SUNS Academy duo Havana Harris and Tara Harrington will represent Australia this weekend when they take on the Under 23 All-Stars in a talent showcase at IKON Park on Saturday.
The pair are members of the AFL National Academy, an accelerated football and personal development program that provides the next generation of stars with experiences, learnings and further opportunities to best prepare them for the next steps in their football journey.
The squad comprises many of the nation’s most promising footballers born in 2006 who will be eligible to be selected in the 2024 AFLW Draft.
The Academy squad will arrive in Melbourne on Thursday to take part in their second high-performance camp of this year’s program. It follows an induction camp that was held in Victoria in January.
The clash at IKON Park will be the first of two matches for the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy squad as part of the 2024 program. A second match is scheduled for the King’s Birthday weekend, with more details to soon be confirmed.
The Academy will compete as the Australia U18 team against an U23 All-Stars squad featuring players who compete in the Coates Talent League and rebel VFLW.
Marsh AFL National Academy Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, said: “It’s a great honour for any athlete to represent their country and we are thrilled to provide players in the Marsh AFL National Academy the opportunity to wear the Australia jumper.
“Saturday’s game provides a platform for players to showcase their football talent in front of AFLW club recruiters and put into practice some of their learnings from the Academy program.
“The match is also a fantastic opportunity for players representing the U23 All-Stars, who have been selected by AFLW club recruiters to play in the match.”
Saturday’s match will commence at 11:00am.
AUSTRALIA U18 vs U23 ALL-STARS
Saturday, April 6, 2024
11:00am AEDT
IKON Park, Carlton
Free entry
HOW TO WATCH: Saturday’s match between Australia U18 and the U23 All-Stars will be available to watch live and free on the AFLW website.
