Revealed: 2027 AFL Academy squad

Nine club-tied players make up the 25-player 2027 AFL Academy squad, revealed on Wednesday.

The squad is spearheaded by Port Adelaide-tied duo Zemes Pilot and Louis Salopek and also includes Hawthorn-tied defenders Zane Adams and Henry Allsop, Essendon-tied Koby Bewick, Brisbane-linked duo Jackson Bridge and Max Holden and GWS' Coen Hardy.

Salopek, the son of former Power player Stephen, and Academy talent Pilot are both projected to be bidded on in the early part of the draft, with Port Adelaide armed with three first-rounders next year to match the bids.

Tasmanian Jake Beams is also in the squad and is tied to the Devils as a local talent.

Eastern Ranges utility Jett Flower, the grandson of Melbourne great Robbie Flower, is one of the leading open pool players in the squad. He represented Vic Metro at the Under-18s National Championships this year and took out best afield honours in the annual Under-17s Futures game.

Tasmania pre-selected seven players from the 2027 crop as part of their range of draft concessions, which has taken a chunk of the best talent out. The Devils also have seven first-round picks next year - although some must be traded - which has led to most clubs preferring not to hit the draft too hard next year.

Bendigo livewire Max Thompson and Western Australia's James Artemis, the cousin of Essendon Mid-Season pickup Jackson, are other leading open pool prospects.