Billy Cootee Drafted by Sydney

Norwood midfielder Billy Cootee has been Drafted to the Sydney Swans with Pick 42 in the 2025 AFL Draft. 

Cootee headed to The Parade ahead of the 2024 season, and has starred for Norwood in 39 SANFL matches, winning this year’s Best and Fairest.

Relocating from Victoria, where he had been the captain of Essendon’s VFL side at the age of 20, Cootee fit into Norwood and the SANFL seamlessly from day one.

Cootee was selected in the second Round of the Draft on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old averaged 23 disposals, one goal, five tackles and five clearances in 2025, well and truly establishing himself as a premier midfielder in the SANFL.

He was selected in The Advertiser’s SANFL Team of the Year for the first time in 2025, and  represented the SANFL in the State Match against the VFL during Gather Round.

Cootee’s career best game came in Round 14 when the Redlegs demolished the Eagles, gathering 39 disposals, two goals, four tackles and six clearances.