THIS week, Melbourne’s Academy players participated in an U15 carnival with 10 clubs coming together across two days of matches.
An abundance of talent was on display with each Next Generation Academy team filled with the future stars of AFL and AFLW.
Speaking with Melbourne Academy coaches Tyla Hanks and Riley Bonner, we’ve noted some carnival standouts and players to watch in the future, including four father-son prospects.
Oliver Green
Son of club legend and current President Brad Green, Oliver was a clear standout during the carnival games. He was an explosion of excitement and energy on field and had the ability to break open the match. With clean skills as a developing inside-mid, he’s one to keep on the radar in the not-so-distant future.
Tex Robertson
Son of former Demon Russell Robertson, Tex showed plenty of potential. He uses the ball efficiently when his opportunities arise and is able to provide good run across the ground. Up forward, he offers a strong finish inside 50, not too dissimilar to his dad.
Tigga Johnstone
Son of former Demon Travis Johnstone, Tigga showed his talents through his knowledge of the game and footy smarts. He’s a reliable teammate, bringing others into the game effectively, while also using his own impressive skills.
Max McDonald
Son of former Demon Anthony McDonald, Max is similar to Tigga in that his footy IQ is high. He provides plenty of run outside the contest and uses his elite skills to the team’s advantage.
Ziggy Tiltsen-Collins
One of three players who flew down from Alice Springs for the carnival, Ziggy is a natural athlete and footballer. His aerial work is a particular highlight to his game, often seen out marking the opposition in a one-on-one contest.
Mitch Liddle
A real standout among the team during the carnival, Mitch exemplified the type of talent coming out of Melbourne’s NGA zone in Alice Springs. His aerial presence was dominant while his fundamental skills were at an elite level.
Eric Junior Campbell
Alongside Ziggy and Mitch, Eric is another young talent hailing from Alice Springs. Playing predominately in a small forward role, he is an energetic livewire inside 50. With a clear goal-sense, he’s dangerous with ball-in-hand near the big sticks.
Taylah Palmer
Taylah joined the carnival from Alice Springs and quickly put her name at the top of players to watch. She finished the day as the equal leading goal-kicker and demonstrated her perfected set-shot. As a talented forward, she also brings with her a strong overhead mark.
Olivia Blythe
Also having made the trip down from Alice Springs, Olivia is a tough inside-mid who isn’t afraid to attack the contest. A clear strength to her game is her passion to win a hard-ball and then bring her teammates into the match.
Latahnia Anderson
The third and final player to join the Girls Carnival from Alice Springs is Latahnia. She brought to the team a high energy and love of the contest with strength in tackling. While impressive at ground-level, she also has shown glimpses of aerial talents, creating a double threat.
Misha Simmons
Misha was among the team’s standouts for the carnival working well as a midfielder. She took the games head-on and provided clean skills at the contest.
Sienna Roden
Sienna shone during the carnival with her running capacity and passion for football. Taking every opportunity she got, her highlights included her elite finish around goals.
Lily Brittain
Whilst Lily didn’t compete in the U15 carnival this week, she is an Academy player to watch in the upcoming few years, having graduated to Coates League and Vic Country. Lily most recently represented Vic Country and is a natural footballer who uses the ball well and finishes strong in front of goals.
