GEELONG Falcons midfielder Noah Williams was named best on ground as the AFL Academy was soundly beaten in the first of its two showcase games for 2026. The Under 18 outfit went down by 71 points to a clinical North Melbourne VFL side at Arden Street Oval on Sunday.

The Roos stormed out of the blocks with seven straight goals to start the contest, spearheaded by AFL-listed small Lachy Dovaston, who went on to finish with six. A run of five consecutive majors saw the Academy level scores in term two, but Dovaston and the Roos duly responded.

North piled on eight goals to one after half time to run out comfortable victors, kicking extremely accurately in front of the big sticks to salute 20.6 (126) to 7.13 (55). The Academy will suit up again on Saturday for a match against Richmond VFL at IKON Park, starting from 12:30pm.

We took notes on ALL 23 Academy prospects.

AFL U18 ACADEMY 1.5 | 6.7 | 6.12 | 7.13 (55)
NORTH MELBOURNE 7.0 | 12.0 | 17.2 | 20.6 (126)

GOALS:
AFL Academy: W. Malady 2, K. Edwards, E. Herbert, L. Houndsome, K. LeCras, G. Patterson
North Melbourne: L. Dovaston 6, M. Whitlock 4, B. George 3, Z. Fisher 2, O. Lowe 2, X. Bamert, J. Konstanty, R. Stevens

RMC BEST:
AFL Academy: N. Williams, C. Walker, G. Patterson, T. Armstrong, T. Hodgson, K. Edwards
North Melbourne: L. Dovaston, M. Whitlock, Z. Fisher, T. Goad, C. Harvey, B. George

Absent: #9 Heath Mellody, #20 Darcy Szerszyn, #22 Jack Pickett, #25 Aidan McCartney, #39 Dougie Cochrane

#4 Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 23/04/2008

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 clearances

Butler was fairly productive, albeit sometimes lacking his patented polish in a game where he spent plenty of time in midfield. He brought the intensity early, chasing opponents and hunting the loose ball while proving clean at ground level. As a forward, Butler ran useful patterns up the ground and often found separation that way, helping his side connect through the corridor. He ran at 50 per cent disposal efficiency and his best was sharp, but he couldn’t always produce it under elevated pressure. In full flight, his talent shines and he shows great potential as an onballer.

#5 Garrison Kenh (East Perth/Western Australia)
Defender/Wing | 182cm | 19/04/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 1 tackle, 2 rebound 50s

West Coast NGA

Kenh is a player of high class and upside, but was perhaps in need of a confidence boost on Sunday. The Eagles NGA prospect took on a few learnings defensively despite getting into good spots to impact the contest. With a bit more vigour, his ability to accelerate and take ground in transition would have shone, along with his intercepting nous. Kenh was otherwise involved in short bursts, including his corridor link-up with Smiler in the fourth quarter which resulted in hitting up Houndsome on the lead. Athletically, few can rival him going both ways.

#6 Gabriel Patterson (Glenelg/South Australia)
Forward/Wing | 184cm | 26/03/2008

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal

Despite not producing eye-popping numbers, Patterson was among the Academy’s most impactful players. It’s almost criminal he was only credited with two tackles, given the immense pressure and repeat efforts he applied. Patterson utilised his speed to make opposition ball carriers panic, and with a bit more muscle could have laid some seriously punishing hits or stuck his tackles. He looked best as a forward who could push up the ground and mop up scrappy clearances at ground level, with his hardness and competitiveness against senior opposition standing out from go to woah.

#7 Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Defender | 177cm | 22/01/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 8 tackles, 4 clearances

Backing up his medal-winning performance in last year’s National Futures game, Williams took home best afield honours for the Academy. He was part of the midfield rotation in the first half and despite being on the smaller end of the scale, was highly competitive. Williams’ tenacity saw him refuse to be tackled easily, though he was just as elusive with sharp steps and poise in tight spots. The Geelong Falcons star seldom flinched on contact and proved a hard tackler himself, laying twice as many as his next best teammate. He rolled off half-back in the second half and offered drive on the rebound, while also picking out targets with his precise left-foot delivery. He wasn’t just safe either, often looking inboard to hit up teammates. Jet.

#8 Harrison Chapman (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
Wing/Defender | 189cm | 06/01/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 2 marks, 1 clearance

Chapman is a prospect which clubs can look to for to be the cherry on top, posing a threat when moving out of the contest. He featured on the wing and across half-back, rotating between the roles with Matthews. As is often the case in exhibition games, Chapman was found wanting with his defensive checking at times, although split contests when possible and had a couple of opportunities to carry the ball forward as he usually does so well.

