The GIANTS Academy is proud to launch its U16 and U18 Male and Female Academy programs for the 2026 season, reinforcing its commitment to developing the next generation of elite Australian football talent across the full academy pathway.
The Male Academy program will again be led by Academy Head Coach Tadhg Kennelly, continuing his strong leadership and focus on preparing athletes for the physical, tactical, and mental demands of elite football. The Male program is proudly backed by Joss Group, whose ongoing support plays a key role in delivering high-performance environments for GIANTS Academy athletes.
The Female Academy program enters an exciting new era under the leadership of its new Head Coach Alicia Eva, bringing extensive experience and a strong development focus to the program. The Female pathway is proudly supported by Joss Group and Neveralone Solutions, ensuring a holistic approach to both performance and athlete wellbeing.
Across the U18 programs, GIANTS Academy athletes will compete in a record number of matches within the elite talent pathway, providing a significant platform to perform under the watchful eyes of AFL and AFLW recruiters and selectors.
The 2026 fixture list features clashes against northern academy rivals Sydney Swans Academy, Brisbane Lions Academy, and Gold Coast Suns Academy, alongside marquee match-ups with Tasmania Devils, Murray Bushrangers, and Dandenong Stingrays.
The U16 Boys and Girls programs will also benefit from an exciting and demanding match schedule in 2026, designed to accelerate development and prepare athletes for future national and elite-level football. A highlight of the calendar will be the AFL National Championships, with the U16 Girls competing in April and the U16 Boys taking part in July, offering invaluable experience against the best young talent in the country and further exposure to national selectors.
The 2026 season will showcase a strong group of emerging talent across both programs.
In the Male Academy, players to watch include Ethan Matthews, Cooper French and Franklin Murray-Wright, all set to test themselves against elite opposition.
In the Female Academy, standout talents Majella Day, Morgan Stevens, Zoe Curry, and Darcie Prosser-Shaw headline a group of players ready to take advantage of increased opportunity and exposure throughout the season.
With elite coaching, strong partner support, and comprehensive U16 and U18 match programs, the GIANTS Academy enters 2026 well positioned to continue producing athletes capable of progressing through the AFL and AFLW pathways.
Please click below for the 2026 squad lists and fixtures for the U16 and U18 programs:
