The AFL Academy Boys squad will represent Australia against Carlton's VFL side at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, May 13.

The AFL Academy Boys squad features a selection of the country’s most talented draft-age footballers. The team will represent Australia under-18s for the second time this year when they take on the Blues on Saturday.

The match will be played as a curtain-raiser to the round nine AFL match between Carlton and Western Bulldogs. The first bounce will take place at 4.10pm AEST, ahead of the AFL game which will commence at 7:30pm.

GWV Rebels midfielder George Stevens will captain the Australia under 18 team.

The AFL Academy Boys will take part in their third and final camp of the 2023 program in Melbourne this week, with the camp to commence on Thursday.

The AFL Academy Boys program features a selection of the most talented male footballers across the country. All players were aged 17 as of January 1, 2023 and will be eligible in the 2023 AFL Draft.

Players participate in high performance and personal development programs throughout the 2023 season, with the AFL Academy’s purpose to best prepare players for transition from talent pathways into elite football programs.

The 30-player squad includes a host of the most exciting prospects in this year’s draft pool, with all states and territories represented.

The AFL Academy Boys represented Australia last month during the AFL’s Gather Round - A Festival of Footy, falling to a 13-point defeat to Port Adelaide’s SANFL team in an entertaining clash at Adelaide Hills.

Among those who impressed were Harley Reid (22 touches, seven clearances, one goal), Colby McKercher (15 disposals, four tackles), Jake Rogers (12 disposals, one goal), Ryley Sanders (20 disposals, six tackles), Nick Watson (18 disposals, four rebound-50s) and Darcy Wilson (19 disposals, three inside-50s).

National Academy Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, said: “We are thrilled to provide another opportunity for the AFL Academy Boys to represent Australia.

“It is a significant honour to wear the Australia jumper and all players represented it with distinction in their match against Port Adelaide during Gather Round last month.

“We look forward to the future stars of our game putting their talents on show again against Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.”

The AFL Academy Girls will come together in Melbourne their third camp of the 2023 program from June 15-18. More details will be announced shortly.

HOW TO WATCH: The match between the AFL Academy Boys and Carlton VFL will be available to watch live and free on the AFL website.

Continue below to view the AFL Academy Boys squad that will represent Australia. Carlton’s VFL team will be announced ahead of Saturday’s match.

AUSTRALIA

CARLTON