THE 2023 AFL Under 16 National Development Championships are officially underway, with Vic Metro and the Sydney Swans Academy claiming wins in the opening games of Pool A and B respectively. It means the next generation of footballing talent is emerging, no less through the Northern Academies.

With a lucky and extremely promising few players already making their debuts in the Under 18 Coates Talent League competition, we highlight a few club-tied names to watch in this year’s carnival, starting with the widespread prospects of Pool B.

Beau Addinsall (Suns Academy)
Midfielder | 179cm | 09/03/2007

Addinsall turned out four times in this year’s Talent League, averaging 15 disposals and five tackles per game. Arguably his best was left until last, producing 15 touches, eight tackles and a goal against GWV Rebels in Round 7. He was unleashed through the middle in that game and should provide good two-way effort there for the Under 16 side throughout this year’s carnival.

Daniel Annable (Lions Academy)
Midfielder | 183cm | 05/04/2007

Perhaps the most consistent and impressive 2007-born player to feature in the Talent League this year, Annable had little trouble adjusting to the cut and thrust of Under 18 midfield battles. He proved a hard worker at the contest, averaging 21 disposals, five tackles and four inside 50s across his four games, only dropping below 20 touches once. He should have little trouble producing strong numbers.

Noah Chamberlain (Swans Academy)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 21/03/2007

Another player with Talent League experience under his belt, Chamberlain is a developing marking forward who was among the Swans’ best in their carnival-opening win over GWS. He booted three goals in that game, and kicked one per his trio of Talent League appearances. A left-footer, he’s mobile and presents on the lead with authority. He could well kick a big bag with the right service.

Ryder Corrigan (Giants Academy)
Midfielder | 185cm | 14/03/2007

Arguably the Giants Academy’s standout midfielder in game one against Sydney, Corrigan showcased a well-rounded game both on the inside and outside. He’s a good size at 185cm to win his own ball and hold firm overhead, but also makes good decisions when kicking inboard and is not afraid to get his hands dirty defensively.

Max King (Swans Academy)
Midfielder | 193cm | 09/01/2007

A slightly different prospect to his more famous namesake, King has been named in the Swans’ Under 16 side for a second year running. He’s a dynamic 193cm midfielder, able to carve through traffic with eye-catching agility and smooth movement. With a strong opening game against GWS, King has stamped himself as a highly developable talent with promising upside.

Jai Murray (Suns Academy)
Forward | 184cm | 09/03/2007

The Suns look set to produce another strong crop for 2025, and Murray has long been pegged as one of the more promising prospects in said category. Averaging 14 disposals and four marks across four Talent League outings, Murray showed a few tricks in the forward half and moves nicely. He also snared his first goal in the Suns’ final game, a rousing win over GWV.

Zeke Uwland (Suns Academy)
Defender | 176cm | 24/04/2007

Uwland’s name should jump off the page for Suns supporters, as he is the brother of current AFL-listed academy product, Bodhi. Zeke plays in a somewhat similar style, rebounding with proficiency off half-back and boasting a booming kick. He is capable of racking up possessions but hardly wastes them and should be one of Gold Coast’s more accomplished players at Under 16 level.