Knapp the name to note in Talent League
EASTERN Ranges midfielder Jordan Knapp is primed for a big season according to his teammates. A total of 41 top-age (2026 draft eligible) prospects from the Vic Country and Metro summer squads were surveyed at Saturday’s Talent League preseason testing event, asked for a teammate to watch for 2026. >> ONES TO WATCH: South Australia […]
Preseason Q&A: Blake Justice (Calder Cannons)
AFTER the recent success of its recent Next Generation Academy (NGA) graduates, Essendon will be buoyed by the emergence of current member Blake Justice. After an impressive bottom-age campaign which yielded 15 Talent League appearances, the 17-year-old is seeking to play every game this year. Justice has cut his teeth as a utility across the […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 Summer Series – Swans Academy vs. AFL Sydney U22
THE SYDNEY Swans Academy has maintained its perfect record in the 2026 Summer Series after defeating the AFL Sydney Under 22s by 62 points at Henson Park on Saturday. After conceding the first goal and going without one in the opening term, the Swans set up their victory with the next 12 majors. Returning star […]
Preseason Q&A: Harrison Chapman (Eastern Ranges)
EASTERN Ranges wingman Harrison Chapman is hoping to become a leader amongst the group searching for back-to-back Talent League premierships. The National Academy member also has his eyes on a centre bounce transition having spent a week at Hawthorn under the guidance of Will Day, and with advice from former teammates in tow. We sat […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 Summer Series – Giants Academy vs. AFL Canberra U22
THE GIANTS Academy have notched up their first win of the 2026 Summer Series, after defeating AFL Canberra U22 by 13 points at Henson Park on Saturday. Despite having two fewer scoring shots, the more junior outfit brought the heat with plenty of run and pressure in the 9.6 (60) to 6.11 (47) triumph. A […]
NTFL MPL: Green Machine rolls on into decider
ST MARY’S has punched its ticked to the 2026 NTFL Men’s Premier League Grand Final after a comprehensive 53-point win over Southern Districts in Saturday night’s preliminary final. The Saints will move on to face Nightcliff in the decider on Saturday in a replay of the 2024 edition. After claiming this season’s minor premiership, the […]
2026 AFL Draft | Race to #1: Wildcards
THE EARLY consensus surrounding this year’s race to pick one suggests a pair of frontrunners have emerged in Dougie Cochrane and Cody Walker. While the likes of Harley Reid and Willem Duursma have followed through on that promise in recent times, the run isn’t always linear and new contenders stake their claims. We pitch another […]
Talent League Boys: Must-watch fixtures in 2026
A BRIMMING Talent League fixture has been revealed, with the number of landmark events continuing to expand in 2026. Northern Academies will enjoy an extended stay, while the Bachar Houli Foundation makes for an 18th team in the competition, as a grand tour of regional venues rages on. We outline the marquee matches that shape […]
Preseason Q&A: Gabriel Patterson (Glenelg)
FEW PROSPECTS catch the eye like Glenelg speedster Gabriel Patterson. The flashy forward burst onto the scene last year with 28 goals in 13 games for the Bays, including a haul of seven. Collingwood fans may see him as the one that got away, given his father Stephen fell four games short of granting father-son […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 Summer Series – Swans Academy vs. AFL Canberra U22
THE SWANS Academy was victorious in its opening Summer Series clash on Saturday, defeating the AFL Canberra Under 22 outfit by 31 points at Henson Park. Three unanswered first quarter goals set the platform for the more junior side, as they withstood each challenge to salute 8.11 (59) to 4.4 (28). It only took the […]
Preseason Q&A: Heath Mellody (Claremont)
AMONG a promising West Australian state squad this year is National Academy member Heath Mellody, a Colts premiership player out of Claremont. The 184cm midfielder/defender is renowned for his foot skills and decision making, which helped him establish a place in WA’s state side as a bottom-ager. We sat down for an interview with Mellody […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 Summer Series – Giants Academy vs. AFL Sydney U22
THE GIANTS Academy has run out of gas in its opening Summer Series clash, going down to AFL Sydney Under 22 by 26 points at Henson Park on Saturday. After leading at the first break, the Giants were made to rue lapses in concentration, but showed good fight in the 6.5 (41) to 9.13 (67) […]
