AFL Draft: 2024 National Academy squad revealed

The AFL has announced the 2024 AFL National Academy squad as the game's next crop of incoming stars ready themselves for a crucial prove-it campaign next year.

The 2024 boys and girls Academy squads, containing youngsters eligible for next year's respective drafts, will convene for camps between now and next year's counts, with the boys' squad set to participate in a pair of matches during the 2024 season, representing the nation as part of the Australia U18 team.

The league revealed the squads on Friday morning.

AFL National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer expressed his congratulations to all who were selected to next year's squads, going on to explain the importance and significance of being a part of the AFL National Academy.

"Being part of the AFL National Academy is a fantastic achievement," Lockyer started during a Friday statement.

"All players selected in the boys and girls squads have demonstrated outstanding football ability and a determination to advance further in their football journey.

"One of the philosophies of the AFL National Academy is to provide players with a different experience to what they receive as part of other programs they are involved in.

"Players will come together for high-performance training camps and have the opportunity to play for their country in representative matches.

"They will also get to integrate into AFL environments and receive access to expert coaching and education to assist their football and personal development.

"The learnings and experiences players gain from the opportunities provided through the AFL National Academy is invaluable."

The 2024 AFL National Academy Boys squad features a trio of standout players who were named in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All-Australian team: Levi Ashcroft, Sid Draper, and Finn O'Sullivan.

Ashcroft, who claimed the Sandringham Dragons' best and fairest award this year, is the youngest son of Brisbane Lions premiership player Marcus and brother of first-year Lions midfielder Will.

Draper, meanwhile, was named South Australia's MVP at the U18 Boys National Championships, while O'Sullivan impressed for Victoria Country at the U18 level this season.

The talented 2024 squad also features father-son prospects Ben and Lucas Camporeale -- eligible to become Carlton players next year -- and Tyler Welsh, who is Adelaide Crows-linked due to his father, Scott, who played 129 games at West Lakes.

Midfielder Leonardo Lombard, who is expected to become the latest in a long line of drafted Gold Coast Suns Academy talents, has also been named after he featured in the Suns' VFL premiership triumph at the staggering age of 16.

The full boys' squad can be found BELOW.