While those sides search for their third win, Norwood looks to ensure it does not fall 0-3 behind against Central District, with the same for Eagles up against North Adelaide. Jahmal Stretch Claremont Jacob van Rooyen Claremont Sydney Academy prospect Braeden Campbell could end up being an early pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft thanks to his brilliant speed and game-breaking abilities. Geelong Falcon Mitch Knevitt has continued to rocket up draft boards given his spectacular finish to the season, accompanied with his elite speed and endurance testing at the Vic Country combine. See what assistant coach Jarrad McVeigh had to say following the Swans final pre-season hit out against Carlton last night. Nineteen players are club-tied, split between father-sons, Northern Academy products, and Next Generation Academy (NGA) hopefuls. If you like the content that Draft Central provides and dont want to miss any of it, then sign up to receive our newsletter today. Cooper Hamilton Bendigo Pioneers Both of her parents, John and Bernie, have represented Mayo previously. James Tunstill East Perth Mitch Knevitt Geelong Falcons Sydney's young guns have featured heavily in the club's blistering 3-0 start to the 2021 season, especially 2020 academy graduates Errol Gulden and Braeden Campbell. The official AFL website of the Greater Western Sydney Giants Football Club, The official AFL website of the Brisbane Lions Football Club, The official AFL website of the Gold Coast SUNS Football Club, Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Football Club. "I personally like seeing the kids running around in a Swans jumper. The four northern clubs - Sydney, Greater Western Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast - will field sides across the three-round carnival featuring draft prospects for 2020 and 2021. The AFL is hopeful of spreading its 2021 drafts across several days but will adapt if required amid the Covid-interrupted environment. , is also in the academy and possesses some impressive tricks as a small forward, whilst fellow club legend. James Willis North Adelaide, Sam Banks Clarence Matthew Roberts South Adelaide Ethan Regan East Perth For the most part, players have been selected directly from the representative squads put together ahead of this years National Championships, which continue to be postponed. Brisbane has access to Carter Michael, Blake Coleman and Saxon Crozier, while the Giants have first call on Joshua Green, the younger brother of last year's top-10 pick Tom Green. This year, for the first time, the Academy includes female players aged 16 to 19, mirroring the boys program. Lewis Rayson Glenelg Sydney also matched a second-round bid at pick No.32 last year for Gulden. His leap is such a strength it is not uncommon to see him rotate through the ruck and win some contests, then follow up his own tap at ground level. Their rapid impact at the top level raises the question whether being part of the Swans Academy has given them, and therefore Sydney, a headstart on the other 2020 draftees and their clubs. Watch Sydney's press conference after their practice match against Carlton, The Swans and Blues clash at Blacktown International Sportspark, Braeden Campbell winds up to nail a cracker from the centre square, Lance Franklin dribbles through a classic running snap. Tyreece Leiu Eastern Ranges Def Career Season Last 5 D 14.4 4star K 7.6 3star HB 6.8 4star M 3.7 4star T 2.0 4star The QBE Sydney Swans Academy was developed to nurture young talented athletes in NSW and shape them into future Sydney. . Looming as a dangerous midfielder that can rest forward in the future, Lawrence has made the most of his limited appearances in 2021 including a three-goal haul in his only NAB League appearance. For Sydney, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden are the players that Swans fans know plenty about given their role with the Allies last season. For the best odds on the game sign up with Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. From my limited viewing of our academy, these are my current lists for this years and next years top Lions academy prospects. It was the official start date for the 2nd-5th year players but many senior players such as co-Captain Josh Kennedy attended the session and took part in some capacity. 3rd Test - India v Australia - 1-5 Mar, Indore, Official AFL Website of the Brisbane Lions Football Club, Official AFL Website of the Gold Coast SUNS. News September 13, 2021 WITH the likes of Harris Andrews (Brisbane Lions), Jack Bowes (Gold Coast SUNS), Tom Green (GWS GIANTS), and Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans) among the many great Northern Academy products, there are always prospects of note coming out of each region in an AFL Draft sense. Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia AFL - Australian Football League . 