Cream of AFL draft crop set for VFL clash

THE cream of this year’s AFL draft crop will be put on show this weekend in an exhibition match showcasing the country’s best under-18 talent.

The NAB AFL Academy squad will face off with Geelong’s VFL team at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday after completing a high-performance training camp in Melbourne this week.

The AFL on Wednesday confirmed the final squad of 29 players, who hail from every Australian state and territory.

Cairns product Austin Harris, who is at the Gold Coast Suns, is the only Queenslander in the squad.

Collingwood father-son prospect Nick Daicos will take part in the match after a sizzling start to his NAB League season with Oakleigh Chargers, which has included three best-on-ground performances.

South Australian midfielder Jason Horne, who is a No 1 draft pick contender alongside Daicos, is also set to feature.

“These boys represent the future of the AFL,” NAB AFL Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer said.

“They are a quality group of boys on and off field who all possess great skill and ability.

“Their enthusiasm and commitment to the program is a clear indicator that our game is strong and our pathway programs are made up of the best Australian sporting talent.”

Past AFL Academy graduates include AFL captains Joel Selwood, Trent Cotchin, Luke Parker, Stephen Coniglio, Ben McEvoy, Jack Ziebell and Marcus Bontempelli.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 10.10am as a curtain-raiser before Geelong’s AFL clash with West Coast.