{"id":223029,"date":"2026-09-17T09:17:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T23:17:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=223029"},"modified":"2026-09-17T09:17:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T23:17:38","slug":"2026-talent-league-team-of-the-year-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/09\/17\/2026-talent-league-team-of-the-year-revealed\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Talent League Team of the Year revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THE AFL has revealed the 2026 Talent League Team of the Year, featuring prospects from nine of the 13 Victorian and Tasmanian regions. Western was the most represented club with a contribution of five Jets to the 24-player team, including the competition’s leading goalkicker Khaled El Souki<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> MORE: <\/strong>2026 Talent League Girls TOTY<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Team of the Year selection takes into consideration a player\u2019s entire season, including performances from the Talent League, Under 18 National Championships, VFL, and any other matches through the talent pathway such as the National Academy showcase games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vic Metro MVP Tyson Bradley<\/a> captains the side as one of four Sandringham Dragons representatives. Potential top-five draftees Arki Butler<\/a> and Gus Teixeira<\/a> also feature alongside All-Australian wingman Albert MacGowan<\/a>. GWV Rebels skipper and Vic Country MVP Ethan Drever<\/a> was named vice-captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently crowned Morrish Medal winner Harvie Cooke<\/a> slots into the forward pocket, next to Northern Knights teammate Sam Gayfer<\/a> after their side took out the minor premiership. Calder, Geelong, Murray and Oakleigh are the four regions without a representative in the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> MORE: <\/strong>Rock and Cooke earn Talent League best and fairests<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every player bar Dandenong’s Clancy Stuart<\/a> featured at the Under 18 National Championships for Vic Country, Vic Metro, or the Allies. Bottom-ager Jake Beams<\/a> is Tasmania’s lone pick, but one of three 2009-born prospects alongside Max Thompson<\/a> and soon-to-be Devils signing Jake Miller<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trio will hope to be repeat entrants next year, just like two-time member Cody Walker<\/a>. The Bendigo Pioneers star and Carlton father-son nominee is one of five selected players to have also earned VFL exposure this year, alongside Jackson Phillips<\/a>, Clancy Snell<\/a>, Gus Kennedy<\/a>, and El Souki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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