The 25 players in next year’s Marsh AFL Academy Boys squad have been selected
Cody Walker in action for Bendigo Pioneers during the 2025 Coates Talent League season. Picture: AFL Photos
CARLTON father-son prospect Cody Walker and potential No.1 pick Dougie Cochrane headline the Marsh AFL Academy Boys squad selected for 2026.
The group of 25 boys has been picked ahead of a reconfigured Academy schedule that will include a trip to New Zealand in December and back-to-back games against VFL opponents across a week next year as the highlights of the program.
>> SEE THE FULL 2026 MARSH AFL ACADEMY BOYS SQUAD BELOW
The players will also spend a week training at separate AFL clubs over the pre-season as they prepare for their draft year next season.
Walker, the son of former Blue Andrew, has nominated Carlton as his preferred home and is shaping as a top-five pick next year after an excellent bottom-age campaign, while Port Adelaide is waiting on approval to list Cochrane as part of its Next Generation Academy, with the son of former player Stuart a brilliant talent who can play all over the ground.
Dougie Cochrane in action during the 2025 Marsh AFL Futures Boys game on Grand Final Day, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
Among the other familiar names in the Academy group are Aidan McCartney (son of ex-Roo and current Giants football boss Jason), Gabriel Patterson (the son of former Magpie Stephen), Koby LeCras (the nephew of ex-Eagle Mark) and Benji van Rooyen (the younger brother of Melbourne’s Jacob).
Dynamic forward Arki Butler, who shapes as one of the most exciting players in next year’s draft, is in the Academy, as is Brisbane Academy prospect Caylen Murray and Richmond Next Generation Academy player Tanner Armstrong.
They will come under the tutelage of former Magpie Tarkyn Lockyer, who will steer the AFL Academy again next year.
2026 MARSH AFL ACADEMY BOYS SQUAD
PLAYER
STATE
STATE LEAGUE CLUB
COMMUNITY CLUB
Tanner Armstrong
VIC C
Murray Bushrangers
Shepparton United
Arki Butler
VIC M
Sandringham Dragons
Beaumaris
Harrison Chapman
VIC M
Eastern Ranges
Boronia
Dougie Cochrane
SA
Central District
Port District
Kodah Edwards
SA
South Adelaide
Willunga
Jack Gordon
SA
Central District
Port District
Ethan Herbert
SA
North Adelaide
Walkerville
Archie Hill
QLD
Gold Coast Suns Academy
Broadbeach
Tate Hodgson
VIC M
Northern Knights
Park Orchards NRP
Lewis Houndsome
VIC M
Northern Knights
Yarrambat
Garrison Kenh
WA
East Perth
Ellenbrook
Xavier Ladbrook
VIC C
Gippsland Power
Nar Nar Goon
Koby LeCras
WA
West Perth
Manning
Wil Malady
VIC C
Gippsland Power
Bairnsdale
Ethan Matthews
NSW/ACT
GWS GIANTS Academy
Ingleburn
Aidan McCartney
NSW/ACT
Sydney Swans Academy
Willoughby
Heath Mellody
WA
Claremont
Wembley Downs
Caylen Murray
QLD
Brisbane Lions Academy
Maroochydore
Gabriel Patterson
SA
Glenelg
Plympton
Jack Pickett
VIC C
Geelong Falcons
Torquay
Darcy Szerszyn
VIC C
Dandenong Stingrays
Seaford
Harry Van Hattum
VIC M
Northern Knights
St Mary’s
Benji van Rooyen
WA
Claremont
Wembley Downs
Cody Walker
VIC C
Bendigo Pioneers
Echuca
Noah Williams
VIC C
Geelong Falcons
St Joseph’s