7 November 2025
Four SANFLW players have been selected to take part in the 2026 Marsh AFLW National Academy during their draft year.
Central District’s Miyu Endersby, South Adelaide’s Emma Charlton and Taya Maxwell, and West Adelaide’s Emily Mableson will take part in the academy, headed by AFL National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer.
All four girls were members of the 2025 SA U18 Girls Squad.
Midfielder Emma Charlton – the younger sister of Adelaide AFLW player Teah – had a breakout year in 2025, receiving the best on ground medal for her performance in the Panthers’ fourth Hostplus SANFLW League premiership.
As a bottom-ager in this year’s 2025 Marsh AFLW National Championships, she was awarded the South Australian MVP award for her stunning performances.
West’s Emily Mableson who was awarded SA’s best player against Queensland at the National Championships this year, averaged 17.3 disposals and 5.3 tackles for the Bloods this season.
Doggies’ utility Miyu Endersby will add plenty of versatility to the squad, with Central’s youngster able to play multiple positions on the ground.
A SANFLW premiership player in 2024 and the 2025 SA U18 Girls squad emerging leader, Panther Taya Maxwell, rounds out the Croweaters selected in the squad.
The AFLW National Academy provides the next generation of draft prospects with valuable experiences, insights and education to best prepare them for the next steps in their football journey.
The program combines football performance and personal growth in a high-performance environment by providing unique opportunities and learnings that differ from other football programs they are involved in.
Content is delivered across multiple football camps, with the 2026 program to commence with a high-performance camp at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) from December 17-21.
The girls will also head to Melbourne for training camps during the 2026 season.
In addition to the Academy camps, players will also take part in AFL and AFLW club experiences and will have the opportunity to train with an AFL and AFLW club.
“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,” AFL National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer said.
“We are thrilled to be able to include a camp at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport as part of our 2026 program.
“The camp will provide a unique experience for our participants and will give them the opportunity to challenge themselves at an internationally acclaimed facility.”
The 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy marks the 10th intake for girls.