Michael Alvaro

Preseason Q&A: Joshua Reichelt (Central District)
FRESH off a SANFL Under 18s Grand Final berth in 2024, Central District is primed for another title tilt as its talented junior crop continues to mature. Running defender Joshua Reichelt is among that group, entering his top-age campaign with eyes on breaking through for a state Under 18 debut. We spoke to Reichelt during […]

Scouting Notes: Swans make winning start to Summer Series
SYDNEY Swans Academy kicked off the 2025 Summer Series in style, running out 38-point victors over the AFL Canberra Under 22s on Saturday. After posting five goals to one in the first half, the Swans were challenged but came home strongly with three unanswered majors in the final term to seal the result. Top prospects […]

Star Turn: Lindsay lights up Futures stage
THE ADAGE of saving your best for last was taken up by Geelong Falcons prospect Josh Lindsay, whose crowning moment came in the 2024 National Futures match. Taking to the MCG on AFL Grand Final day, he was named best afield for Team Heppell with 20 disposals in a thrilling seven-point victory. His performance capped […]

Preseason Q&A: Max Hudson (Suns Academy)
THE GOLD Coast Suns Academy will have its fingerprints all over the Allies squad and wider draft space this year, with Max Hudson among the booming prospects. A tall defender who prides himself on his aerial game and defensive craft, the 18-year-old has spent a block of preseason with the senior Suns. Modelling his game […]

Coates Talent League Girls: Must-watch fixtures in 2025
THE 2025 Coates Talent League fixtures were announced last week, with an 18-round girls regular season set to commence on the weekend of April 5-6. There are plenty of landmark events between then and the Grand Final, slated for September 20-21. We highlight some of the must-watch fixtures. >> ANNOUNCEMENT: 2025 Coates Talent League fixtures […]

Preseason Q&A: Lucas Wootton (Tasmania Devils)
ONE OF Tasmania’s most highly credentialed top-agers this year is Launceston product Lucas Wootton. The utility was an Under 16 All-Australian, turned out in the National Futures match last year, and has spent part of the preseason training with the Allies – all alongside Clarence tall Jasper Hay. In 2025, Wootton is expected to complete […]

Coates Talent League Boys: Must-watch fixtures in 2025
THE 2025 Coates Talent League fixtures were announced on Thursday, with a 19-round regular season set in stone. Three-time defending champions Sandringham Dragons are chasing their fourth crown at the end of a schedule littered with landmark occasions. We highlight some of the must-watch events. Stay tuned to Rookie Me Central, where we’ll also cast […]

Star Turn: Hurricane Hetherton arrives in Futures trial
WITH preseason shortly set to make way for season proper, many AFL Draft prospects will be champing at the bit to impress in 2025. With that in mind, our new Star Turn series highlights some of the breakout moments and performances which put players on the map during their bottom-age campaigns. First under the spotlight […]

Preseason Q&A: Raphael Geesu (Lions Academy)
A CRAFTY, speedy small forward who plays in the mould of Kysaiah Pickett and Charlie Cameron, Raphael Geesu has talent to burn. The Brisbane Lions Academy member played in last year’s National Futures match and is hunting down an Allies berth in 2025, his top-age season. We spoke to Geesu at this month’s Queensland preseason […]

Preseason Q&A: Noah Chamberlain (Swans Academy)
THE NORTHERN Academies are set to boom in 2025, and a large part of their star power is Sydney Swans Academy product Noah Chamberlain. The versatile talent is a National Academy member and spent time training with the Swans’ senior group in preseason before a slight ankle sprain. Having already debuted for the Allies, the […]

Preseason Q&A: Zeke Uwland (Suns Academy)
A UTILITY who prides himself on effective ball use and decision making, Zeke Uwland is unlikely to let injury stand in the way of being one of this year’s top draft prospects. The Suns Academy star will miss much of the season due to stress fractures, but has already staked his claim amongst the nation’s […]

Updated: The top 2026 AFL Draft prospects
SEASON 2025 is just around the corner, and for a bunch of budding AFL Draft prospects across the nation, it represents another chance to impress. Having named 10 2008-born players to watch following last year’s Under 16 National Championships, we’ve updated the list ahead of their bottom-age campaigns. Scroll down to find another dozen or […]