National Academy to feature in showcase matches in Melbourne

The Marsh AFL National Academy Boys squad will represent Australia in two matches against VFL opposition over the next week.

The Academy, which features a host of his year’s most talented Draft prospects, will come together in Melbourne from Friday to take part in an eight-day high-performance camp.

The highlight of the schedule will be two showcase matches, where the Academy play as the Australia U18 team.

The first match will be played on Sunday, April 12 against North Melbourne’s VFL side at Arden Street Oval from 12:30pm.

The clash against the Kangaroos will be followed by a match against Richmond’s VFL team at IKON Park on Saturday, April 18 from 12:30pm.

The Academy will remain in Melbourne throughout the week between the two games, where they will take part in a host of high-performance training and education sessions.

Players will have access to AFL club facilities throughout the camp, with training and recovery sessions to be held at Arden Street Oval (North Melbourne), Kennedy Community Centre (Hawthorn), KGM Centre (Collingwood) and NEC Hangar (Essendon).

It will be the second time the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys squad has come together, following an induction camp that was held at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) last December.

Marsh AFL National Academy Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, said: “Having the opportunity to put on the Australia jumper and represent the Australia U18 team is a huge honour for our emerging stars and always the highlight of the Marsh AFL National Academy program.

“One of the aims of the National Academy is to provide new experiences to our up-and-coming stars outside of what is already delivered at their state talent program to best prepare players for the next step in their football journey.

“We’ve changed the program this year to include two matches in one week, which will allowing players to experience a full match week in a high-performance environment.

“In addition to the matches, players will feature in recovery sessions, team meetings, game reviews and game previews, which will replicate what a match-week would entail at the elite level of the game.”

AUSTRALIA U18 TEAM LIST

* Injured and won’t play in match against North Melbourne
^ Addition to squad to play in match against North Melbourne as injury replacement

MATCH DETAILS
Australia U18 vs North Melbourne VFL
Sunday, April 12, 2026
12:30pm AEST
Arden Street Oval
Free entry

Australia U18 vs Richmond VFL
Saturday, April 18 2026
12:30pm AEST
IKON Park
Free entry

HOW TO WATCH
Both matches will be available to stream live and free on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App.

MEDIA
All media requests for Marsh AFL National Academy staff and players can be directed to Samuel Zito (samuel.zito@afl.com.au)

ABOUT THE MARSH AFL NATIONAL ACADEMY
The Marsh AFL National Academy features 25 of this year’s most talented Draft prospects, provides the next generation of stars with valuable experiences, insights and education to best prepare them for the next steps in their football journey.

The holistic program combines football performance and personal growth in a high-performance environment by providing unique opportunities and learnings that differ from other football programs they are involved in.

The 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy marks the 29^th annual intake for boys and 10^th intake for girls.