THE 2025 AFL Academy squad was finalised last month, with 28 of the best 2007-born prospects from around the country recognised. With the group convening for their first three-day camp in Melbourne this week, we sought to profile each member of the squad and highlight their achievements thus far.

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Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder/Forward | 180cm | 09/03/2007

Addinsall is one of the many Suns Academy youngsters to have earned a run at VFL level this year. The freakishly talented and prolific midfielder-forward burst onto the scene last year to take out the Alan McLean Medal. He has also turned out for the Suns Academy’s Under 18 side for two years. He’s athletic and glides across the grass to do damage on the attack, but was surprisingly overlooked for Allies honours this year. He bounced back to be Team Sloane’s best afield in the National Futures match.

Daniel Annable (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 183cm | 05/04/2007

A combative midfielder with high work rate, Annable thrives in contested situations and is a prolific accumulator of possessions. He averaged 27.7 disposals and 6.3 tackles in the Coates Talent League this year before going on to play all four National Championships games with the Allies, averaging 19.5 touches and 4.3 clearances. The on-baller, who is clean by hand, has been producing such consistent output since debuting for the Lions’ Under 18 side last year. He was also their 2023 Under 16 MVP.

Harley Barker (Sturt/South Australia)
Wing | 187cm | 02/05/2007

A dashing outside runner, Barker has already established himself as a mainstay for both club and state. He played 15 games for the finals-bound Sturt and made three of a possible four appearances in the South Australian Under 18 setup. Most effective as a wingman or half-back, Barker is capable of connecting the field with powerful running and thrives when taking the game on. At 187cm, he’s already a decent size and suits the hybrid build of modern day athletes.

Thomas Burton (Western Jets/Vic Metro)
Defender/Midfielder | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Burton put his name on the map to the casual observer with some scintillating late-season form in the Coates Talent League. He’s a regular accumulator off half-back, running aggressive patterns on the rebound, while also defying his 178cm stature with tough work in midfield. The Caulfield Grammarian played seven games with Western Jets this year, averaging 23.7 disposals and 5.6 tackles, dropping below 20 touches just once. He made his debut a year earlier alongside partner-in-crime Thomas McGuane.

Lachlan Carmichael (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Defender | 183cm | 27/08/2007

Another top performer at last year’s Under 16 National Championships, Carmichael has gone on with it and was a consistent performer for the Allies in 2024. He averaged 18.8 disposals and 5.8 rebound 50s throughout a full four-game carnival, nailing down his role as a primary distributor down back. While an asset in transition on the representative stage, his intercept prowess was on show in four games with the Swans Academy earlier this year, averaging 20.8 touches and six marks.

Noah Chamberlain (Swans Academy/NSW-ACT)
Tall Forward/Wing | 192cm | 21/03/2007

There is plenty of upside to Chamberlain’s game, and the Swans clearly rate him highly having debuted him in the Under 18 side during his 16th year. The mobile 192cm prospect presents as a dynamic marking target up forward but has also been exposed to the wing role, showcasing great versatility. He turned out twice for the Allies at this year’s National Championships, averaging 14.5 disposals and four marks – improvements on his numbers for the Swans Academy earlier in the season.

Samuel Cumming (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder | 184cm | 27/07/2007

Cumming is a well-traveled prospect having hailed from Wentworth in NSW. The North Adelaide midfielder took out the SANFL Under 18 MVP award this season having averaged 27 disposals, six marks and four clearances across 10 outings. He also made two appearances in South Australia’s Under 18 side this year and ran riot in the National Futures match, gathering 24 disposals, 11 marks, and a goal in typically hard-working fashion. As prolific as they come, Cumming’s consistency and volume of output are already high-level.

Cody Curtin (Claremont/Western Australia)
Key Defender | 197cm | 18/05/2007

Curtin had a breakout game in his final outing at this year’s National Championships, posting 17 disposals and four marks as a competitive key defender. Much like big brother Dan, who was drafted by Adelaide last year, Cody is comfortable with ball in hand but also capable of imposing himself aerially. Versatility is another trait the siblings share, as Curtin junior was also swung into attack late in Claremont’s Colts premiership tilt, booting two bags of six goals in his last three outings.

Cooper Duff-Tytler (Calder Cannons/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 22/08/2007

One of the top tall prospects for next year, Duff-Tytler has made the call to pursue football having also come through the pathway as a promising basketballer. While still raw, he moves well for a player his size and is comfortable with ball in hand, projecting as a potential top pick contender. He suits the mould of a mobile ruck but can also play forward and posts big numbers – like his 30 disposals, 10 marks, and two goals for Calder Cannons in Round 18 of the Coates Talent League season.

Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Utility | 191cm | 21/06/2007

One of many ‘brothers-of’ to come through the pathway, Duursma has three siblings who have already been drafted in Xavier, Yasmin, and Zane. He projects as the tallest and perhaps most talented of the lot, able to play in virtually any position with outstanding athletic upside. Also a talented basketballer, he reads the play well, is composed, and has a clean set of hands. Duursma has most often cut his teeth on the wing this year but was an All-Australian defender last year and can play inside.

Louis Emmett (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 198cm | 23/03/2007

Emmett hit his straps late in 2024, but was also a recognised talent last year having been named in the Under 16 All-Australian side. He represented Vic Metro twice at the Under 18 Championships and this year impressed on debut with 14 disposals, three marks and 25 hitouts. The mobile ruckman covers the ground well and is just as capable up forward. Emmett is also a talented rower and has terrific upside as a prospect who only seems to get better with each game.

Koby Evans (Perth/Western Australia)
Forward | 186cm | 08/09/2007

Evans already has a good deal of experience under his belt having played 15 WAFL Colts games for Perth this year, along with three of four for Western Australia’s Under 18s. An eye-catching type who takes the game on with speed, Evans is perhaps most famous – so far – for his backflip goal celebration against South Australia this year. Expect to see him charging forward off a flank and hitting the scoreboard. He’s one for West Coast to monitor as a Next Generation Academy member.

Oliver Greeves (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Greeves has showcased his prowess at representative level, for Caulfield Grammar, and the Eastern Ranges. He was an Under 16 All-Australian last year and played seven Coates Talent League games this season, teaming up in midfield with Richmond draftee Josh Smillie, who he holds some resemblance to. The 191cm prospect is quite agile for his size but uses that frame to his advantage and can also swing forward to kick goals. His clean hands and efficient ball use by hand and foot are handy traits for a big-bodied midfielder.

Jasper Hay (Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)
Ruck | 198cm | 10/05/2007

The best prospect to emerge from Tasmania for the last couple of years, Hay is a tall who was tested in each third of the field during the National Futures match. His primary role is in the ruck, where he took over the mantle as number one for Tasmania and impressed with his competitive, high-leaping style. Hay is also quite mobile and follows up his work at ground level. He will have good competition for spots and support in the Allies ruck spot next year, so can continue to explore his talent at both ends of the ground.

Liam Hetherton (Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT)
Key Forward | 195cm | 02/05/2007

Hetherton put his name on the radar with a couple of big game performances this year. He booted five goals for the NSW-ACT Under 17 side in a win over Vic Country, and slotted three in the National Futures game. The 195cm spearhead also made five Coates Talent League appearances for the Murray Bushrangers this season, where he could learn off the Whitlock twins. His marking ability is exciting and he moves quite well for his size and has shown the capacity to kick goals in bunches.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
Wing/Forward | 185cm | 16/11/2007

Hibbins-Hargreaves took little time to break into Dandenong’s Under 18 outfit after representing Vic Country at Under 16 level last year, and emerged as a clutch goalkicker in 2024. The versatile talent booted multiple majors in eight of his 16 outings for the Stingrays, including a best of four from 21 touches and seven marks. He boasts good aerial range and handles the ball one-touch, while also possessing slick skills by hand and foot – traits applicable to playing both up forward or on the wing.

Matthew LeRay (Central District/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 189cm | 22/02/2007

A talented dual-sportsman who is also involved in the cricketing pathway, LeRay’s story is similar to that of 2024 pick one, Sam Lalor. The tall midfielder is considered a high upside prospect given he is yet to have a full footballing preseason, but shapes as a developable prospect. LeRay was 1st XVIII captain at Prince Alfred College this year and made 11 appearances in Central District’s run to the SANFL Under 18 decider. He’s quite consistent and a hard-working allrounder who can mark, move through traffic, and hit the scoreboard.

Josh Lindsay (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Defender/Wing | 182cm | 07/04/2007

Lindsay’s crowning bottom-age moment was saved for last, as he was named best afield for Team Heppell in the National Futures match. He gathered 20 disposals and seven marks that day operating off a wing, impressing with his incisive left-foot kicking and sound decision making. Lindsay also made seven appearances for Coates Talent League minor premier, Geelong Falcons, averaging 17 disposals per game with plenty of time spent running and distributing off half-back.

Archie Ludowyke (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Key Forward | 195cm | 19/11/2007

Ludowyke has bucketloads of potential as an athletic key forward with a penchant for taking spectacular grabs. He is more often sighted getting separation on the lead and kicking goals, but offers moments of great flair. The high-flying talent made a single appearance at this year’s Under 18 National Championships, taking five marks and booting a goal on debut. He also turned out for Sandringham Dragons between his school and representative commitments, booting 13 majors in nine games with an average 3.7 marks.

