State Talent and DraftAAMI WA Football State 18s Boys team locked in for first trial game
Jordan McArdle
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24 Apr 2026
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A trio of WA’s top AFLW Draft prospects will feature in Sunday’s historic Australian Under-18s clash against Carlton VFLW at IKON Park in Melbourne.
The Marsh AFL National Academy Girls squad will take on a senior team for the first time when it plays against Carlton’s VFLW team with West Perth ruck Cara Dziegielewski, Perth defender Mia Carlshausen and West Perth midfielder Lexi Strachan all named.
AAMI WA Football State 18s Girls coach Kate Orme, who was recently named as the AFLW Under-16s All-Australian coach, has also travelled to Melbourne to be an assistant coach.
The Academy, which features a host of his year’s most talented AFLW Draft prospects, will come together in Melbourne from Friday as part of its second high-performance camp of the 2026 program.
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It follows an induction camp that was held at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) last December.
This week’s three-day camp will conclude with the Academy competing as the Australia U18 team when it takes on the VFLW Blues in a showcase match at IKON Park on Sunday from 10am WST.
The Academy will train at the Kennedy Community Centre, home of the Hawthorn Football Club, on Friday and Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s match.
Players will also take part in a range of education, wellbeing and team-bonding sessions across the three-day program.
“Having the opportunity to wear the Australia jumper and represent the Australia U18 team is a huge honour for our emerging stars and always the highlight of the Marsh AFL National Academy program,” Marsh AFL National Academy Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, said.
“One of the aims of the National Academy is to provide new experiences to our up-and-coming stars outside of what is already delivered at their state talent program to best prepare players for the next step in their football journey.
“We’re thrilled to give players in this year’s program a chance to take on a senior team for the first time. We want our players to showcase their strengths but also test themselves against an experienced and cohesive opponent.”
Lockyer will serve as head coach of the program.
Following this week’s camp, the Academy will come together again in Melbourne over the King’s Birthday weekend for another high-performance, which will feature another game against an All Stars team.
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