LIKELY future Swans Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden headline the list of talented prospects set to feature in next month's Northern Academy Series.
FUTURE PICK ANXIETY Why clubs are worried about draft investment
The four northern clubs – Sydney, Greater Western Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast – will field sides across the three-round carnival featuring draft prospects for 2020 and 2021.
The Northern Academy Series was last year played at the start of the season as part of the NAB League, with the Northern Territory also taking part in the competition.
The best performers were then selected to be a part of the Allies' side that plays in the mid-year under-18 championships.
However, the COVID-19 crisis caused the AFL to reposition its plans to ensure as many players eligible for this year's draft get as much exposure as possible, with a host of potential draftees to play for each Academy side.
Campbell is regarded as the best northern Academy prospect, with the sharp-kicking and pacy half-forward/midfielder starring last season and playing at NEAFL level.
The Swans might have to match a bid within the top-10 for Campbell, who was best afield in the NAB All Stars 'futures' clash last Grand Final day, while Gulden is a hard-working small forward/midfielder with strong footy nous who is also tied to the Swans.
SMALLER POOL? FUTURE PICKS? How will COVID shake up the draft?
Brisbane has access to Carter Michael, Blake Coleman and Saxon Crozier, while the Giants have first call on Joshua Green, the younger brother of last year's top-10 pick Tom Green. Green is a key position player while his older brother has shown his traits as a big-bodied midfielder.
Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies is considered a potential first-round pick, but the Suns will get automatic access to the former talented basketballer under their list concessions.
Joel Jeffrey and Brodie Lake are also tied to the Suns as Academy players.
2020 Northern Academy Series fixture
Saturday, 8 August
Sydney v Greater Western Sydney, Blacktown International Sportspark
Sunday, 9 August
Brisbane v Gold Coast, South Pine Sports Complex, Brendale
Sunday, 16 August
Sydney v Brisbane, Blacktown International Sportspark
Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast, Blacktown International Sportspark
Sunday, 30 August
Gold Coast v Sydney, Aspley
Brisbane vGreater Western Sydney, Aspley
*Fixture subject to state government restrictions
