South Aussies selected in 2023 NAB AFL and AFLW Academies

By ZAC MILBANK

Ten of South Australia’s brightest young talents have been selected in the 2023 NAB AFL and AFLW Academies.

Spring-heeled South Adelaide goalsneak Jack Delean, North Adelaide ball magnet Kane McAuliffe, versatile West Adelaide utility Will Patton and athletic Glenelg forward Ashton Moir have been named in the AFL Academy headed up by former Collingwood star Tarkyn Lockyer.

In another pointer to SA’s emergence as a genuine producer of top-end female talent, six players were listed in the AFLW Academy.

Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Shineah Goody, who won the MVP award for the entire 2022 AFLW U18 National Championships, headlines the group, together with exciting West Adelaide playmaker Lauren Young.

Young, who injured the ACL in her knee at training late last year, is working her way back to full fitness after winning the SANFLW best-and fairest award in her debut season of 2021.

Glenelg ruck Matilda Scholz, hard-running Bays teammate Piper Window, balanced Norwood midfielder Molly Brooksby and speedy Central small forward Elaine Grigg have also been included.

2023 NAB AFL Academy - South Australians selected

Player DOB SANFL club Community Club
Jack Delean 15/4/2005 South Adelaide Reynella
Ashton Moir 15/4/2005 Glenelg Plympton
Kane McAuliffe 1/3/2005 North Adelaide Central Augusta
Will Patton 4/1/2005 West Adelaide Mitcham

Glenelg’s Piper Window takes a strong mark while representing SA at this year’s AFL National Championships. Picture – AFL Photos

2023 NAB AFLW Academy - South Australians selected

Player DOB SANFL club Community Club
Molly Brooksby 18/7/2005 Norwood Golden Grove
Shineah Goody 8/11/2005 Woodville-West Torrens Henley
Elaine Grigg 23/12/2005 Central District Broadview
Matilda Scholz 29/4/2005 Glenelg Goodwood Saints
Piper Window 30/7/2005 Glenelg Uraidla Districts
Lauren Young 16/9/2005 West Adelaide Goodwood Saints

Eagles midfielder Shineah Goody looms as one of SA’s brightest young stars. Picture – Scott Starkey

Sign up to receive the latest SANFL news straight to your inbox.