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Expressions of interest open for Australia's 2027 National American Football Tackle teams

Writer: Brock Bentley
Brock Bentley
3 hours ago
3 min read

American Football Australia (AFA) has opened the player expression of interest for Australia's 2027 U16, U18 and Men's tackle teams through its Digital Talent ID platform, with submissions closing on Monday 4 January 2027.




Athletes are invited to build a profile and submit video highlights for AFA-appointed coaches to evaluate ahead of squad selection. For U16 and U18 players, the process is fully digital, with no in-person trial day and no prior representative experience needed. The platform outlines what national coaches look for in a submission, placing technique and what a player shows on film ahead of statistics.


U16 and U18 players can use the same expression of interest to nominate for the national squads, the National Development Camp, or both. The development camp serves exclusively as an extension of the national pathway program, with attendance not required for national team consideration.


The expression of interest period is the first step towards national squad selection for the 2027 Festival of Football on the Gold Coast, the annual series against New Zealand. Selected athletes will join the National Team High Performance Camp from Saturday 3 July before test matches against the New Zealand American Football Federation (NZAFF) on Saturday 10 July. The squads will be led by reappointed head coaches Mitch Woellner (juniors) and Pete Breuer (Men's).


Wade Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of American Football Australia, said:

"Tackle is where American football began in Australia and remains central to everything we do. Our Digital Talent ID platform will allow national coaches to assess players from every state against the same standards."

Mitch Woellner, Head Coach of the Junior Australian Teams, said:

"Stats don't tell us much, but film does. We want to see effort, composure and the desire to finish every play. Show us that you execute your technique the same way no matter who is lined up across from you. If you do that consistently, we'll find you."

The 2027 Men's program will use the Digital Talent ID platform for the first time, bringing the junior and senior tackle pathways into line. Further details on the Men's selection process will follow.

Pete Breuer, Head Coach of the Men's Australian Team, said:

"We're looking for players who are committed to competing at the highest level, take pride in representing their country and are willing to put the team ahead of themselves. We want to see athleticism, football IQ, physicality, coachability and accountability. Your submission should give us a genuine insight into who you are as a football player, so please include game film wherever possible. Show us what you can do on the field, what you bring to the team and why you're ready to compete for Australia."

Players looking to prepare can follow the steps on AFA's TackleTalent ID 'Film Guide.



PLAYER EXPRESSION OF INTEREST:

  • Open to:

    • U16 (born 2011 or 2012)

    • U18 (born 2009 or 2010)

    • Senior Men's


APPLY NOW:



Closes: Monday 4 January 2027

Players notified: January 2027


Interest in Coaching? Coaches can apply via the coaching expression of interest, which remains open until Tuesday 1 December 2026.



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Stay up to date on American Football in Australia, follow @americanfootballau on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 


For more information on American football in Australia, visit americanfootball.org.au 


Download the AFA app today:



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Media contact

Brock Bentley Chief Marketing Officer, American Football Australia



American Football Australia


American Football Australia (AFA) is the national governing body for American Football in Australia, recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and a full member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). AFA is responsible for national competitions and the development of Australian national teams across both tackle and flag football.

 
 
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