Sharks Georgie Cleaver named in 2023 NAB AFLW Academy Squad

Congratulations to Sharks Georgie Cleaver on her selection in the 2023 NAB AFLW Academy program.

The 2023 NAB AFLW Academy squad features the most talented 17-year-old footballers across the country. 

The players selected will be eligible in the 2023 NAB AFLW Draft, following the 2023 NAB AFLW season. 

Players will participate in high-performance and personal development programs throughout the 2023 season. 

Program content will be delivered through a mixture of face-to-face and online modules. 

The 2023 NAB AFLW Academy will commence with a camp in January, which will be followed by camps in April and June, and a match. 

This is the sixth intake for the AFLW Academy, with the squad featuring players from every state and territory across Australia. 

GeorgIe is a key position player and is also a talented netballer and has been a national and state representative.  

National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer congratulated all players on their selection and said he was excited to work with the future stars of our game. 

“Selection in the AFLW Academy is a significant achievement, and all players are thoroughly deserving of their place in the squads,” Lockyer said. 

“It is extremely pleasing to again have all states and territories represented in this year’s intake and highlights Australian Football remains the first-choice sport for our country’s most talented young athletes. 

"We are very excited about the high level of talent within this group of future stars of the AFLW, many of whom have already showcased their outstanding skills and abilities at the representative level. 

"As part of their selection in the 2023 AFLW Academy, players will be given the opportunity to continue to develop on and off the field under the guidance of expert coaching, high performance and wellbeing staff. 

“They will also be given the opportunity to be part of the  AFLW environments by attend training sessions with  AFLW clubs, which will provide first-hand experience of the standards required to make it at the highest level.”  

The squad  will be coached by Tarkyn Lockyer, who will be supported by a combination of male and female coaches who have experience working with girls and boys football programs. 

The NAB AFLW Academy are part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. 

The NAB AFL/W Rising Stars Program also comprises the following elements:  

• NAB AFL/W Rising Star 

• NAB AFL/W Draft 

• NAB AFL/W Draft Combine 

• NAB AFL/W Academy 

• NAB AFL/W National Championships - U18 

• NAB AFL/W National Development Championships - U16 

NAB has proudly supported footy for over a decade, providing boys and girls with a clear pathway from NAB AFL Auskick to the big time.