10 Best AFL Academies in Australia (2025)

Australian Rules Football, or AFL, is one of the most popular sports in Australia. For international players and fans who dream of playing at the highest level, joining an AFL academy can be a great step. These academies train young athletes, helping them develop their skills and potentially launch a professional career. Below is a list of the 10 best AFL academies in Australia, along with details on how to get into each one and what makes them special.

1. Next Generation Academies

The Next Generation Academies is one of the most prestigious academy in Australia. It is run by the Australian Football League (AFL) itself in conjunction with AFL clubs and focuses on developing the country’s top young talent from multicultural background. Players are selected from across Australia and even internationally.

How to Get In:

• Players are usually scouted through state leagues, school competitions, and regional tournaments.
• The academy invites the best players aged 16-18 to join their program.

What Makes It Special:

• Many AFL stars, like Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Jesse Motlop, have come through this academy.
• The program includes high-performance training, mentorship, and exposure to AFL clubs.

Website: Next Generation Academies

2. AFL Queensland Academy

AFL Queensland Academy is one of the leading academies for developing young talent in Queensland. It focuses on both male and female players, providing pathways to the AFL and AFLW.

How to Get In:

• Players can be selected through school competitions, local clubs, and regional trials.
• The academy also runs talent identification programs for young athletes.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has a strong focus on inclusivity, offering programs for Indigenous players and multicultural communities.
• It has produced stars like Charlie Cameron and Harris Andrews.

Website: AFL Queensland Academy

3. AFL NSW/ACT Academy

This academy is based in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It is known for its excellent coaching staff and state-of-the-art facilities.

How to Get In:

• Players are selected through regional trials and school competitions.
• The academy also runs open tryouts for talented athletes.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has a strong track record of producing AFL and AFLW players, such as Isaac Heeney and Erin Phillips.
• It offers a holistic development program, including education and life skills.

Website: AFL NSW/ACT Academy

4. West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) Academy

The WAFC Academy is based in Western Australia and is one of the most successful academies in the country. It has a reputation for producing elite AFL players.

How to Get In:

• Players are scouted through local leagues, school competitions, and regional tournaments.
• The academy also runs talent identification camps.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has produced legends like Nat Fyfe and Sam Kerr (AFLW).
• It offers a high-performance environment with access to top coaches and facilities.

Website: WAFC Academy

5. South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Academy

The SANFL Academy is based in South Australia and is known for its strong focus on developing young talent. It has a rich history of producing AFL stars.

How to Get In:

• Players are selected through local leagues, school competitions, and regional trials.
• The academy also runs talent identification programs.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has produced players like Rory Sloane and Chad Wingard.
• It offers a comprehensive development program, including strength and conditioning, skills training, and mental preparation.

Website: SANFL

6. Football Tasmania Academy

The Football Tasmania Academy is the leading academy in Tasmania. It focuses on developing young talent and providing pathways to the AFL and AFLW.

How to Get In:

• Players are selected through local leagues, school competitions, and regional trials.
• The academy also runs open tryouts for talented athletes.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has produced players like Jack Riewoldt and Jeremy Howe.
• It offers a unique environment with a strong sense of community and support.

Website: Football Tasmania Academy

7. Northern Territory Football Academy

The Northern Territory Football Academy is known for its focus on Indigenous talent. It has a strong reputation for producing skilled and exciting players.

How to Get In:

• Players are selected through local leagues, school competitions, and regional trials.
• The academy also runs talent identification programs for Indigenous players.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has produced players like Cyril Rioli and Steven Motlop.
• It offers a culturally inclusive environment with a focus on community and leadership.

Website: Northern Territory Football Academy

8. Victoria Metro and Victoria Country Academies

These two academies are based in Victoria, the heartland of Australian Rules Football. They are known for producing some of the best AFL and AFLW players.

How to Get In:

• Players are selected through local leagues, school competitions, and regional trials.
• The academies also run talent identification programs.

What Makes It Special:

• The academies have produced legends like Gary Ablett Jr. and Daisy Pearce.
• They offer access to world-class facilities and coaching staff.

Website: Victoria Metro and Country Academies

9. GWS Giants Academy

The GWS Giants Academy is based in New South Wales and is part of the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL club. It focuses on developing young talent in the region.

How to Get In:

• Players are selected through local leagues, school competitions, and regional trials.
• The academy also runs open tryouts for talented athletes.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has produced players like Tom Green and Alyce Parker (AFLW).
• It offers a direct pathway to the GWS Giants AFL and AFLW teams.

Website: GWS Giants Academy

10. Gold Coast Suns Academy

The Gold Coast Suns Academy is based in Queensland and is part of the Gold Coast Suns AFL club. It focuses on developing young talent in the region.

How to Get In:

• Players are selected through local leagues, school competitions, and regional trials.
• The academy also runs open tryouts for talented athletes.

What Makes It Special:

• The academy has produced players like Ben King and Charlie Rowbottom (AFLW).
• It offers a direct pathway to the Gold Coast Suns AFL and AFLW teams.

Website: Gold Coast Suns Academy

Conclusion

Joining an AFL academy is a dream for many young athletes, both in Australia and internationally. These academies provide the training, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in the competitive world of AFL. Whether you’re a local player or an international talent, these academies offer pathways to a professional career in Australian Rules Football.

If you’re serious about pursuing AFL, start by researching the academy that best suits your location and goals. Attend local trials, join a club, and work hard to catch the attention of scouts. With dedication and the right training, you could be the next AFL star!