National Futures Boys match showcases 46 rising AFL stars at MCG
Forty-six of Australia's best under-17 footballers will compete in the National Futures Boys match at the MCG.
46 of the country's most talented under-17 footballers will take to the MCG on Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the Toyota AFL Grand Final. Team Mitchell will face Team Melksham in the National Futures Boys match at 9:35am.
Each team is named after a recently retired AFL star: Tom Mitchell won the 2018 Brownlow Medal and was part of Collingwood's 2023 premiership, while Jake Melksham played 255 games for Melbourne. All selected players were born in 2009 and will be eligible for the 2027 Telstra AFL Draft unless pre-signed by Tasmania.
Players represent every state and territory, nominated by talent managers, national selectors and club recruiters. The match will help shape selection for the 2027 national academy program.
- 46 under-17 footballers
- Young players in match
- 2009
- All players born
- Fremantle and Brisbane Lions
- Grand Final opponents
- 255 games for Melbourne
- Melksham's game record
Why it mattersThis showcase gives young footballers their biggest stage yet and helps clubs identify future draft prospects before next year's selection.
AustraliaAustralia's next generation of AFL talent gets national exposure on Grand Final day, with the match broadcast free on AFL platforms.
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