Queenslanders named in inaugural NAB AFLW Futures squad

The next wave of emerging stars in the women’s game will come together this weekend as part of the inaugural NAB AFLW Futures program.

46 of the country’s most talented 17-year-old footballers will assemble in Melbourne for a training camp and exhibition match, including five Queenslanders.

The players named in the NAB AFLW Futures squad will be eligible for selection in next year’s NAB AFLW Academy.

The squad will complete a training session at The Hanger on Saturday June 4, before being split into two teams to compete in an exhibition match at Geelong’s GHMBA Stadium on Sunday June 5.

National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer said the NAB AFLW Futures program provided an opportunity for the country’s most promising young talent to be part of an elite football program.

“We are extremely pleased to add the NAB AFLW Futures program to the AFL Talent Pathways Programs and it is really pleasing that we have a representation from every state and territory,” Lockyer said.

“The players picked in the NAB AFLW Futures squad represent the highest standard of football talent across Australia, and we look forward to seeing the girls come together to feature in the program.

“Many of the players selected in the squad recently competed at the 2022 NAB AFLW National Championships – Girls U18 and have been standouts within their talent programs.

“Sunday’s match at GMHBA Stadium will certainly be a great showcase of the exciting talent coming through the football ranks.”

Sunday’s action at GHMBA Stadium will feature a double-header, with the AFL Futures match set to commence at 10:30am.

It will be followed by the Woomeras v Medleys clash at 12:30pm, where under-16 girls footballers from across the country will come together to form the Indigenous side, the Woomeras, and the multicultural team, the Medleys. 

The two matches will also feature some of the best emerging female football coaching talent in the country.

Hawthorn AFLW signing and Adelaide premiership forward Sarah Perkins will coach Team Black in the NAB AFLW Futures match. She will be assisted by Western Bulldogs VFLW head coach Kirby Bentley, Northern Knights assistant Laura Frazer and South Australian Bek McMahon,

Former AFLW player Georgia Walker will coach Team White and will be assisted by Adelaide premiership captain Chelsea Randall and Vic Metro Under-18 Girls head coach Jacara Egan, along with Western Jets assistant Ali Hamad.

The Woomeras will be coached by former West Coast and Fremantle AFLW player Cassie Davidson, who will be assisted by Melbourne AFLW midfielder Krstel Petrevski and Hawthorn VFLW on-baller Jordan Mifsud.

Amanda Robertson has been named head coach of the Medleys, with Hawthorn AFLW signing Akec Makur Chuot, GWS Giants midfielder Haneen Zreika and Sabrin Nyawela also part of the coaching panel.

How to watch: A live stream of the AFLW Futures match will be available at www.womens.afl/talent-pathway/academy. A live stream of the Woomeras v Medleys match will be available at www.womens.afl/talent-pathway/u18s.

AFLW Futures Match
Sunday June 5, 10:30am
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

NAB AFLW FUTURES – TEAM WHITE

The NAB AFL Futures Program 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/W Rising Star
• NAB AFL/W Draft
• NAB AFL/W Draft Combine
• NAB AFL/W Academy
• NAB AFL/W Under-18 Championships
• NAB AFL/W Under-16 Championships
 
NAB has proudly supported footy for over a decade, providing boys and girls with a clear pathway from NAB AFL Auskick to the big time.