#10 Archie Hill (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 181cm | 04/03/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles

Hill is used to racking up bulk possessions down back, although North Melbourne’s clinical forwardline offered less opportunities to do so. Still, the Queenslander put himself in good positions to intercept and chase up loose balls, reading the play well and joining in on the contest as a high back. His follow-up and support work was handy, often looking to run past on the overlap and chain together transitional play on turnover. He is hardly ever faulted for effort.

#11 Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender/Wing | 181cm | 03/01/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 4 marks, 5 inside 50s

Murray is the type of player you want finding as much of the ball as possible given his classy use. He picked up plenty of uncontested possessions as the Academy looked to either control the play or flick the switch moving from end-to-end. The Lions Academy prospect looked most dangerous when able to drive his legs and attack the corridor, but was also willing to do the hard yards with a couple of tough contest wins. He can take a hit, but fares best on the outside.

#12 Tanner Armstrong (Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country)
Small Forward/Midfielder | 177cm | 27/02/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 clearances

Richmond NGA

Armstrong possesses plenty of Tiger traits, which is fitting given his NGA ties. The combative small started up forward and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty with tough defensive acts. He stripped opponents of the ball and forced turnovers, with that kind of approach translating well once switched into midfield. While capable of accumulating and driving the ball forward in transition, Armstrong just as readily dug in to win ground balls and did much of his work by hand. He’s a real goer who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line, even against senior opposition.

#14 Sonny Smiler (Wanderers/Northern Territory)
Wing/Small Forward | 176cm | 20/10/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 2 behinds

One of several call-ups to the squad, Smiler had his moments throughout the day. He posed questions of the opposition with creative left-foot kicks looking inboard, very much relying on that side of his body, but making good use of it heading inside 50. Smiler tracked up and back on the wing to provide support, helping transition the ball on the outside. He had a couple of difficult shots on goal from the pockets, putting them wide but showing the type of goal sense he possesses.

#16 Marlon Neocleous (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Small Forward | 168cm | 26/02/2008

Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 clearances

Another inclusion to the squad, who should arguably have been selected in the first place, Neocleous showed why on Sunday. Playing as a permanent forward, the diminutive talent worked high up the ground and utilised his foot skills to forge a path towards goal. That kind of play brought polish to the Academy’s transitional passages, making great decisions and showing poise with his economical steps. Neocleous’ eyes can sometimes light up in front of goal, but his lively approach suited how the Academy usually looks to play – fun and quick footy.

#18 Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
Midfielder/Forward | 184cm | 26/01/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 6 clearances, 6 inside 50s

Carlton F/S

Walker had a case for being best on ground for the Academy and led his side’s disposal count all day. His eagerness at the contest was aided by an ability to stay on his toes and propel forward with great power, even if scrappy at times. The Carlton father-son gun charged out of the middle on several occasions and was his side’s most likely clearance winner, willingly doing the grunt work on the back of a full senior preseason with the Blues. Walker showcased similar competitiveness and work rate once shifted forward in the second half, running hard out of possession to find pockets of space. Adding a touch of polish to his kicking will take him to the next level.

#21 Jack Gordon (Central District/South Australia)
Defender/Midfielder | 185cm | 05/01/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles

Gordon found his best form in the second half, shifting into midfield having started in defence. His mature frame held up well against senior opposition, although he had to make the adjustment from accepting tackles to finding a way out of congestion. Gordon’s clean hands and powerful lateral movement helped him do so, still showing a strong core and good ball security while also being able to flick the ball out to teammates. He’ll be a leader among the South Australian crop.

#23 Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy/NSW)
Wing/Defender | 186cm | 04/09/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 mark, 2 tackles

Matthews switched between the wing and half-back on Sunday, familiar roles which are suited to his style. Having already been exposed to VFL level, the Giants Academy standout showed deceptive physical and competitive qualities which allowed him to stay involved in the contest. When the opportunity presented, he was typically efficient with his ball use by foot and moved it on quickly. Among his best moments was winning a one-on-one battle against Jacob Konstanty on defensive wing in the final quarter. He’s consistently neat and tidy.

#24 Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide/South Australia)
Midfielder/Forward | 182cm | 25/07/2008

Stats: 23 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 goal

Edwards made sure to leave an impression on those watching, saving his best quarter for last. The South Australian showed his wares up forward, exhibiting great tenacity and work rate inside 50. While erratic and perhaps inefficient at times, he created spills and brought others into the play with his ground level recovery. Edwards’ hardness and contested acumen were also evident having spent much of the game running through midfield. One of his best acts was a gritty holding-the-ball tackle on Zac Fisher, who otherwise ran riot. He also prised a goal from nothing late in the piece and has genuine dual-position quality. He’s a match-winner at his best.

