AFL unveils Indigenous and Multicultural Academy squads ahead of Melbourne camps

Jackson Clark Published February 25, 2026 at 9.10am (AWST)

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The AFL has announced its latest Indigenous and Multicultural Academies, which will support squads of 25 to take part in two high-performance camps across the 2026 season. (Image: AFL)

Squads for the 2026 AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies have been announced ahead of induction camps set to be held in Melbourne across the next fortnight.

The programs bring together some of the country's top 17 and 18-year-old Indigenous and multicultural footballers — with many meeting the AFL's Next Generation Academy eligibility criteria — while continuing to develop through their respective state talent pathway systems.

Both the boys and girls programs will support up to 25 players, with the footballers set to take part in two high-performance camps across the 2026 season.

The first camp will be held in Melbourne in February, before a second camp in September which will also include a group of highly-talented 16-year-olds as part of a deliberate pathway-building focus.

Each camp will be headlined by showcase fixtures, with the Indigenous Academy and Multicultural Academy to go head-to-head in match play designed to test the players in an elite environment.

The first girls and boys matches will be staged at Dingley's Kennedy Community Centre, the newly established state of the art facility that is home of Hawthorn Football Club.

Beyond the camps, Academy members will receive year-long access to online learning tools and resources aimed at strengthening growth both on and off the field.

The support will include 12 football masterclasses delivered by Indigenous and Multicultural AFL and AFLW players, providing participants with first-hand insight into what it takes to perform and prepare at the highest level.

Players will also take part in leadership and personal development modules targeting confidence, communication and goal-setting, while engaging in social, emotional and cultural wellbeing practices as part of the program's broader approach to building strong people as well as strong footballers.

AFL Diversity Talent Programs Manager, Narelle Long, said the announcement was an important moment for the players selected, as well as for the wider development system that supports them.

"We congratulate all players who have been selected in 2026 AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies," Long said.

"The Academies provide an advanced football experience for our emerging Indigenous and Multicultural footballers.

"Players will have access to a specialised development model focused on their individual needs to further assist them to reach their draft potential, as week as tailored support to assist their growth off the field.

"We are thrilled to offer an expanded offering this year with the inclusion of an addition high-performance camp, which will also provide opportunities for 16-year-old players later in the year to support their progress into next year's Talent Pathways programs."

*The AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Academies showcase some of the most talented 17 and 18 year old Indigenous and Multicultural players in the country. (Image: AFL)*

The AFL said the Indigenous and Multicultural Academies will continue to operate in partnership with State Talent programs and AFL club Next Generation Academies, with the aim of ensuring alignment across systems and consistent development outcomes for athletes pushing towards the draft and beyond.

The boys' Indigenous Academy will be coached by former Fremantle player Roger Hayden, while Neville Jetta, Michael Walters and Chad Wingard will serve as assistant coaches.

For the girls, Jacara Egan has been announced as the head coach and will be supported by Bronwyn Gulden, Danielle Ponter and Tia Toth as assistants.

2026 AFL Indigenous Academies

Girls: Alli Allen, Sian Andrews, Tillie Baldwin, Evie Bingham, Lily Brittain, Tiama Collard, Jorja Davey, Evie Davidson, Maya Davies, Alexis Edgley, Billie Hamilton, Demi Holloway, Heidi Ireland, Taniesha John-Forest, Stevie Johns, Akia-Marie Lake, Shanita Major, Layla May, Kiah McKinnon-Rowe, Ella Moodie, Kizzie Moore, Faye Ratara, Mistee Lilly Sagigi, Layla Stonehouse, Myla Tucker, Ashanti Walker.

Boys: Thomas Bearman, Percy Burgoyne, Owen Campbell-Shields, Dougie Cochrane, Archie Devine, Archie Faulkner, Boyden George, Coen Hardy, Tyler Kelly, Gary Lawford, Xavier Little, Dillon Mallard, Levi McClelland, Jermaine Miller, Jacobi Moore, Gus Mourish, Djavian Narrier, Mazlan Patrick, Zemes Pilot, Ashlon Prindable, Jaren Sambo, Sonny Smiler, Tom Wichman, Miller Young.