AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) is pleased to be involved with the newly announced expansion of the NAB AFL Academy program.
Following a 12-month review of the AFL underage talent development pathway an upgraded model for the most talented players will be implemented for the 2019 season.
The expanded NAB AFL Academy Program will see high performance camps run across five talent regions; Vic Metro, Vic Country, South Australia, Western Australia and the Allies (Queensland, NSW/ACT, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory).
This model will provide extra opportunities for up-and-coming Territory footballers with the number of players who have access to the talent program nationally being increased from 60 to 150 players per year, consisting of 30 players from each region. Including a mixture of 10 bottom-age and 20 top-age players.
The NAB AFL Academy aims to better prepare the most talented under-age players in the country for a career in the AFL. The program will focus on both the football development and personal development of the players, and will expose players to elite level football as well as cultural awareness activities.
Key features of the future pathway will include:
• An expansion of the NAB AFL Academy Program to include more players
• An ‘All Australian’ High Performance Program for the best of the best at 17 and 18 years of age
• Under-17 Futures All Stars Game – traditionally held as a curtain raiser to the Toyota AFL Grand Final
The NAB AFL Academy has been the AFL’s premier talent development program, and has delivered strong draft outcomes over the past 20 years.
AFLNT Manager of Talent and Pathways, Wally Gallio said this is an exciting opportunity for the next generation of Territory footballers.
“Here in the Territory we’ve always batted above our weight and this restructure will see more NT talent coming through the national programs than ever before.
“From this, players will gain the invaluable exposure to the AFL pathway and a deeper understanding as to what it takes to be an AFL footballer,” explained Gallio.
AFL General Manager Football Steve Hocking said the decision to expand the Academy program was made after detailed consultation with AFL club coaches, recruiting staff, state talent staff and NAB.
“The NAB AFL Academy has been the game’s flagship development program for more than two decades,” he said.
“We are now in a position to expand the program and expose more young footballers to elite coaching and skill development as we prepare them for the rigors of AFL football. The new model will see triple the number of draft eligible players get the opportunity to be part of the program.
“By expanding the Academy program we are able to supply specialised coaching to more players and decrease duplication with state programs. Players will also spend more time together as talent squads which is important during the final years of their secondary schooling.
“The NAB AFL Academy Program will also work closely with club and state academies which will enhance programs such as the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.”
The NAB AFL Academy is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program comprises the following elements:
• NAB AFL Rising Star
• NAB AFL Draft
• NAB AFL Draft Combine
• NAB AFL Trade Period
• NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
• NAB AFL Academy Program
• NAB AFL Under-16 Championships
NAB has supported the footy community for over a decade, providing boys and girls with a clear pathway from NAB AFL Auskick through the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program all the way to the big time.