Academy induction for future stars

By Jack McAnespie

The induction, hosted by Paul Joss at the Joss Office training centre, in Albury, invited players and parents to attend, and were given information regarding upcoming tours of New Zealand and the U.S, as well as training schedules as part of the NAB AFL Academy for the upcoming months.

The induction comes following a restructure of the Academy system after an AIS’s announcement, in which they indicated their desire to conclude their long-standing partnership with the AFL in providing a national Academy program for up and coming junior players.

Level Two inductees, including Albury’s Dylan McDonald, Leeton’s Jacob Hopper, and Sydney’s Callum Mills, who are all eligible for the 2015 draft, will tour the U.S. at the beginning of next year.

Level One inductees, including Harrison Macreadie, Albury’s Zachary Sproule, and Kobe Mutch were all in attendance, while William Setterfield, also an Albury native, attended the Victorian induction due to schooling commitments.

All-Australian under-19s coach, Jason Saddington was appointed assistant coach of the Level One Academy side, and will lead their tour of New Zealand in the upcoming months.

There was significant representation on the night, from both AFL Melbourne, and AFL NSW/ACT staff members, along with representatives from the Murray Bushrangers, and the GWS Giants Academy.