Selected by AFL club recruiters following the national male diversity championships in Blacktown, the world team and Flying Boomerangs squads of 25 young men have been chosen based on school attendance, leadership skills and football ability.

Hayley joins Southern Tasmanians Jayden Applebee and Oliver Burrows-Cheng.

The AFL Flying Boomerangs program is a personal development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men aged 14-16 while the world team is made up of the best upcoming AFL multicultural players.

AFL general manager of game development Andrew Dillon said the programs are a great opportunity for the best rising talent to develop on and off the field.

“These are more than just programs, we are now preparing the next generation of young leaders and footballers with the skills, qualities, and experiences to become positive role models amongst their own families and within their broader communities.

“Over the past few years we have seen the Diversity Championships grow into a genuine elite talent pathway and we look forward to witnessing the next stage of development for these players, coaches, and umpires,” he said. 

Dillon praised the players’ “impressive” performances at the national diversity championships in Blacktown this week.