Shadforth set to shine in AFL Futures game

Jackson Clark Published September 29, 2023 at 1.30pm (AWST)

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Shadforth (left) represented the Allies at the 2023 under-18 National Championships. (Image: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Talented teenager Clay Shadforth has been selected to feature in Saturday's AFL Futures match.

The AFL Futures match will involve 45 of the country's most talented under 17 footballers split into two teams – Team Selwood and Team Naitanui.

The 17-year-old Shadforth will represent Team Naitanui after what has been an excellent year for his footy.

It will be played as a curtain raiser to this Saturday's AFL grand final between Collingwood and Brisbane at the MCG.

A fortnight ago, Shadforth won a SANFL U18s premiership with South Adelaide after a thrilling two-point victory over Sturt.

The exciting forward has impressed at the Panthers over the past two seasons and recorded an eye-catching five-goal performance against West Adelaide earlier in the year.

He kicked four goals for South Adelaide on debut at U16s level last year.

Shadforth – originally from Borroloola – has spent the past two years boarding at the prestigious Westminster School in Adelaide.

His family formerly starred on the ABC show Outback Ringer and own 7 Emu Station near Borroloola.

*Clay Shadforth after making his U16s debut for SANFL club South Adelaide.*

The 17-year-old also was a member of the history-making Allies team that won this year's U18 AFL National Championships.

Shadforth made his Northern Territory Football League Premier League debut for Palmerston as a 15-year-old, playing in a forward-line alongside AFL champion Eddie Betts.

He has added a handful more senior games for the Magpies and also represented the Northern Territory in the Coates Talent League.

All players in Saturday's AFL Futures game are born in 2006 and are eligible to be picked in the 2024 AFL Draft.

AFL National Academy Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, said the game was one of highlights on the AFL Talent calendar.

"The AFL Futures match is a highlight on the AFL Talent calendar and provides football fans an introduction to the talented young players who are about to enter their draft year," he said.

"We are delighted to be able to play the game ahead of the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final and provide the opportunity for our young stars from across the country to experience the excitement of being part of the biggest day of the AFL season."

Sydney Swans Academy coach Mark McVeigh will lead Team Selwood, while Vic Metro U16s coach Andrew Sturgess will take the reins of Team Naitanui.