Academy games 2026.

[dejavoodoo44]

Medved is really starting to make waves in the draft pool. Wasn't in my latest rankings, but would expect him to feature prominently post Championships. Great size and power combination, as well as his overhead work.

McGroder's athleticism has really caught the eye too. Very raw, but high upside kid.

Cal Twomey has included Medved in his 25 prospects to watch. Which tends to confirm my belief that he's moving out of our draft range.

Cal Twomey's 25 draft prospects to watch at the U18 Championships - https://www.afl.com.au/news/1536339

In my opinion, the couple of other academy players most likely to improve their draft prospects at the championships, are Price and Pignatelli. If he's high enough up the midfield pecking order, Price could have a couple of games, where he racks up contested possessions, tackles and hits a few forward fifty targets. Pignatelli tends to get hold of the ball when it's in his area and kicks straight once he gains possession. So if he gets good service, he could kick a bag or two.

[Tommy_Wolfe7]

National Champs kicking off tomorrow - this is where the cream rises to the top. Expect everyone's power rankings to really solidify over the next five weeks. If you're interested, I've got a preview piece over at: www.readingtheplay.wordpress.com

Otherwise, I'm more than happy to field questions here.

The Allies are such a hard side to get a read on this year. Less 'big names', but plenty of academy talent that looks capable of combining into a strong bodied and hard running side. Swans have 9 academy members in the squad, and a few are starting to generate some real noise.

I'm really interested to see how Medved is used. There's talk of him being used as a powerful and line breaking defender capable of intercepting overhead. But I want to see him developed in the Heeney role - use his power and size at stoppage, and then his aerial work inside forward 50. Such an upside kid.

[dejavoodoo44]

The Rookie Me scouting notes for the Allies game against Vic Country, which Vic Country won 96-83. I haven't got around to watching the replay yet, so I can't comment too much. Our players mentioned are Meaney and Pignatelli.

Scouting Notes: 2026 AFL U18s - Allies vs. Vic Country - Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central https://share.google/czk1zO8LmzT6fzfxL

Looking at the stats, it seems that Medved was quiet and McGroder was a late out. He was replaced by Price, who had a pretty good game with 21 possessions, while Guy Jenkin had 16 and a goal. Hardy got a couple of goals, and is shaping as a KPF prospect for next year.

[bandwagon]

Just caught the replay, it was an open, fast, entertaining game, Vic Country had more talent but the Allies battled hard to the end. Something I noticed was too many players trying to do it all themselves, fortunately the Academy kids were much more team focussed. Also, Ethan Matthews (GWS) is going to be a real player - should be a Top 10 pick.

- Jenkin. Disciplined game on the wing, ran all day kept his width and laid one of the few shepherds in the match. Some penetrating kicks but few misses as well. Was excellent overhead - took a great mark inside 50, but unfortunately missed the straightforward kick for goal. However in the last quarter when a teammates shot was falling short he sprinted in and volleyed a goal from mid-air.
- Price. A fixture in centre bounces, generally playing defensively on one of VicC superstars. Strong bullocking work and ran out the game well.
- Meaney. Really good game playing both inside and outside, won clearances with clean hands in close and spread hard to stay involved. Kicked a goal late when his superior workrate bought him space inside 50.
- Pignatelli. Another who elevated his standing with an excellent aerial game. Took contested marks and pack marks against taller opponents and kicked 3.1.
- Medved. Quiet game - battled hard against taller players - particularly Malady who had a good game. Didnt have much opportunity to show his run.
- Morahan. Solid shutdown game against a couple of 2 meter opponents, generally on the last line, but provided some rebound later in the game.
- Hardy. Definitely more development needed, but was promising with a contested mark for his first goal and a clever snap for his second. Also provided forward pressure.

[imuninformedtwo]

That’s the first time I’ve watched Meaney at any length and he has some good attributes.

But a question for those that have watched more of him: he barely hit a target by foot except for the goal, and he wasn’t exactly trying to hit difficult or long kicks. Was that a one off, or a regular flaw in his game?

As he certainly wouldn’t be drafted if it was a regular thing.

[dejavoodoo44]

That’s the first time I’ve watched Meaney at any length and he has some good attributes.

But a question for those that have watched more of him: he barely hit a target by foot except for the goal, and he wasn’t exactly trying to hit difficult or long kicks. Was that a one off, or a regular flaw in his game?

As he certainly wouldn’t be drafted if it was a regular thing.

I wouldn't say it's all the time, but I have found his disposal to be a bit erratic. Which is why I tend to rate Price a bit higher, as he will hit forward fifty targets while under pressure. Meaney is a bit more elusive and probably has more pace, though

[imuninformedtwo]

I wouldn't say it's all the time, but I have found his disposal to be a bit erratic. Which is why I tend to rate Price a bit higher, as he will hit forward fifty targets while under pressure. Meaney is a bit more elusive and probably has more pace, though

Thanks. As I said, he certainly moves well, reads the play, finds the ball and covers the ground, though I’d want to see more to see if he has a burst from contest.

I think what alarmed me was these were basic little 30m pop kicks to a bloke moving into space. The sort of standard fare kick any player should make.

Hopefully he tidies it up over the championships and beyond.