Bright future of Aussie rules in NSW on display with six to feature on AFL grand final day

The future of the upcoming crop of Aussie rules talent in NSW is looking bright with six players set for the opportunity of a lifetime when they play at the MCG on AFL Grand Final Day.

Lachlan Carmichael is one of six NSW players set to feature in the National Futures Boys Squad. Picture: Keith McInnes

The future of NSW’s Aussie rules talent will be on show on the biggest stage in the land.

Six players from across the state have been chosen in the National Futures Boys Squad and will feature in a curtain raiser on AFL Grand Final Day later this month.

Lachlan Carmichael (Mosman Swans), Noah Chamberlain (East Sydney Bulldogs), Liam Hetherton (North Albury), Max King (Cardiff Hawks), Bailey-Dean Latanis (Ingleburn Magpies) and Harrison Wilson (Lavington Panthers) have all been identified as stars of the future.

AFL NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman said the six have the chance to follow in some special footsteps on the hallowed turf of the MCG.

“It’s a great opportunity for the players that are going to be in the 2025 draft class to show their wares on grand final day,” he said.

“No doubt they’ll be excited and perhaps a bit nervous. It’s a tremendous honour to be chosen as one of the 46 to play on this day.

Noah Chamberlain. Picture: Keith McInnes

“It’s taken many forms over the years and there have been some players like Harry Himmelberg and Dougal Howard who have performed exceptionally on the day.”

Denneman said it was a combined effort from everyone in their circles to have them in the frame for selection.

“It’s a great testament to themselves, their academies, their Coates Talent League clubs and their community clubs,” he said.

“Everyone contributes to the success and the journeys of these young athletes.

“There are some great stories, like young Bailey-Dean Latanis from the Giants Academy who was a decathlete primarily.

“He was introduced (to the sport) this year and that’s a testament to Jason Saddington and the Giants Academy (for getting him to this stage).”