Sport

Arm-strong enough: Shepparton United product one of two Goulburn Valley prospects selected in AFL National Futures squad

By Callum Farquhar

Sep 1, 2025

Shepparton United product Tanner Armstrong is set to step foot on the MCG turf on grand final day. Photo by Megan Fisher

After strong campaigns in the 2025 season across all levels and competitions, two Goulburn Valley prospects have been rewarded with an exclusive spot in the AFL National Futures squad.

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The boys Futures squad, featuring 46 players from around the country, is split into two teams following a short camp, where the players will face off in a curtain raiser to the AFL grand final.

It includes the top draft prospects vying for selection in the 2026 AFL draft, with many of those selected for the Futures match to be named in the AFL’s National Academy, the elite draft pathway that provides expert resources to draft hopefuls and scheduled fixtures against VFL outfits, helping acclimatise the young crop to senior level physicality.

Shepparton United’s Tanner Armstrong and Echuca’s Cody Walker have been selected for the Futures squad, meaning both young guns are set to take to the hallowed turf on the biggest day of the football calendar.

Both have featured in the Coates Talent League and for Vic Country this year, with Walker also stepping into Murray Bomber green on three occasions at senior level.

Thirty-three members of the 2023 Futures squad were drafted or added to an AFL list ahead of the 2025 season, while that class also featured Shepparton Swans and Carlton VFL gun Oliver Warburton.

The 2024 Futures squad selected Shepparton United draft hopeful Riley Onley, who remains touted for a potential first-round selection in this year’s draft.