Caiden Cleary

Caiden Cleary is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Caiden Cleary
Personal information
Date of birth	(2005-03-05) 5 March 2005 (age 20)
Original team(s)	Sydney University/Newtown Swans/Sydney Swans Academy
Draft	No. 24, 2023 AFL draft
Debut	22 June 2024, Sydney vs. Greater Western Sydney, at Sydney Showground
Height	182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	79 kg (174 lb)
Club information
Current club	Sydney
Number	33
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2024–	Sydney	8 (2)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 6, 2025.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Cleary went through the Sydney Swans Academy side and was taken by Sydney with pick 24 of the 2023 National Draft after they matched a bid from Collingwood.^[1] He made his debut against Greater Western Sydney, coming on as the substitute in the last quarter^[2] in round 15 of the 2024 season. He scored a goal with his first kick.^[3]

2025 drug suspension

Caiden Cleary was suspended for the first two rounds of the 2025 AFL season after being found guilty of 'conduct unbecoming' following an attempt to purchase an illicit substance in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.^[4] Cleary, who received a $400 fine from NSW Police without a criminal conviction, was also fined $5,000 under the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy, with the fine suspended pending good behaviour.^[5] The Sydney Swans expressed disappointment over Cleary’s actions, noting his failure to notify the club, but acknowledged his remorse and cooperation with the investigation.^[6]