Shepparton United/Rumbalara product Armstrong and Echuca’s Walker have been named in the 2026 AFL National Academy, placing a green tick next to their names when it comes to next year’s draft chances.
The duo join 23 of the country’s best and brightest boys taking part in the high-performance program during their draft year.
But before 2026, Armstrong and Walker are going across the ditch.
For the first time since 2018, the AFL National Academy will incorporate an overseas camp with a trip to the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport on December 10-14.
The Wellington-based campus is the training hub of the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby union side, as well as A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix.
Rolling into next year, the academy will converge on Melbourne for football camps that will feature talent showcase matches competing as the Australian under-18 team.
Armstrong and Walker will also take part in AFL club experiences and will have the opportunity to train with an AFL club, playing two games against VFL sides in April.
The duo is already affiliated with the top flight as part of Richmond’s Next Generation Academy, though Walker has formally agreed to join Carlton as a father-son selection in next year’s draft as he follows in his dad Andrew’s footsteps.
AFL National Academy manager Tarkyn Lockyer welcomed the class of 2026 ahead of the program’s kick-off.
“Congratulations to all players who have been named in the 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy,” he said.
“One of the aims of the National Academy is to provide new experiences to our up-and-coming stars outside of what is already delivered at their state talent program to best prepare players for the next step in their football journey.
“We are thrilled to be able to include a camp at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport as part of our 2026 program.
“The camp will provide a unique experience for our participants and will give them the opportunity to challenge themselves at an internationally acclaimed facility.”
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