#26 Wil Malady (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Tall Forward | 190cm | 12/10/2008

Stats: 8 disposals, 2 goals

Perhaps one of Malady’s most underrated qualities is his competitiveness. Already a renowned big game player, the athletic forward provided the spark for his side’s second quarter surge with consecutive goals – albeit straightforward finishes – to help turn the momentum. Those scores were reward for his efforts in other facets of play, like how he showed great speed and intensity to chase down opponents. His pressure at ground level and willingness to provide blocks didn’t go unnoticed in support of his standard goalkicking exploits.

#27 Koby LeCras (West Perth/Western Australia)
Forward/Wing | 192cm | 26/04/2008

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

LeCras had to work hard to get into the game but eventually exhibited moments of class. His undoubted highlight was a sensational long goal in the second quarter, wheeling around from the boundary and riding the breeze expertly off his raking left boot. LeCras looked for his favoured side and sprung into action when in range of goal, posing a threat heading inside 50. Otherwise, he provided great connectivity along the line as a mobile marking option, seemingly gaining confidence after his freakish goal. Fittingly, his father Brent called Arden Street home for two years.

#28 Kale Matthews-Hampton (Sturt/South Australia)
Defender | 187cm | 19/05/2008

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 mark, 1 inside 50

Another of the squad’s injury replacement players, Matthews-Hampton settled into defence. He showed promise during the early stages with an intercept mark on the wing, and looked to get involved in chains of possession up the ground. It was no surprise to see the former basketball compete aerially, although his lovely weighted kick-in during the final term was a nice touch of footballing quality. Otherwise, it was a relatively quiet day for the South Australian.

#29 Tate Hodgson (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Defender | 197cm | 24/07/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 6 marks, 5 rebound 50s

Hodgson was the Academy’s most assured and effective defender, reading the play expertly to clunk several intercept marks. While not blessed with natural leg speed, Hodgson showcased his superior footy IQ by reacting to the play ahead of him and getting into strong positions behind the ball. He played the percentages when necessary with big spoils and looked physically up to the task of senior footy. The tall wasn’t afraid to venture further up the field and provide similar support, although can perhaps look to telegraph his kicks a little less across the last line.

#33 Xavier Ladbrook (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
Key Defender | 201cm | 16/10/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 3 marks, 1 rebound 50

On paper, Ladbrook had an ideal matchup against Matt Whitlock, who was similarly raw and athletic as a draft prospect. The AFL-listed forward ran his junior opponent ragged at times, but the defensive learning curve will only make Ladbrook better. He tended to check loosely, backing his speed and aerial reads to impact errant kicks inside 50. Ladbrook’s long arms allowed him to extend at the ball effectively, spoiling in that manner rather than engaging in physical jostles. His mobility was useful when applying pressure or peeling off to provide support in transition. He split far more contests as the day wore on, including a terrific one-on-three effort. A lot to like in terms of traits.

#34 Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide/South Australia)
Key Forward/Ruck | 199cm | 01/11/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 3 marks, 6 hitouts, 1 goal

Herbert managed more scoring shots (four) than any Academy player, settling for a single major. The big man’s forward-half impact was a tick for his versatility, even showing great contested marking ability with two strong pack grabs in term three. Herbert’s size drew attention inside 50 and he covered good ground on his ruck rotation. There, he displayed terrific craft to not only access the ball with his leap, but also through physicality. Herbert then added value as a fourth midfielder of sorts, getting involved in chains of possession out of the middle.

#35 Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 29/05/2008

Stats: 5 disposals, 2 marks, 1 goal

Perhaps crowded out by the sheer number of quality talls at the Academy’s disposal, Houndsome still managed to have his moments. He showed clean hands in open play and was typically strong with a great set and leap to mark overhead in the opening term, before converting his only goal. Houndsome then swung into the centre bounces after half time but looked most likely when presenting on the lead, using his frame and mobility to extend at the ball from front position.

#36 Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
Ruck/Key Forward | 205cm | 01/07/2008

Stats: 11 disposals, 16 hitouts, 3 inside 50s

After being monstered in a couple of early ruck contests by Taylor Goad, Van Hattum began to leap with confidence and level the scores at stoppage. He played with genuine presence, not afraid to grab the ball out of the ruck or act as a fourth midfielder as the Academy surged forward in waves. His influence helped turn the game in term two, not only with his ruck work, but also with desperate efforts at ground level. Van Hattum attacked the aerial ball hard and looked threatening inside 50 as he extended overhead, also showing great mobility to get separation on the lead.

#38 Benji van Rooyen (Claremont/Western Australia)
Key Forward/Ruck | 203cm | 17/09/2008

Stats: 6 disposals, 1 mark, 1 clearance

Another member of the Academy’s ruck-forward rotation, van Rooyen also covered plenty of territory to drop back and offer support to the defence. As a forward, he ventured up the ground to provide an option down the line, although much of his best work was done at ground level. The 203cm talent wasn’t afraid to get stuck in when the ball hit the deck and displayed great handling below his knees. It was a positive given he went without a hitout, and only took the one mark.