Football Excellence

High performance is what drives elite sport. Every year, we are constantly aiming to improve our methods to positively impact recovery and on-field performance. Our plan for achieving football excellence focuses on:

I. Talent generation. Every club relies on identifying future talent. It is one of the easiest things to do in retrospect, but one of the hardest to predict. How to more accurately identify that 16-year-old as the next 200+ game player in advance? Two examples include investment in a robust Rookie program where all allowable Category A and B spots are filled.

II. Father Son and Father Daughter programs. This football club has a family lineage unlike any other. We want to maximise that, to keep the generations alive that flow through our playing groups, both past and present.

In 2025, the Carlton Academy made significant strides in enhancing its recruiting and development programs through strategic investments in technology, staffing, and athlete engagement. The integration of Premier Data Vision and Teamworks Recruit which turn raw stats into real-time insights and Sports-Key has transformed the Academy’s approach to talent identification and performance analysis, enabling earlier and more accurate scouting across the zone. 

The Academy expanded its team with key hires, including a recruiting coordinator, physiotherapist, and the appointment of  Lloyd Perris as Academy Coach.  These additions have strengthened the Academy’s ability to deliver tailored development programs for athletes.

The Academy Camp, held for the second consecutive year, provided elite prospects with a comprehensive experience combining skill development, AFL immersion, and exposure to professional environment over a four-day  period. The camp was a highlight for both metro and regional athletes and ensures our younger talent are getting the full understanding on high performance. 

Player achievements this year were exceptional, with multiple athletes selected for Vic Metro, Vic Country, Queensland U18, and All Australian teams, showcasing the Academy’s growing impact on national talent pathways. Jack Ison, Tyson Gresham, and Storm Johnson were selected for Vic Metro U18; Harry Dean, Cody Walker, and Sophia Green for Vic  Country U18; Sunny Lappin for Queensland U18, where she was also named MVP; Harry Dean and Sunny Lappin for All Australian U18; and Will  Thornton, Arli Walker, and Deena Gerges for Victoria U15. 

Overall, 2025 has been a year of growth, innovation, and success for the Carlton Academy, positioning it strongly for continued excellence in athlete development and recruitment.