A QUADRUPLE header at Margaret Donoghe Sports Complex takes place tomorrow as the 2025 NSW/ACT Under 22 Summer Series gets underway. The competition serves as a perfect lead-up event for the Swans and Giants Academies ahead of their Coates Talent League seasons in the respective boys and girls competitions.

In the first round-robin of matches, AFL Canberra’s Under 22s will face off against the Swans Academy, while the Giants Academy will test themselves against AFL Sydney’s Under 22s.

AFL CANBERRA vs. SWANS ACADEMY

Men’s:

The men’s Swans Academy has two potential pick one contenders this year in Noah Chamberlain and Max King, both of whom can impact in a big way out of the middle going forward. Chamberlain attacks the ball hard and is a balance of athlete and contested, he will compete both in the air and at ground level, while King boasts elite speed off the mark and can clunk some big grabs, while also able to explode from stoppages. They will be two names to keep an eye on throughout the series if available, as will Lachlan Carmichael who reads the game so well and can hit targets forward of centre.

A few names to keep in mind for AFL Canberra include Hamish Saunders and Luca Drury through the midfield as well as Josh Porter off half-back. A familiar name in a familiar role could be forward Jesse Dunstall, nephew of Hall of Fame legend Jason who will spearhead the attack for AFL Canberra.

Women’s:

Sydney Swans Academy’s top draft prospect for 2025 is athletic ruck Madeleine Quinn. The Allies representative and National Academy member moves like a midfielder and will challenge any opponent big or small with her ground coverage. Midfielder Kiera Yerbury has natural football smarts and makes good decisions under pressure, while Telaya Blacksmith is no stranger to starring on the world stage, having set an Australian record in the T20 400m sprint at the Paris Paralympics.

A few names to look for include either past Giants Academy members or developing AFL Canberra talents such as Charlotte Canavan and Anica Kraljevic who will lead from the front through the middle. Amy Frost has played at both ends over the last couple of years, but looks to be a forward target.

GIANTS ACADEMY vs. AFL SYDNEY

Men’s:

The Giants Academy have a more even squad, with the boys having one player take part in last year’s Under 17 Futures match on Grand Final Day. Bailey-Dean Latanis was that player and looms as the leading Giant for this year, though some have had experience from their bottom-age campaigns such as Riley Hamilton (lead the Talent League goalkicking for his side with four goals in two games) and Coby Hilton who averaged 12.5 disposals, 6.0 inside 50s and 3.0 tackles through the same competition.

The AFL Sydney squad has some strong players who are up for the task, highlighted by North Shore’s Ethan Grace. The ex-Allies representative is a formidable player for any opposition to quell, while Hugo Birks and James Lugsdin are a couple more names to keep in mind when watching the Under 22s take the field.

Women’s:

The Giants Academy had a trio of over-age prospects unlucky not to get their chance through the AFLW Draft, but return to the orange side this year. Ellie Hall, Ash Patton and Amelie Prosser-Shaw are all back, with the latter teaming up again with younger sister Darcie who is one for the future. The leading top-age prospect in 2025 is Isla Wiencke who has explosive power from the stoppage and can go forward and hit the scoreboard as well. Some names for the coming years include Majella Day and Morgan Stevens.

AFL Sydney’s squad contains league best and fairest Hannah Woolfe who is already a household name in the competition. After a stint training with the Roos, Sophie Kavanagh can bring plenty back to the Under 22s squad, while Zara Hamilton is a natural ball-winner having had experience on the Giants list.