11 of the 13 included Allies squad members also turned out at NAB League level, giving the competition strong representation. Good luck finding anything from our club. Harrison Grintell GWS Academy AustralianFootball.com Celebrating the history of the great Australian game . Chesser and Wilmot are two players who could replace the run-and-carry of new Crow Jordan Dawson. However, had he been a few years younger, he could have been groomed through the Swans elite training academy and not had to struggle through years of second-tier football. Kai Lohmann Greater Western Victoria Rebels Trust the Prospect: Solo ruck duties unlikely to faze roaming Rowan, Swans face tall dilemma on Errols Gulden night, Tobys the man for the job: Inaugural skipper proud of Greenes development, Mustangs ready to open the stable for alumni reunion. Its about trying to work out what the what the appropriate price to pay is. The Swans academy captain is a contested midfielder that puts his head over the football and wont shirk a contest. Cotchin should get weeks, 'Gawndy' has legs, Dogs can ride Dunkley loss: Talking points from AAMI Community Series Day 3, Beware Saints' new tagger, outrageous Errol, and a September smoky: Talking points from AAMI Community Series Day 2, 'Flagmantle' at last? The Glenelg youngster is [], AS HISTORY has shown in the past three seasons, it is tough being the new kids on the block. Josh Fahey GWS Academy Gold Coast has announced its U18 boy's academy squad for 2023, featuring a talented crop which spans four different age groups. The former basketballer was taken by Sydney out of South Adelaide in the 2019 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft but failed to win an AFL debut and was delisted by the Swans at the end of 2020. We want to see it! However, Rampe is into his 30s and there remains a lack of depth at the position. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera Glenelg In the older age groups, from U16 to U19, players train for 30 weeks a year, including a pre-season program. Get The App. . Academy players at Sydney, GWS, Brisbane and Gold Coast are subject to the same bidding system as father-son prospects, so since 2015 clubs have had a 20 per cent discount on the draft points needed to match a bid. Also on the show, we analyse the [], AFTER being burnt out by her first sporting love, Darebin Falcons ruck Sally Lynchs sporting career went in a very different direction, and she has not looked back since. The Academy has nine training hubs in NSW: Sydney City, North Sydney, South Sydney, Northern Beaches, Illawarra, Central Coast, Hunter, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Its possible that the club goes a different route with its first selection, and instead targets a player like Rhett Bazzo with Pick 31. In 2018 they got first dibs on Nick Blakey, while in 2015 they had access to top-three prospect Callum Mills who has since developed into an elite midfielder. While the Sydney Swans academy system is succeeding in bringing young talent into the AFL, more consideration needs to be given to what the Swans must pay in return, Geelong coach Chris Scott says. On Sunday, [], COATES Talent League Girls prospects are set to be put through their paces on Sunday, as all 12 Victorian regions convene for their annual preseason testing event. About 3000 kids have passed through the Swans Academy, but few have made it onto AFL lists. Picture: AFL Photos, Alex Davies breaks a tackle during the 2019 NAB League All Stars game. 21 elite top-age prospects have been named in the 2021 AFL Academy squad, as the AFL reverts back to a condensed nationwide program. Sam 'Candles' Wicks (born 14 September 1999) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). The West and South Australian crops look strong as ever, with both states producing 18 players to the initial intake. When the AFL introduced the concept of the northern academies it was the Sydney Swans that were the most enthusiastic, growing the game in New South Wales from its inception in 2010 to ten hubs up and down the coast from Coffs Harbour to Woollongong. Lukas Cooke Woodville-West Torrens New to Kayo? Headlining the cohort is Harley Reid, the Bendigo Pioneers utility widely considered to be the class' number one prospect. Morgan Ferres Sturt LIVING out the clubs four core values of spirit, selfless, trust and resilience is the main focus for West Perth heading into the 2023 WAFL Womens season. Reckon you can pick the best team? Key Quotes: John Longmire, three weeks to go to Round 1. The Swans might have to match a bid within the top-10 for Campbell, who was best afield in the NAB All Stars 'futures' clash last Grand Final day, while Gulden is a hard-working small forward/midfielder with strong footy nous who is also tied to the Swans. The 20-year-old is more of an intercepting defender at 195 centimetres, but does it as well as anyone in the pool. Cooper Beecken Glenelg Previously, the intake