2024 AFL Futures teams announced

The AFL has officially announced the teams for the highly anticipated 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures Boys match, which will be held at the MCG this Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

This annual showcase of young talent will feature two teams named after recently retired AFL legends, Dyson Heppell and Rory Sloane.

The match will bring together 46 of the most promising under-17 footballers from across Australia, all born in 2007 and eligible for the AFL Draft following the 2025 season.

These future stars have been selected based on their performances in state talent programs, national championships, and through recommendations by AFL club recruiters.

19 players in the 2024 squad were part of the 2023 U16 All Australian team, including standout Queenslander Zeke Uwland, who also impressed at the U18 level for the Allies.

Dyson Heppell, a former Essendon captain with 253 AFL games under his belt, and Rory Sloane, a 255-game stalwart for the Adelaide Crows, will address their respective teams on Friday evening.

Both players are widely admired for their leadership and dedication across their long-serving careers at the Bombers and Crows, making them fitting namesakes for the squads.

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Team Heppell, coached by Dale Eames, head of the Northern Territory Academy, will feature a talented lineup including players like Thomas McGuane, son of Collingwood great Mick McGuane, and Willem Duursma from Gippsland Power, whose brother Xavier currently plays for Port Adelaide.

Meanwhile, Team Sloane will be led by Ash Close, with stars such as Dyson Sharp, the best and fairest winner at last year's U16 Championships, and Beau Addinsall from the Gold Coast Suns Academy taking the field.

TEAM HEPPELL

TEAM SLOANE