excited for the opportunity.

“Yes definitely looking forward to play in Melbourne in front of these big clubs and show of my speed, agility and skills,” Gerardi said.

“I’m feeling really excited about this a big opportunity for me to show off my style of game and potentially get drafted to one of these AFL clubs that wanna see me play.”

Swan Districts started the WAFL Women’s season with a strong win over East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium with Gerardi playing an important part of that before the Round 2 bye and now returning this Saturday in the home opener against Subiaco.

Having played most of last season in the senior team too and despite still only being 17, Gerardi is feeling more and more comfortable at WAFL Women’s level.

“Just want to mention a thanks to my teammates, coach and team manager for believing in me. Much appreciation for the support. The winning start was very rewarding after finishing top 4 last year. It’s always a good feeling,” Gerardi said.

“Yes I’m feeling a lot more comfortable playing now especially getting along with the girls and building friendships with them they make me feel welcome there which is a great feeling, I was a bit nervous when I debuted last year but as the weeks went on I found it a lot easier to play with a team that has my back.”

The physical traits that Gerardi possesses that makes her such a special basketball player means that she can use that pace and elusiveness to her advantage on the football field too which she’s learning more how to use all the time.

“Nothing in particular I really worked on but I was told in the first game of the season I did really well even though I thought I didn’t play my best,” she said.

“But yeah like you said my speed and skills is my biggest asset I think that’s what I’m gonna keep bringing to the table for my team.”

In her earlier teenage years, Gerardi was just focused on a future basketball career and while that’s still something in her sights with her eligible to attend college in America next year, a career in the AFL Women’s competition is now a realistic option too.

“I really never thought I would make it this far with footy but now that I have it is now one of my goals to be drafted,” Gerardi said.

“I do think it is possible to keep playing both if I stay in Australia and play but I definitely know it’ll be difficult when I want to play overseas.

“Basketball has been my first sport and it’s been my dream since I was little to play in the WNBA or college.

“Swans and State has always been there for me and understanding they know basketball is my first sport and I know if I get an opportunity overseas for basketball and I take it I will always have football back home to come back to if I don’t make it overseas.”