THE AFL has today released a squad of 48 players set to participate in Septembers National Futures program. Selected prospects will convene in Melbourne for a three-day camp, culminating in the annual AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser at the MCG on Saturday September 27.

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Each state and territory is represented throughout the squad, which exclusively features Under 17 players (2008-born) eligible for next year’s AFL Draft. The program and showcase game act as auditions for 2026 AFL National Academy selection, finalised later in the year.

Respective state programs, national selectors, and AFL club recruiters guided the selection process. The squad features 16 All-Australians from last year’s Under 16 National Championships, including Pool A and B best and fairests, Dougie Cochrane and Matthew Owen.

Cochrane is already being touted as a pick one contender. His father Stuart played 104 games between North Melbourne and Port Adelaide, and while not father-son eligible for either club, the Power are hoping to have him join brother Tom at the club via its Indigenous Academy.

Around a third of the squad has already featured at the Under 18 National Championships. That includes Carlton father-son hopeful Cody Walker, who also looms as a top prospect. Final teams and the former players they will represent are set to be announced prior to the game.

It will be broadcast live via the AFL website and app. Stay tuned to Rookie Me Central, where we’ll have Scouting Notes on every player to take the field, directly after the match.

2025 NATIONAL U17 FUTURES SQUAD