THE AFL has today announced the squad of 46 players set to take part in this year’s Under 17 Futures showcase. In the event’s sixth instalment, 2006-born prospects will take to the MCG on AFL Grand Final day – Saturday September 30 – in a curtain raiser to the top level’s decider.

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Players will be divided into two teams; one named after former Geelong captain Joel Selwood, and the other in honour of recently retired West Coast ruck Nic Naitanui. Selection for either side will be confirmed in the week leading up to the match.

Many of the selected athletes will go on to make up next year’s AFL Academy intake, comprised of the best group of draft prospects from around the nation. Players will arrive in Melbourne on Friday September 29 and undertake a training session at The Hangar.

Among those who earned selection are three Under 18 All Australians from this year’s National Championships. Namely, they are South Australian MVP Sid Draper, 2022 Kevin Sheehan Medallist Finn O’Sullivan, and Brisbane Lions father-son candidate Levi Ashcroft.

Along with Ashcroft, there are four more father-son prospects set to turn out. Carlton has access to twins Ben and Lucas Camporeale, while Louie Montgomery is tied to Port Adelaide and Tyler Welsh with Adelaide. Of course, the Northern Academies are also well represented.

The game will be streamed live via the AFL website and app. Stay tuned to Rookie Me Central, where we’ll have Scouting Notes on every player who takes the field.