Jai Serong Biography

After struggling for regular games at Hawthorn, Jai Serong chose to join the Sydney Swans based on football logic rather than emotion.

"Throughout the year I felt like I was playing pretty good footy at VFL level, but due to the talented players in front of me at Hawthorn, the likes of Battle, Barrass, Sicily, Weddle, Scrimshaw, there wasn't really an opportunity there for me in the role I wanted to play," he said.

"There were a few clubs that I spoke to, but it just felt like Sydney was the best in terms of the opportunity here, the club being a successful club, I think their list is in a position where they can consistently challenge and go deep into finals. They were the main things that went into the decision making."

Jai Serong is traded to Sydney, with the Swans sending a future third to Hawthorn for the defender and a future fourth.

"We look forward to Jai arriving at our club and getting stuck into work on day one of the pre-season," Cameron said on Wednesday," Sydney executive general manager Leon Cameron said.

"Having been a standout performer in the VFL over the past two seasons, we think Jai is ready to take his game to a new level and add to our defensive stocks."

Jai Serong requests a trade to Sydney.

Serong did not manage a senior game in 2025, but averaged 21.4 disposals and 7.3 marks per game playing as a third tall defender and wing option in the VFL.

Jai Serong makes his AFL debut for Hawthorn with 9 disposals (4 kicks and 5 handballs), 3 marks and 3 tackles in a 7-point win over Gold Coast.

Hawthorn select Jai Serong with pick No.53 in the 2021 National Draft.

Draft Report: The younger brother Fremantle midfielder and 2020 NAB AFL Rising Star Award winner Caleb Serong, Jai is in the mix to follow in his brother's footsteps and be drafted this year. The tough Gippsland Power utlity, who has proven to be dangerous in attack, had a solid season in the NAB League, highlighted by an 18-disposal, seven-mark and two-goal game against Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Round 8. Serong recorded only five disposals for Vic Country in its Challenge Match against Vic Metro in July, but wasn't helped by the fact the ball didn't come his way a lot as Vic Metro dominated. Serong is a hardworking runner who tries to outwork his opponents and, while he doesn't have the production or the top-end talent of his older sibling, Serong's vertical leap and versatility are promising.