![Ned Stevens](/sites/default/files/styles/1600_wide/public/article/images/2021/ned.jpg?itok=HijW0S4j)
The AFL has today confirmed the group of AFL talent representing the NAB AFL Academy against Geelong VFL on Saturday April 24 at GMHBA Stadium.
The intake includes a selection of the best 17 and 18-year-olds across the country who will be eligible for the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.
The Northern Territory is represented by NTFL Waratah Football Club, NT Thunder Academy and Gold Coast SUNS Academy player Ned Stevens.
AFLNT Talent Manager, Simon Hargrave praised Stevens’ selection and is excited for what’s in store for him in the future.
“This is an amazing opportunity for Ned to experience playing at such a high level after impressive performances during his NTFL and NT Thunder seasons,”
“I’m sure he’ll impress those watching with his leaping ability and service to his teammates in the midfield.”
This is the 24th annual intake of boys with both squads having players representing every state and territory across Australia. Graduates from the NAB AFL Academy includes AFL Captains Joel Selwood, Trent Cotchin, Luke Parker, Stephen Coniglio, Ben McEvoy, Jack Ziebell and Marcus Bontempelli.
National Academy Manager and Coach Tarkyn Lockyer congratulated all players ahead of their arrival this week and said he is excited to work with the future stars of Australian Football.
“These boys represent the future of the AFL and have been selected into the 2021 NAB AFL Academy as recognition for their elite football talent and their qualities as young men,” Lockyer said.
“They are a quality group of boys on and off field who all possess great skill and ability with players selected from all states and territories in Australia with vast backgrounds and football experiences.
"We're looking forward to seeing them grow as people and as footballers and their enthusiasm and commitment to the program is a clear indicator that our game is strong and our pathway programs are made up of the best Australian sporting talent," Lockyer said.
“We can’t wait for Saturday’s game. To see the best of the best from around the country come together to compete against a seasoned Geelong VFL side will provide great excitement that boys representative football is back ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.”
The boys squad will be coached by Tarkyn Lockyer who will be supported by Brad Johnson, Jason Davenport, Tony Bamford and Alicia Eva from the GWS GIANTS.
2021 NAB AFL Academy
Mac Andrew |
Victoria Country |
Dandenong Stingrays |
Braden Andrews |
Victoria Metro |
Oakleigh Chargers |
Sam Banks |
Tasmania |
Clarence |
Rhett Bazzo |
Western Australia |
Swan Districts |
Jace Burgoyne |
South Australia |
WWTFC |
Finn Callaghan |
Victoria Metro |
Sandringham Dragons |
Campbell Chesser |
Victoria Country |
Sandringham Dragons |
Toby Conway |
Victoria Country |
Geelong Falcons |
Nick Daicos |
Victoria Metro |
Oakleigh Chargers |
Neil Erasmus |
Western Australia |
Subiaco |
Josh Fahey |
New South Wales/ACT |
GIANTS |
Josh Gibcus |
Victoria Country |
GWV Rebels |
Cooper Hamilton |
Victoria Country |
Bendigo Pioneers |
Austin Harris |
Queensland |
GC SUNS |
Ben Hobbs |
Victoria Country |
GWV Rebels |
Jason Horne |
South Australia |
South Adelaide |
Blake Howes |
Victoria Metro |
Sandringham Dragons |
Matthew Johnson |
Western Australia |
Subiaco |
Ned Moyle |
Victoria Metro |
Oakleigh Chargers |
Cooper Murley |
South Australia |
Norwood |
Blayne O'Loughlin |
South Australia |
North Adelaide |
Josh Rachele |
Victoria Country |
Murray Bushrangers |
Matt Roberts |
South Australia |
South Adelaide |
Josh Sinn |
Victoria Metro |
Sandringham Dragons |
Tyler Sonsie |
Victoria Metro |
Eastern Ranges |
Ned Stevens |
Northern Territory |
Waratah / NT Thunder / SUNS |
Jacob Van Rooyen |
Western Australia |
Claremont |
Nasiah Wanganeen |
South Australia |
Glenelg |
Jack Williams |
Western Australia |
East Fremantle |
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 of the following elements:
• NAB AFL Rising Star
• NAB AFL Draft
• NAB AFL Draft Combine
• NAB AFL Under-19 Championships
• NAB AFL Academy
NAB has been supporting footy from grassroots to elite level since 2002.