2025 Academy Games.

[dejavoodoo44]

The Rookie Me scouting notes for the game against Brisbane.

Scouting Notes: 2025 AFL U16s – Lions Academy vs. Swans Academy - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central https://share.google/2dlM6r6flJ5pUBptO

The U16 side go around again today, with a game against Gold Coast at 11.45am. It can be streamed via YouTube.

[dejavoodoo44]

Moved the ball nicely to be ahead 31-13. Mok is doing well, alternating between half back and midfield. Marshall-Orr looks dangerous every time the ball heads in his direction. Micheletti could probably run out for the under tens and nobody would pull him up; but he does have some skills.

[dejavoodoo44]

We moved the ball much more effectively than the Suns in that quarter, to increase our lead to 58-14. When the Suns did get it forward, I really liked the rebound work of small defender, Macri. Fast, calm in traffic and tends to hit targets. Also in defence, Epis seemed to snuff out a few attacks. At the other end, Cairns took a couple of strong marks, to get a couple of goals. Since he's also useful as a big bodied midfielder, he could be a prospect. I hadn't noticed him previously, but Gilligan was doing well in the middle. Marshall-Orr continues to look dangerous.

[dejavoodoo44]

The Suns were more competitive in that quarter and we're now in front 66-28. Our only goal was a very nice snap from the pocket, I think by Wellington. In that quarter, I was keeping an eye on McLennan. He covers a serious amount of ground, swoops on it when it's in his area, generally uses it to advantage and was responsible for some strong defensive pressure.

[dejavoodoo44]

Strong final quarter to win 102-29. Mok and Epis both switched forward in that quarter and I think that they got three goals and two goals respectively. Both from strong marking and accurate set shot conversion. One by Epis may have been from around 55m out.

Cairns was presented with a medal after the game, so I'm guessing that was for the Swans player of the series. Probably fair enough, but if I had to pick a prospect, I'd go for McLennan. He still has some filling out to do, but he's an elite runner, appears to see the game well and often puts the ball to the advantage of his team mates.

[dejavoodoo44]

And while I think of it, the Rookie Me scouting notes for the game.

Scouting Notes: 2025 AFL U16s – Suns Academy vs. Swans Academy - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central https://share.google/n3Zz7IDm8Q657z0SG

[imuninformedtwo]

The Hun have released their latest top 30 rankings. I won't link as I always seem to stuff up threads, but King has dropped to 19, and Carmichael is up to 21.

[dejavoodoo44]

Carmichael was deservedly named in the U18 All Australian side.

SA gun wins Larke Medal, named captain of U18 All-Australian team - https://www.afl.com.au/news/1372013

[Thunder Shaker]

AFL article covering the U16 series: 2025 U16 Boys All Australian Team and MVPs crowned.

[The Big Cat]

AFL article covering the U16 series: 2025 U16 Boys All Australian Team and MVPs crowned.

3 Swans academy boys in the U16 AA team.

[dejavoodoo44]

3 Swans academy boys in the U16 AA team.

All very promising, and in my opinion, especially McLennan. Though I'm a little surprised that Brisbane only got one player in the squad, as they did give us a bit of a thrashing and were undefeated in the championship

[BFG]

And while I think of it, the Rookie Me scouting notes for the game.

Scouting Notes: 2025 AFL U16s – Suns Academy vs. Swans Academy - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central https://share.google/n3Zz7IDm8Q657z0SG

Be good if this crop of U16s continue to shine as they'll be in the 2027 draft that will be very heavily diluted by the Tasmanian draft concessions. This will be Tasmania's first draft, although I believe they can grab U17 players next season, a year out from their 2027 draft. That's assuming the politicians in Tasmania get the roofed stadium underway.

[bandwagon]

Carmichael, Chamberlain, Kyle and King have all been invited to the Draft Combine, which I believe means multiple clubs are interested in them.
I was surprised to see that Kaiden McNamara didn't even get an invite to the State Combine. I've only seen him play for our VFL side a couple of times, and he impressed me as a strong mark and a good kick for goal. Given he plays as a running defender at U18 his versatility is notable. I'd be delighted if we pick him as a rookie - I think we can put him straight on the rookie list if he isn't drafted (not sure if that is the rule now).

[Jimitron5000]

The Age has a write up of the top-25 draft prospects. Max King is there at 16, with the author highlighting that it is King's potential that has him highly rated, not his actual output.
The other Swans academy prospect listed is Harry Kyle at 22, with a note that he is working his way into first round calculations.

[dejavoodoo44]

Carmichael, Chamberlain, Kyle and King have all been invited to the Draft Combine, which I believe means multiple clubs are interested in them.
I was surprised to see that Kaiden McNamara didn't even get an invite to the State Combine. I've only seen him play for our VFL side a couple of times, and he impressed me as a strong mark and a good kick for goal. Given he plays as a running defender at U18 his versatility is notable. I'd be delighted if we pick him as a rookie - I think we can put him straight on the rookie list if he isn't drafted (not sure if that is the rule now).

The lack of an invite for McNamara surprises me too. If I had to rate the form of our players for the Allies, I'd go Carmichael first and probably McNamara second. Although, I've always thought of him as maybe late draft, definitely worth a punt if he slips through to the rookie draft. The fact that he's performing well lately in the forward line, when he really hasn't played there before, makes me think that punt is even more worthwhile. Personally, I'd like to see him tried as a big bodied mid.