Northern Territory teenager Sonny Smiler has earned the opportunity to perform under the watchful eye of AFL recruiters after receiving a late call-up to play for the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys team.
The talented prospect, who has played senior footy for Wanderers in the Northern Territory Football League and Kalkarindji Eagles in the Big Rivers Football League, will represent Australia in two matches against VFL opposition over the next week as part of the Academy program in Melbourne.
It is the latest achievement for Smiler, who continues to build momentum as a potential AFL Draft prospect after a strong 2025/26 season in the NTFL.
Smiler averaged 12 disposals, three marks and two tackles per game across eight Premier League matches and showed he could compete against senior opposition.
He also played an important role for the Eagles in their Under 17.5 Boys campaign, helping the side reach a preliminary final and recently kicked five goals in a 'Futures' game that showcased the best emerging Territory footballers.
Among other accolades, Smiler was named best-on-ground in last year's Darwin Interschool AFL competition grand final and was also recognised as a 2024/25 NT News Rising Star nominee.
In 2025, he featured in the National Futures Match, which was played as the curtain-raiser to the AFL Grand Final, and now he has been given another chance to test himself alongside many of the nation's top emerging players.
The Academy squad will come together in Melbourne for an eight-day high-performance camp, with players set to take part in training, meetings, recovery sessions and match preparation designed to mirror an elite football environment.
The group will play as the Australia Under 18 team in two matches, beginning with a clash against North Melbourne's VFL side at Arden Street Oval on Sunday, April 12.
They will then face Richmond's VFL team at IKON Park on Saturday, April 18.
Marsh AFL National Academy manager Tarkyn Lockyer said the chance to wear the Australian jumper was always a special moment for young players.
"Having the opportunity to put on the Australia jumper and represent the Australia U18 team is a huge honour for our emerging stars and always the highlight of the Marsh AFL National Academy program," Lockyer said.
Lockyer said the Academy was designed to expose players to the standards and demands of elite football.
"One of the aims of the National Academy is to provide new experiences to our up-and-coming stars outside of what is already delivered at their state talent program to best prepare players for the next step in their football journey," he said.
"We've changed the program this year to include two matches in one week, which will allowing players to experience a full match week in a high-performance environment.
"In addition to the matches, players will feature in recovery sessions, team meetings, game reviews and game previews, which will replicate what a match-week would entail at the elite level of the game."
Smiler is also set to feature again for the NT Academy in 2026, where he has been named in the Under 18 Boys squad.
