Five up-and-coming SUNS Academy stars have been selected to join the NAB AFL and AFLW Academy squads for 2023.
Top 2023 draft prospect Jed Walter, who was selected in the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships Under 18 All-Australian squad earlier this year, fellow Palm Beach Currumbin product Ethan Read and Broadbeach’s Jake Rogers have all been selected in the boys squad.
The trio are joined by Bond University/Burleigh’s Sienna McMullen and Southport’s Darcie Davies, who is the sister of AFLW young guns Giselle Davies (GC SUNS) and Fleur Davies (GWS Giants), who have also been named in the AFLW Academy squad.
It is the 26th annual intake of boys and sixth intake of girls with 2023 intake set to feature the highest representation of SUNS Academy stars to date.
“To see so many young Gold Coast footballers earn selection into the NAB AFL Academy programs is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved,” GC SUNS Academy Manager Kath Newman said.
“It’s a credit first and foremost to the players selected, as well as the work of coaches at their respective community clubs, but it’s also great recognition for the work happening in our Academy programs by our coaches that is helping these young players reach their potential.”
“Hopefully, we get the chance to see many more SUNS Academy members earning these opportunities in the years to come.”
The 2023 intake includes a selection of players from across Australia who are eligible for the 2023 NAB AFL and AFL Women’s Drafts.
Players will participate in high performance and personal development programs throughout the 2023 season. Program content will be delivered through a mixture of face-to-face and online modules.
The 2023 NAB AFL Academy will come together for an induction camp in December, before reconvening for camps and matches in April and May.
The 2023 NAB AFLW Academy will commence with a camp in January, which will be followed by camps in April and June, and a match.
