The NFNL offers a junior academy for elite junior players.
This program is designed to identify and develop elite young athletes within our league.
Please find below all the necessary 2026 information regarding age groups, try out dates, nominations, and the selection process.
Clubs are responsible for nominating athletes and in addition ensuring all nominated players can compete in an elite environment and are prepared to meet the program’s rigorous training commitments if selected.
Program Fees (Parents Note): Clubs at their discretion may choose to pay the league program fees for their club nominated player or a club may choose to pass on any program fees incurred to parents to then reimburse the club.
Age Groups
Under 14 Boys: Birth Year 2012
Under 15 Boys: Birth Year 2011
Under 15 Girls: Birth Years 2011 & 2012
Club Nominations for Try Outs
Maximum: Each club may nominate up to 10 players per age group.
Submission: Club leaders must submit nominations via the online form.
Submission Deadline: Sunday, 8 December 2024 (no late entries or additional nominations beyond the maximum allowed per club will be accepted).
U/14 boys born 2012
Each junior club may nominate up to 10 players per age group for trials.
U/15 girls born 2011 & 2012
Each junior club may nominate up to 10 players
Final squad members from 2025 U/15 girls’ program that are eligible will automatically be invited to phase 1 (February) at the discretion of the league.
U/15 boys born 2011
Each junior club may nominate up to 8 players
Final squad members from 2025 U/14 boys’ program that are eligible will automatically be invited to phase 1 (February) at the discretion of the league.
Nominated players must be capable of training and playing in an elite-level environment.
Program Fees (Parents Note): Clubs at their discretion may choose to pay the league program fees for their club nominated player or a club may choose to pass on any program fees incurred to parents to then reimburse the club.
Trial sessions: $65 per player (invoiced to clubs)
Sat 6th & Sun 7th December
@La Trobe Sports oval – Tony Sheehan Oval (2hour session per age group)
U/14 Boys 10am, U/15 Girls 12pm, U/15 Boys 2pm
Players are to arrive 30-40mins prior to the session start time to allow for signing & to receive their ID numbered training top.
What to bring to the session:
- Club Shorts
- Football Boots
- Mouthguard
- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- *If players have club jumpers, can they please bring them for the Sunday session
Training squads for phase 1 announced – Wed 21st January or earlier
Phase 1 sessions: $180 per player (invoiced to clubs)
Sun 8th Feb, Sun 22nd Feb, Sun 8th Mar, Sun 22nd Mar, Sun 29th Mar
@La Trobe University – Tony Sheehan Oval (90min session per age group)
U/14 Boys 10am, U/15 Girls 11:30am, U/15 Boys 1pm
Final squads announced – Wed 8th April
Phase 2 sessions: $300 per player (invoiced to clubs)
Final squads selected will make up 2 teams of 26-28 players by age group (up to 56 players per age group)
*Players selected to play in AFLMJDS will receive a playing jumper, shorts & socks, hoodie & polo
WC Mon 13th April (Induction & Combine testing)
@La Trobe Sports complex
WC Mon 20th April (Ongoing weekly training)
@Bundoora Park – Snake Gully Road *Nights & times TBC
AFL Metro Junior Development Series matches:
Match #1 – Wed 27th May (TBC)
Match #2 – Sat 6th June (TBC)
Match #3 – Mon 8th June (TBC)
Phase 3 sessions:
WC Mon 15th June (Player exit meetings 15min per player)
@Bundoora Park – Snake Gully Road *Nights & times TBC
