The AFL has today announced a squad of 48 players selected to play in the 2022 NAB AFL Futures match at the MCG as a curtain-raiser to the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final on Saturday September 24, with a pair of Tasmania Devils stars included.
After standout performances in the NAB League with the Devils and at club level, Arie Schoenmaker (Launceston) and Colby McKercher (Launceston) have earned selection in the squad for the showcase game. Former Devil Ryley Sanders (North Launceston) has also been selected.
The best under-17 talent from across the country will feature in the match, which provides the opportunity for a selection of next year’s draft prospects to display their talents on the AFL’s biggest stage.
All states and territories are represented within the squad named to play in the 2022 NAB AFL Futures match. Squad members will come together for a training camp ahead of the match, before being split into two teams. The two teams will this year be named after retired AFL stars Bachar Houli and Marc Murphy.
Schoenmaker has played a key role in the Devils defence this season, averaging 13.5 disposals, 4.7 marks and 2.4 rebound 50s per game. He turned heads with his form through the middle of the season, racking up 29 disposals and 13 marks against Dandenong in round ten and 24 disposals and 11 marks the following week against Bendigo.
McKercher has been a breakout star in the NAB League this season, earning selection in the Allies side for the NAB AFL National Championships – U18 Boys as a bottom-aged player. Playing through the midfield for the Devils, he has averaged 22.8 disposals, 3.9 tackles and 5.1 inside 50s per game, using his strength and speed to excel both inside and outside the contest.
AFL Talent Ambassador, Kevin Sheehan, said it was a great thrill to have the NAB AFL Futures match back on the AFL calendar after a two-year hiatus.
“The AFL Futures match will give AFL club recruiting staff and football fans the opportunity to see the future stars of our game on the biggest day of the AFL season,” Sheehan said.
“This will be the fifth time the NAB AFL Futures match has been staged and the first 2019.
“All players who feature in the 2022 NAB AFL Futures match will be eligible for selection in the 2023 NAB AFL Draft.
“Among the names to have previously featured in the NAB AFL Futures match are AFL stars Luke Jackson, Andrew Brayshaw, Zac Bailey, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Caleb Serong, Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.”
The first bounce will take place at 9:30am, with the match to be live streamed at AFL.com.au. More details on final teams and coaching staff will be announced in the lead up to the match.