The Geelong Cats Academy will showcase the next wave of talent this week, with 54 emerging players named across its Boys and Girls squads for the annual NGA Games.

In a strong reflection of the Academy's growing reach, the squads have been assembled from the newly expanded NGA zone, stretching across Geelong, the South West, Western District and Wimmera regions. The final lists feature players from 36 local clubs and 32 schools, underlining both the depth of talent and the strength of regional pathways.

Guided by Boys Coach Sam Simpson and Girls Coach Kate Darby, the squads have completed a five-week training program, highlighted by a full day in-club experience last week that included football development sessions, game education, strength work and a focus on building connection.

The Boys squad features a host of emerging talent, including Kade Witney (St Mary’s), Finn Harrison (Bell Park), Hylton Penfold (Horsham Saints), Elijah Kiwi (Barwon Heads) and bottom-aged player Nason Lovett-Murray (Heywood), whilst the Girls team will be led by Sharvarntay Edwards (St Mary’s), Anika and Mikela Pohl (Hamilton) and Emma Henderson (Torquay).

The squads will travel to Belvedere Reserve in Seaford, where the Boys will face Carlton, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn on Monday, whilst the Girls will play against Essendon, Melbourne and St Kilda on Tuesday.

The NGA Games serve as an entry point into the AFL’s talent identification and development landscape, with the carnival providing an opportunity for clubs to come together, showcase their programs and offer players meaningful match experience and exposure. It plays an important role in supporting emerging athletes from Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds, strengthening development pathways and engagement.

The games will serve as an opportunity to scout for players who may be selected to play in the National Under 15 Boys Flying Boomerangs & World Team in October or National Under 15s Woomeras & Medleys program in July.