Ashleigh Van Loon

Last updated

Ashleigh Van Loon
Personal information
Full name Ashleigh Van Loon
Born (2004-12-08) 8 December 2004 (age 21)
Original team Geelong (VFLW)
St Mary's (GFNL)
Draft No. 73, 2022 draft
Debut Round 1, 2022 (S7), Sydney  vs. Hawthorn, at Docklands Stadium
Height 169 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Position Defender
Club information
Current club Sydney
Number 17
Playing career1
YearsClubGames (Goals)
2022 (S7)–2024 Essendon 26 (0)
2025– Sydney 10 (0)
Total36 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2025.
Source: AustralianFootball

Ashleigh Van Loon (born 8 December 2004) is a professional Australian rules footballer. Since 2025, she has been playing for the Sydney Swans in the AFL Women's (AFLW). [1]

Contents

She was initially drafted from Geelong in the VFL Women's to Essendon with pick 73 in the 2022 AFL Women's draft. [2]

AFL Women's career

Van Loon was drafted to Essendon in 2022 while completing her senior year of secondary education. [3] As it was the Bombers' first season in the competition, Van Loon became a part of their inaugural squad. [4] After she made her debut in round one against Hawthorn at Docklands Stadium in season 7, she made history as one of the 21 players in Essendon's inaugural women's team.

Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Van Loon was traded to the Sydney Swans where she would reunite with junior teammate Darcy Moloney. [5] [6]

References

  1. "Ashleigh Van Loon | AFL". sydneyswans.com.au. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
  2. "Six try out for AFLW spots". Ocean Grove Voice. 26 May 2022.
  3. Ashleigh Van Loon (25 July 2022). AFLW pre-season | Van Loon's settling in and balancing Year 12. essendonfc.com.au.
  4. Hay, Celie (29 June 2022). "History made at the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft". essendonfc.com.au.
  5. Bastiani, Gemma (2 September 2025). "'That could be me': How ex-teammate inspired new Swan to take the leap". afl.com.au.
  6. Black, Sarah (5 December 2024). "Trade target: Swans eye Bomber for backline boost". afl.com.au.