Taj Murray (North Adelaide/Northern Territory)
Ruck | 199cm | 05/02/2007

Clearly the Northern Territory’s best prospect and a rare genuine tall out of the top end, Murray continues to develop nicely. He was the Thunder’s most impactful player throughout two heavy losses in the Coates Talent League this year, having been their Under 16 MVP in 2023. The high-leaping and agile ruck is quite lean and raw but follows up his work at ground level and covers it nicely. He has strong potential to translate his traits to key position posts at either end of the ground, and is currently in South Australia’s state academy given he turns out for North Adelaide in the SANFL Under 18s.

Riley Onley (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Midfielder | 194cm | 30/03/2007

Onley is among the rare breed of tall midfielders who measure up at over 190cm, but also move well and have sound skills. He uses his size to advantage, taking the game on from stoppages by either stepping around opponents or bullocking through them. Onley has a clean set of hands and good end product when heading inside 50, as shown throughout his three-game stint with Vic Country’s Under 18s this year. After debuting in 2023, he made seven Coates Talent League appearances for Murray Bushrangers as a bottom-ager.

Dylan Patterson (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder/Forward | 183cm | 01/09/2007

Yet another Gold Coast Academy member in the National Academy, Patterson was one of five Suns who earned Under 16 All-Australian honours last year. He thrives when taking the game on, capable of breaking the lines with his devastating speed and attacking instincts. He averaged 14.8 disposals and 3.3 inside 50s per his four games for the Suns Academy this year, and went on to earn a berth at VFL level. He was terrific in Queensland’s maroon and showed good signs in a half down back during the National Futures match. One with massive potential.

Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle/Western Australia)
Midfielder | 184cm | 10/07/2007

Somewhat of a surprise packet in the bottom-age crop this year, Rodriguez missed the 2023 Under 16 National Championships through injury but has quickly made up for lost time. After impressing at WAFL Colts level for South Fremantle, the midfielder played all four games for Western Australia at the Under 18 carnival, averaging 18.8 disposals. He has clean hands on the inside but is capable of escaping to the outer with good run-and-carry, while also delivering the ball off both feet.

Ben Rongdit (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Defender | 183cm | 10/05/2007

One to watch for Cats fans as an Next Generation Academy member, Rongdit is embedded in the Geelong region – also tied to the Falcons and Geelong Grammar. He catches the eye with an outrageously good vertical leap which he leans on to make intercepts. Rongdit competes just as hard at ground level and while still quite raw, has enormous upside as a competitive defender. He has played the majority of his football at APS level, but made one Coates Talent League appearance this year.

Dyson Sharp (Central District/South Australia)
Midfielder | 188cm | 23/05/2007

Regarded by some as a leading talent in the 2025 crop, Sharp took out last year’s Kevin Sheehan Medal as the star of the Under 16 Championships. He was a two-time All-Australian at that level and brought a hard edge to South Australia’s Under 18 side this year, averaging 17.8 disposals, 5.5 tackles and 6.5 clearances across the four games. The big-bodied contested beast ended his season with Central District’s League team, hardly looking out of place. Few can match him for ferocity at the contest.

Zeke Uwland (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Midfielder | 178cm | 24/04/2007

Uwland will be a familiar name as the brother of current Sun, Bodhi. While smaller in stature, he possesses similar weapons with a booming left-foot kick and relentless rebound ability. His running game is elite, with the clever utility able to rack up possessions in a variety of roles. Uwland had a standout game for the Suns Academy earlier this year, posting 25 disposals and six goals, before going on to average 23 disposals for the Allies. He also gained exposure in the Suns’ VFL side and is a genuine pick one contender.

Wes Walley (Subiaco/Western Australia)
Forward | 180cm | 29/11/2007

There won’t be many queries of ‘where’s Walley?’ next year, given just how often he catches the eye up forward. A second West Coast Next Generation Academy member in the National group, Walley is difficult to defend. He plays above his 180cm standing with good running patterns and overhead marking, while also having the speed and smarts to hunt goals at ground level. Walley has already made his state Under 18 debut for Western Australia and at his best he can score in bunches.

Kalani White (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Key Defender | 198cm | 05/05/2007

White has an interesting decision on his hands next year, being tied to Gold Coast’s academy but also eligible to nominate under father-son rules for Melbourne. The son of former Dee and Docker, Jeff, Kalani is a developing tall capable of playing at either end of the ground. His mobility is impressive and he seems to have found a home down back, where he was an Under 16 All-Australian. White also featured once for the Allies this year, while averaging eight disposals and four marks for the Suns Academy.