The 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy Girls squad will represent Australia this weekend when they take on the Under 23 All-Stars in a talent showcase at IKON Park this Saturday, April 6.
 
The Marsh AFL National Academy is 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 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy Girls 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.
 
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.”
 
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.
 
The U23 All-Stars squad was selected from nominations submitted by all AFLW clubs, with the team to be led by a coaching panel comprising current and former AFLW stars.
 
Sydney Swans AFLW assistant coach and former GWS Giants defender Tanya Hetherington will again serve as head coach of the All-Stars after also leading the team last year. Hetherington will be assisted by Brisbane Lions premiership heroes Belle Dawes and Dakota Davidson and Carlton vice-captain Jess Dal Pos.
 
Saturday’s match will commence at 11:00am and is the first in a double-header at IKON Park, with the rebel VFLW Round 3 clash between Carlton and the GWS Giants to follow at 2:00pm.

AUSTRALIA U18 vs U23 ALL-STARS
Saturday, April 6, 2024
11:00am AEDT
IKON Park
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 AFL website.
 
MARSH AFL NATIONAL ACADEMY GIRLS (AUSTRALIA U18)

 
U23 ALL-STARS