Scouting Notes: 2026 NTFL U18 Futures Boys
TEAM SPEARS saluted in Saturday’s Under 18 Futures match, as part of the NTFL’s All-Star weekend. Wanderers prospect Sonny Smiler shone with a bag of five goals in the romping win, which showcased the best emerging talent the Northern Territory has to offer. We took note of some of the standout performances from either side. […]
Vic Country & Metro summer squads revealed
THE 2026 Vic Country and Metro summer squads have been announced, with 51 of the state’s brightest prospects earning selection. Both sides contain five bottom-age (2009-born) players, while Victoria’s 11 National Academy members gain automatic entry, and nine club-tied players have been included. >> SCROLL to see the full squads Leading the 2026 eligible crop […]
NT Talent Time: Scott shines in Tigers triumph
NIGHTCLIFF kept its top three push rolling in Round 15, as young gun Adrian Scott impressed fresh off the bye. The 2006-born talent booted two goals from his 14 possessions (12 uncontested), injecting plenty of energy to the Tigers side which defeated Palmerston by 63 points on Saturday night. >> MPL Round 15: Match of […]
AFL Draft | The two clubs set to shape 2026/27
ESSENDON and Port Adelaide will be linked over the next two drafts in more ways than one. While not traditional rivals, they face a fight for draft picks and prospects with some of their respective club-tied talents shaping up as quite high-end in 2026 and 2027. >> EVERY CLUB: The top club-tied prospects for 2026 […]
NT Talent Time: Crocs unleash youngsters in Round 14
RISING Star nominee Sydney-Jack Baker was the standout among an emerging group of youngsters to make a mark for Southern Districts in Round 14. In his NTFL Men’s Premier League (MPL) debut, the 16-year-old booted a goal from his eight disposals as the Crocs beat Darwin by 37 points on Saturday. >> MPL Round 14: […]
National Academy prospects hit the track with AFL clubs
THE 2026 National Academy members are set to be unleashed unto AFL clubs in the coming weeks, as preseason training ramps up. Some have already spent time at their designated clubs in the new year, with several prospects also being aligned via academies and father-son eligibility. >> PROFILED: 2026 AFL National Academy squad An early […]
AFL Draft | State in Focus: South Australia
FRESH off a breakthrough title at last year’s National Championships, South Australia’s Under 18 squad for 2026 shapes as one which could go back-to-back. A deep top-age contingent is supported by promising 2009-born prospects, and a strong midfield core forms the base of a strong spine. We take a deep dive into SA’s representative stocks. […]
2026 AFL Draft spotlight: Ranges set for sustained success
AMONG Eastern Ranges’ breakthrough premiership side of 2025 was a booming bottom-age crop, now set to steer the ship in 2026. Nine 2008-born players took the field on Grand Final day last year, with a couple more unlucky to miss out, though they will soon have their chance to chase back-to-back flags. We put the […]
2026 AFL Draft spotlight: Gippy’s gun crop
GIPPSLAND Power kicked goals both on a results and draftee basis in 2025. The Talent League region, famed for punching above its weight, took out last year’s minor premiership and produced the nation’s number one draft pick in Willem Duursma. Somehow, things could get even better in 2026. The Power have produced two AFL Academy […]
NT Talent Time: Young guns hit the big stage
WHILE the summer period marks a well-earned offseason for most footballers, those in the Northern Territory are in the midst of their 2025/26 campaign. Fly-ins have bolstered the competition, but there is also an emerging crop of local talent looking to earn senior opportunities. We highlight some of the NT’s Under-20 prospects to have graced […]
