The Marsh AFL National Academy Girls squad will take on a senior team for the first time when it plays against Carlton’s VFLW team on Sunday.

The Academy, which features a host of his year’s most talented AFLW Draft prospects, will come together in Melbourne from Friday as part of its second high-performance camp of the 2026 program.

It follows an induction camp that was held at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) last December.

This week’s three-day camp will conclude with the Academy competing as the Australia U18 team when it takes on the VFLW Blues in a showcase match at IKON Park on Sunday, April 26 from 12:00pm AEST.

It will be the first time the Marsh AFL National Academy Girls squad will play against a senior opponent, having previously taken on All Stars teams comprising draft prospects aged 18-21.

The Academy will train at the Kennedy Community Centre, home of the Hawthorn Football Club, on Friday and Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s match.

Players will also take part in a range of education, wellbeing and team-bonding sessions across the three-day program.

Marsh AFL National Academy Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, said: “Having the opportunity to wear the Australia jumper and represent the Australia U18 team is a huge honour for our emerging stars and always the highlight of the Marsh AFL National Academy program.

“One of the aims of the National Academy is to provide new experiences to our up-and-coming stars outside of what is already delivered at their state talent program to best prepare players for the next step in their football journey.

“We’re thrilled to give players in this year’s program a chance to take on a senior team for the first time. We want our players to showcase their strengths but also test themselves against an experienced and cohesive opponent.”

Lockyer will serve as head coach of the program, with assistants to include Collingwood star Brit Bonnici and former AFLW players in Kate Darby and Kate Orme.

Following this week’s camp, the Academy will come together again in Melbourne over the King’s Birthday weekend for another high-performance, which will feature another game against an All Stars team.

AUSTRALIA U18 TEAM LIST

* Won’t play against Carlton VFLW due to injury
^ Addition to squad to play against Carlton VFLW as injury replacement

MATCH DETAILS

Australia U18 vs Carlton VFLW
Sunday, April 26, 2026
12:00pm AEST
IKON Park
Free entry

HOW TO WATCH

The match will be available to stream live and free on the AFLW website and AFLW Live Official App.

MEDIA

All media requests for Marsh AFL National Academy staff and players can be directed to Samuel Zito (samuel.zito@afl.com.au)

ABOUT THE MARSH AFL NATIONAL ACADEMY

The Marsh AFL National Academy features 25 of this year’s most talented Draft prospects and provides the next generation of stars with valuable experiences, insights and education to best prepare them for the next steps in their football journey.

The holistic program combines football performance and personal growth in a high-performance environment by providing unique opportunities and learnings that differ from other football programs they are involved in.

The 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy marks the 29^th annual intake for boys and 10^th intake for girls.