Famous names feature as 2027 AFL Academy squad unveiled

FATHER-SON pair Koby Bewick and Louis Salopek headline the group of 25 prospects selected in the AFL National Academy squad for 2027.

The 2027 pool is set to be Tasmania's first draft haul and already the Devils have signed seven under-17s players who would have been selected in the Academy squad for next year under Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer.

Bewick, the son of Essendon dual premiership player Darren, is tied to the Bombers next year and Salopek, the son of ex-Port midfielder Steven, is linked to the Power, who have tallied future selections to be able to match bids on the classy midfielder as well as Next Generation Academy prospect Zemes Pilot. 

Other players to be selected in the Academy include Jett Flower (the grandson of Melbourne great Robbie) and James Artemis (the cousin of Essendon's Jaxon).

Artemis just missed out on selection for the Devils as an under-17 pick-up, with Max Thompson, another prospect who was close to selection, also picked in the National Academy for next year.

The Devils will get first call on local Tasmanian prospect Jake Beams next year, with the son of former Demon Ben also in the National Academy after an impressive bottom-age season. 

The Academy will again head to New Zealand for a six-day training camp in December in a showpiece part of their program, as well as two stints together in April for games against VFL opponents.  

In total there are nine players tied to clubs in the Academy, including Hawthorn NGA prospects Zane Adams and Henry Allsop, Sydney Academy talent Coen Hardy and Brisbane duo Jackson Bridge and Max Holden.