entailed as many as 150 talents from around the nation being nurtured in their state hubs, but with cost cutting at the hands of COVID-19 the traditional model will be reinstated. Each year it seems the Swans academy produces another elite player and the graduates make an impressive list, with Sam Naismith, Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, James Bell and Nick Blakey providing a foundation for the list to build around. East Perth is the latest team to join the WAFL Womens and coach Jason Bloom said the club knows it will be a challenging road, but the Royals are determined to build the right foundations in [], EPISODE 19 of Game Sense has dropped, with the team reconvening to break down all the action from Round 2 of the SANFL Womens season. Check it out By Callum Twomey on Mar 11, 2021, 10:30pm Jesse Motlop, son of former Port Adelaide forward Daniel. LIKELY future Swans Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden headline the list of talented prospects set to feature in next month's Northern Academy Series. Brady Hough Peel Thunder Dante Visentini Sandringham Dragons QBE Sydney Swans Academy duo Errol Gulden and Braeden Campbell will also fulfil their childhood dreams and play their first senior games together. Theres little chance Alleer is available at their next selection with the Blues, Tigers, and Cats all in the market for his services. The AFL will stage its Northern Academy Series in August with plenty of young stars on show. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. Giants Academy standout Josh Fahey headlines the Northern Academy input, along with fellow AFL Academy member Austin Harris (Gold Coast). It's really smart," Scott told Channel Nine on Monday night. Leek Alleer offers shades of Aliir with his athletic ability (broke the combine record for the running vertical jump) and his contested intercepting. #Bloods. Hawthorn called Braeden Campbells name next, which showed the Swans genius in moving picks around for points, as their Picks 34, 37, and 43 had actually come in at 32, 35, 39 after the Bulldogs burnt their picks matching for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, which matched the bid and left enough points for the Swans to match another bid. Required fields are marked *. McDonald said he was incredibly shocked but excited to be told he would make his debut in Round 1. Last year Sydney rookied one of their academy graduates, Jack Maibaum, but the list-size reduction forced them to delist him straight away, though the sacking of Elijah Taylor may allow the way back for one of the delistees in the preseason. Sydney's Sam Wicks, Carlton's Luke Parks and Adelaide's Ben Davis are all products of the Sydney Academy. As always, an interesting year watching the matches and seeing potentials for Draft current and future. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Hugh Jackson North Adelaide Angus Sheldrick Claremont ", There's been a lot of controversy around the Sydney Swans Academy, but now the Swans are reaping the rewards of putting time and money into its young stars from an early age.So, is the current system fair?#9FootyClassified | Watch @channel9 pic.twitter.com/Hr9h4pn58d. Were never going to get a game in the next couple of decades anyway, to the point where its just completely even - I think thats where the big Melbourne clubs would like it to be, he said. Pictures: AFL Photos You must provide an email address to create a Roar account, When using Facebook to create or log in to an account, you need to grant The Roar permission to see your email address, By joining The Roar you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Tyler Sonsie Eastern Ranges He also lends his voice to The Checkside and the SuperCoach Sanctum PODcast each week. Blayne OLoughlin North Adelaide In the latest of my series of annual reviews is a side that flew up the ladder from an ignominious bottom-four finish last year to being a premiership smokey in 2021: the Sydney Swans. Geelong premiership coach Chris Scott has publicly questioned the price the Swans pay for their Academy products, with Sydney CEO Tom Harley hitting back on Wednesday. The Academy provides a professional, age-appropriate development program for males and females aged 11 to 19, and each year the Academy trains up to 700 players. Lachlan Rankin Oakleigh Chargers Sep 23, 2022 - 10.28am. April 6th, 2021 2:22 pm While the Sydney Swans' academy system is succeeding in bringing young talent into the AFL, more consideration needs to be given to what the Swans must pay in return, Geelong coach Chris Scott says. Picture: AFL Photos Sydney Swans Academy Coach Sydney Swans Feb 2023 - Present 1 month. QBE SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY - FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR RED AND WHITE . New to Kayo? Wicks, 21, is now in his third season, and in his 10th career game on Saturday the category