South Aussies to play on AFL Grand Final Day

By ZAC MILBANK

Seven SANFL players, including four from Central District, have been selected in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures squad.

The 46-player squad – nominated by state talent programs, national selectors and AFL club recruiters – includes the most promising U17 footballers across Australia, eligible for the 2025 AFL Draft.

The 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures Boys squad will come together in Melbourne for a three-day camp during AFL Grand Final week, with the highlight being the opportunity to play in a curtain-raiser match to the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday, September 28.

Players will be split evenly into two teams to compete in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures Match, with the sides named after retiring AFL stars Dyson Heppell (Essendon) and Rory Sloane (Adelaide).

Central District midfielder Dyson Sharp, currently playing for the Bulldogs in the Hostplus SANFL League, will be joined by teammates Josh Reichelt, Aidan Schubert and Matthew LeRay in the squad.

Sturt wingman Harley Barker, Glenelg’s Luke Candy and North Adelaide ball magnet Sam Cumming are the other SA-based players selected.