By Ant Wingard
Queensland’s footprint in the talent pathway has continued following the announcement of the 2020 NAB AFL Academy Squad.
Eleven Queenslanders have been named in the squad, which has expanded for the 2020 season to include 150 players from across the country.
The squad will take part in high performance camps focusing on players’ on and off field education with the Allies’ camp scheduled from Monday November 18 to Friday December 20.
The NAB AFL Academy Squad is open for the best Under 17 and Under 18 players and holds an incredible success rate at the draft with over 81 per cent of squad members going on to be drafted since its inception in 1997.
AFL National Talent Pathways Manager Marcus Ashcroft said it is an exciting time for the country’s best young talent.
“The new approach to the national NAB AFL Academy, introduced for the first time in 2018, will again ensure more of our most talented players have access to AFL facilities, while receiving the best quality coaching, high performance and well-being services in the country,” he said.
“Importantly these players will spend more time in their home states, with year-round first-class support that will enhance their opportunity to perform at an elite level.
“I congratulate all players who have been named in their NAB AFL Academy Squads today and I look forward to watching their development over the next few years.”
Queenslanders in 2020 NAB AFL Academy Squad
Tahj Abberley Brisbane Lions Academy/Sandgate
Jack Briskey Brisbane Lions Academy/Western Magpies/Toowoomba
Blake Coleman Brisbane Lions Academy/Morningside
Saxon Crozier Brisbane Lions Academy/Morningside
Alex Davies Gold Coast SUNS Academy/Cairns/Broadbeach
Aidan Fyfe Gold Coast SUNS Academy/Broadbeach
Jack Johnston Gold Coast SUNS Academy/Palm Beach
Noah McFadyen Brisbane Lions Academy/Wilston Grange
Carter Michael Brisbane Lions Academy/Maroochydore
Rhys Nicholls Gold Coast SUNS Academy/Labrador
Ryan Pickering Gold Coast SUNS Academy/Townsville/Hermit Park Tigers