B rookie had 21 disposals and booted three goals to be one of Sydney's best in the big win over Richmond. >> Indicative draft order: Whos in the top 10 mix? Around this mark is also a powerful athlete in Campbell Chesser, who hasnt been able to show off his wares too much this year given injury and lockdowns. Subiaco pair Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson lead the WA contingent, along with a raft of key position options. While those sides search for their third win, Norwood looks to ensure it does not fall 0-3 behind against Central District, with the same for Eagles up against North Adelaide. FUTURE PICK ANXIETYWhy clubs are worried about draft investment. Over in WA, ruck/forward Eric Benning (Fremantle) and athletic utility Ethan Regan (West Coast) have risen into contention, and the has been conjecture over Jesse Motlop, who also features as a Dockers NGA selection but will only land there past pick 40. Josh Rachele Murray Bushrangers Sydney Swans West Coast Eagles Western Bulldogs NGA crop revealed: Freo gets first call on son of Power, Roos gun The 2021 Next Generation Academy prospects have been revealed. Curry doesnt let his shorter stature hold him back, showing a lot of tenacity with his approach to contests and tackles, but also balancing that with quality ball use when he wins it. Tom Brown Murray Bushrangers Presented by The Golden Ticket - For Medallion Club tickets and Corporate Box tickets at the MCG and Marvel. As always, an interesting year watching the matches and seeing potentials for Draft current and future. As part of this years concessions, the Power were assigned an underage signing requirement, with the stipulation that they must be a school leaver. Sydney swapped Pick 26 to the Eagles in return for a future third-round pick. Jase Burgoyne Woodville-West Torrens Darcy Wilmot Northern Knights THE list of 2021 AFL Draft Combine invitees was released on Monday, with 90 of the countrys brightest prospects selected to show their athletic wares next month. Academy members are selected through annual open assessment trials, run each year for both boys and girls. looks an early top five contender and is currently plying his trade for the Sandringham Dragons at NAB League level. "It's a pretty amazing experience for them. Picture: AFL Photos, Errol Gulden gets his kick away against Vic Metro in 2019. An athletic medium forward option, Gander is electric around the contest and even more exciting when leading up at the footy, getting on an opponents shoulders without putting a hand on them and sticking high marks or selling candy to open up more space, Gander is capable of it all. Mar 23, 2021. A creative player in the forward half of the ground, McMillan has a lot of tricks to win the ball and get himself out of congestion, combining his speed and agility to get clear from opponents and then use the ball well by foot to get it to his teammates. Bodhi Uwland Gold Coast Academy, Leek Alleer Central District The Academy has 90 coaches and conditioning staff who train players at nine locations in NSW including Sydney City, North Sydney, South Sydney, Northern Beaches, Illawarra, Central Coast, Hunter, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. sydneyswans.com.au. Ben Hobbs Greater Western Victoria Rebels Josh Gibcus Greater Western Victoria Rebels Picture: AFL Photos, Sydney's Luke Parker with Nick Blakey at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. The list will be extended to 120, with 60 of that total allotment set to attend the National Combine on September 29-30 at Marvel Stadium. With constant debate around whether the academy system is fair to other teams in the competition, Scott was asked to weigh in on whether it was good for the game. FATHER-SON PROSPECTS. If you like the content that Draft Central provides and dont want to miss any of it, then sign up to receive our newsletter today. The boys and girls . They attack the Sydney Academy - its so lame, its so predictable, and its so unnecessary, he said on RSN. . Rookie Me Central (formerly Draft Central) 2023. The top 10 selections for the 2021 AFL Draft has been confirmed following the conclusion of the home and away season. The Sydney Swans have today announced 11 players for the club's inaugural East Coast VFL competition team. "We're restricted by AFL rules about the time they spend in the club, but that senior integration is really important.". Whether Sydney can back it up in 2022 is its biggest question this year. Jake Soligo Eastern Ranges is a winger who can also play half-back that turns opponents inside out with his evasiveness, and possesses a penetrating kick. A high-leaping running defender, Eckersley is another Broadbeach product that was able to impact at Under 19s level in 2021. The Glenelg youngster is [], AS HISTORY has shown in the past three seasons, it is tough being the new kids on the block. As much as the Academy aims to develop