EXCITING key forward prospects Bailee Martin and Majella Day headline the 2026 intake into the Marsh AFLW National Academy.

Following in the footsteps of prospective 2025 draftees Chloe Bown, Georja Davies, and Ava Usher, 25 teenagers have been selected for the intensive program to run from December to June, including a trip to New Zealand for the first time in its history.

Martin is a dominant forward who caught attention for her 43 goals in 10 games for the Oakleigh Chargers as a bottom-ager this year, while Day is part of the Giants' Academy, and is just as prolific in front of goal.

Brisbane's Academy has three inclusions, with stars of this year's national championships Mia Geere, Harlee McIlwain, and Aiyana Pritchard all selected, while Summer Browning is the sole inclusion from Gold Coast's academy program.

Brylee Anderson, sister of 2024 Hawthorn draftee Cody, and Emma Charlton, sister of Adelaide's Teah, offer the family connection.

As anticipated, there is strong New South Wales representation in the 2026 crop. Day, Zoe Curry, and Morgan Stevens have all been selected from the Giants' Academy, while Charlotte Tidemann, and Grace Tracey are inclusions from Sydney's academy program.

The squad will participate in a high-performance camp at the New Zealand campus of Innovation and Sport from December 17 to 21 this year, before two weekend camps and exhibition matches in April and June in 2026.

2026 Marsh AFL Academy Girls camp dates

December 17-21: High-performance camp at New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport
April 24-26: Camp in Melbourne + match
June 5-7: Camp in Melbourne + match

2026 Marsh AFL Academy Girls squad