JED SHAPES AS SENSATION
FIVE LINE UP FOR AFL ACADEMIES
HE HAS been earmarked as a “very high prospect” to take the AFL draft by storm come 2023, and now Jed Walter has the chance to prove why.
Regarded as a “unique” talent by AFL National Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer, the Palm Beach Currumbin phenom is one of five Gold Coast teenagers who will join the 2023 squads under the former Magpies’ tutelage.
Blessed with power that defies his tender years, the 17year-old has already made an impression for the Lions in the QAFL, averaging 2.6 goals and 12.6 disposals from his five appearances.
In back-to-back contests against Noosa and Wilston Grange, the young forward combined for seven goals and 27 disposals to announce himself as a Glitter Strip star of today and a future sensation of tomorrow.
For someone so young to make that sort of impression during such a formative stage in their development as a player and person, Lockyer admitted Walter was somewhat unique in that regard.
And he said the attributes the Under-18s Allies National Championships star brought to the field would make him an extremely tempting talent for AFL clubs to swoop on come next year’s draft
“Obviously it depends on the region … generally you might see players in their draft year play more (senior football), so Jed is a bit unique in that regard” Lockyer said.
“Jed has had a fantastic junior career up until this date. He’s a really explosive, powerful key forward who can also play as a key position as a back.
“He’s a very exciting prospect heading into next year’s draft, and a good kid too.
“He’ll be certainly touted as a very high prospect next year.”
Walter will be joined in the 2023 NAB AFL Academy squad by fellow Gold Coast guns Jake Rogers (Broadbeach) and his PBC teammate Ethan Read.
The trio have all been actively involved with the Gold Coast Suns Academy upon being identified as players who could push for elite honours in the coming years.
Meanwhile Southport’s Darcie Davies will look to emulate her sisters Fleur and Giselle in rising to the AFLW ranks, as will Burleigh’s Sienna McMullen, when they join the girls national academy.
Throughout the course of 2023, the respective squads of 30 will meet for three camps to hone their craft and be edu
cate in an array of off field facets key to success — including recovery, media commitments, and recruitment pathways.
Players will also be tailored individualised programs through their respective clubbased academies to ensure the personal demands they need to succeed are met.
Lockyer said the holistic approach to each talent was designed to ensure they were well prepared to not only make an impression in the lead up to their inaugural draft but also excel once they find themselves in a professional system.
“It’s actually about how can we have them walk into an AFL club or AFLW club as best prepared as they can be so when they get there they hit the ground running and really thrive in that environment,” he said.
“The AFL and AFLW Academies really are a selection of what are perceived as being some of the most talented players from across the country.
“They’ll be involved in a program to give them experience, education and leanings to have them best prepared to have the opportunity to get the most out of their talent,” he said.
The NAB AFL Academy squad will first come together in December, followed by camps and matches in April and May.
The AFLW group will commence in January and conduct games and high performance sessions collectively in April and June.