potential Swans, Smith wants it to be an exporter of talent too. Sydney defends Academy, Isaac Heeney says there's more to it than the big names. Jai Serong Gippsland Power The 2021 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will take place in a virtual broadcast live and exclusive on afl.com.au and via the Official AFL LIVE App, thanks to Telstra, on Wednesday June 2, 2021 from 6:30pm AEST. plays as a reliable defender who can also fill a role forward. Sam Frangalas (Dandenong Stingrays) - A powerful midfielder who can also go forward and kick goals. Charlie Molan Greater Western Victoria Rebels Adelaide Crows Women's Team: 3 x AFLW premiers! As always, we will begin with what worked for the Swans before looking at what failed, the questions that remain and how they can improve their performance in 2022. Also on the show, we analyse the [], AFTER being burnt out by her first sporting love, Darebin Falcons ruck Sally Lynchs sporting career went in a very different direction, and she has not looked back since. are two impressive ruck options for 2022. , whilst not an academy prospect, is tied to the club via father-son rules as the son of. Caiden Cleary (Sydney Swans Academy) - A speedy midfielder who was the leading ball-winner in the under-17 Futures game last year with 32 disposals. The 20-year old was delisted by Carlton at the end of last season after two . I think thats the most relevant debate.. Posthuma is a no fuss tall defender, remaining consistently accountable for his own opponent whilst drifting across and intercepting in front of contests to aid his teammates. Fletcher is also extremely versatile, able to fill a role up either end, on a wing or right in the thick of things in the engine room, giving whichever team he plays for a lot of options. Number37 said: 800 + academites from ages 10-19 in the program each year. Josh Goater Calder Cannons His main area is player analysis, with a keen focus on the AFL Draft. AFL. Photo: Sydney Swans Always active and capable of a surprise, Sydney enters the 2021 AFL Draft with a nice hand and another academy product. It helps with their development, coming in and training with the most elite of that sport.". Shay Linke Central District But despite all the work done by Sydneys team of scouts and recruiters, the list managers have known for some time who theyd be recruiting from their academy at this years draft. This year, however, they're central to a complex bidding system that has seen minor tweaks applied in the past 12 months. Ahead of Friday's practice match, John Longmire chats pre-season, Lance Franklin, breakout stars and the evolution of the team's game style. In a release from AFL House, fixture dates and locations for each carnival were confirmed, with starting []. All players in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy also continue to play with their local club or school side. Part of AFL Academy squad for 2023. l AFL North West unanimously votes to become an AFL Managed League. His utility value makes him a genuine prospect of becoming an AFL player, particularly with Sydneys record in this area. Sydney Swans Academy: 3 1 2 0 252 218 115.60 4 17 Brisbane Lions Academy: 2 0 2 0 74 200 37.00 0 18 NT Thunder Academy: 2 0 2 0 63 194 All rights reserved. Join a tipping comp - lots to choose from. is a strong bodied ruck who is already 203cm and is strong one-on-one, providing headaches for opposition as he positions down the line to take intercept marks. I think that old sentiment still lingers," Smith said. MORE AFL DRAFT NEWS TOP 25 DRAFT PROSPECTS: The future AFL stars your club will target The pair use the ball well and can be damaging in the forward half of the ground, with Campbell touted as a top 10 pick and Gulden as a highly rated prospect. AFL Draft Power Rankings: The Top 50 Prospects in 2021, I have zero interest in keeping women small: Goddard on Hawks coup. So GWS have ex Swans and Sydney have ex Giants. Nathan Freeman, Billy Gowers, Billy Hartung and Jordan Gallucci are the latest ex-AFL players to have nominated for this year's mid-season draft. The Sydney Swans first applied for an AFLW licence in early 2021 after the AFL Commission set a goal for all clubs to participate by 2023. A jack of all trades type, Nicholls is good across the board with his skills and footy IQ, making him particularly dangerous when given the freedom to roam around the ground and impact where he sees fit. Oakleigh Chargers teammates Nick Daicos (Collingwood) and Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs) are father-son candidates who could yield bids within the top two picks, while Jase Burgoyne (Port Adelaide) will likely end up at Alberton outside of the first round. Has since returned to the SANFL where he impressed in the state game win over WAFL and has averaged 31 hitouts from seven games for the Redlegs. AFL clubs lodged the expanded list of prospects, who will participate