Sam Hayes, Jaidyn Stephenson and Joel Garner are part of a group of 56 U/18 players from around the country that will be part of the 2017 NAB AFL Academy.
The trio will be part of the Level Two group (18 year olds) which will include 30 players in total. Stephenson and Garner were part of the Level One group (17 year olds) in 2016. Hayes has come from outside of the Level One program after a stellar season as both the Ranges and Vic Metro ruckman. Highlighting his year was his inclusion in the All-Australian side for 2016, being the only bottom-aged player to achieve this feat, after starring for Metro during the state carnival. Hayes has had 289 hit-outs this year for the Ranges at an average of 22 per game.
Stephenson has impressed from his eight matches this year. The livewire forward kicked a season high five goals in a scintillating display against the Geelong Falcons in Round 15. The talented forward can also push into the midfield when required.
Garner has managed only three games this year at the Ranges, due to his commitments with Scotch College. He has already been identified as a top-draft prospect by recruiters.
Launched in 1997, the Academy provides elite young players with a NAB AFL Academy scholarship, as an opportunity to develop their football and personal skills in an accelerated AFL program over 12 months. Such opportunities include playing against a VFL side and travelling overseas for an intense training camp.
203 current AFL players have been part of the program previously.
Last Modified on 09/08/2016 15:31