in fitness testing events [], LIVING out the clubs four core values of spirit, selfless, trust and resilience is the main focus for West Perth heading into the 2023 WAFL Womens season. Sydney was the first club to set up one of what are now known collectively as the Northern Academies, in 2010. Picture: AFL Photos, Smalls v Talls: Coleman Medal race is a little exciting in COVID season. The bid was the talk of the first night of the draft, but there was more to the story that unfolded between the cross-town rivals. Sydney has now recruited a quarter of their list from homegrown talent and their academy program continues to be the largest, with the only things holding them back being a shortage of AFL-size ovals and no AFLW licence, but with the largest supporter base in the league, theyll have something to cheer about this year. recently switch across from rugby, bringing a lot of speed and excitement to the forwardline. Sydney's opening round fixture kicks off at 7.45pm AEDT on Saturday evening and the final team will be named on Friday evening. However, the choice came down to what path to take, be it a replacement for Lance Franklin, an offsider for Rampe, a protege for Josh Kennedy or a Nick Blakey clone, so they chose the area of greatest need and arguably the best player available in Logan McDonald. Genuinely the worst for posting anything about our academy. is an exciting forward that can pinch hit in the midfield and use his athleticism as a weapon. Join co-hosts Megan Waters and Andrew Krakouer, and legends of the game Darryl White and Gilbert McAdam for our 2022 return, Western Bulldogs great Luke Darcy tells Sarah Olle the one piece of wellbeing advice he'd give to his younger self, The Demons v Tigers clash at Casey Fields, Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn silence early doubters as they combine for six goals against Richmond, Lachie Hunter gets on the scoreboard following a skillful finish from a tough angle, Grundy, Gawn cause headaches for Richmond and other clubs preparing to face Melbourne this year, Aaron Naughton booted four goals as the Western Bulldogs made short work of North Melbourne, GWS stars at their best but there was plenty to take from the performances of Gold Coast youngsters, Watch Richmond's press conference after their practice match against Melbourne, Watch Melbourne's press conference after their practice match against Richmond, Just where Sam Darcy plays for the Western Bulldogs this year remains unclear. Go behind the scenes at the SCG when John Longmire reveals the three debutants for the season opener on Saturday. Will Splann North Hobart, Mac Andrew Dandenong Stingrays However, the COVID-19 crisis caused the AFL to reposition its plans to ensure as many players eligible for this year's draft get as much exposure as possible, with a host of potential draftees to play for each Academy side. "I had the opportunity right before I was drafted to train with the AFL team a handful of times. Kade Dittmar East Perth Having started out hooping, the 30-year-old is now part of the footballing community. Donations to the Foundation go directly into supporting the running of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. Missed the 2022 season after suffering an ACL injury playing basketball in late 2021, but had starred as a 16-year-old. It was only a matter of accommodating enough draft value index points to match early bids. The QBE Sydney Swans Academy was established in 2010. Picture: AFL Photos, Sydney Academy members Errol Gulden and Braeden Campbell celebrate a goal during the Northern Academy Series in August. Freeman is seeking to join a third AFL club after playing just two senior games in five injury-ravaged seasons at the elite level. Picture: AFLNT Picture: AFL Photos, Who wins R4? There arent too many surprises among the allotted crew, with only one player chosen outside of the Under 19 realm and 87 of the chosen 90 born in 2003. It is a cold Monday night in July and rain is pummelling 100 kids running around Tramway Oval, an AFL field next to the Sydney Cricket Ground. He was best on ground in the 2019 grand final curtain-raiser AFL Futures match and had his ticket stamped from there. Neil Erasmus Subiaco This year, for the first time, the Academy includes female players aged 16 to 19, mirroring the boys' program. Catch up on all the latest from Horse. Swans young gun Errol Gulden recently admitted he would not be playing in the AFL if not for the academy program, with he and fellow academy pick Braeden Campbell setting the competition alight in their opening three games. With the AFL Mid-season Draft set for June 2, ESPN's AFL draft expert Chris Doerre has run his eye over the top candidates vying for a spot on an AFL list. Ned Long Northern Knights Background and purpose NT Thunder Academy refers to the mens and women's Under 17 and 19 squads and teams that represent the Northern Territory.