Swans fans in Melbourne can watch QBE Sydney Swans Academy players and future stars of the game, Lachlan Carmichael and Noah Chamberlain, this weekend when the 2025 Marsh AFL National Academy Boys squad represents the Australia U18 team.

The young stars will play for Australia for the first of two matches in this year’s program when they take on Richmond’s VFL team at RSEA Park on Sunday, April 13.

They will also play against VFL outfit Coburg at Mission Whitten Oval on Sunday April 27.

Carmichael is a strong and versatile small defender, while Chamberlain is a dynamic forward.

Carmichael said he was looking forward to the experience. 

'It's a bit nerve-wracking, playing on the big stage, but it's a great opportunity for me and Noah to go showcase Bloods footy and hopefully bring a bit of action," Carmichael said. 

"It's a very rare thing playing against a VFL team at our age, so I think it's good exposure against bigger bodies and just connecting with the best players from our country will be a massive honour and a good experience."

Chamberlain said he was excited by the opportunity to represent his country.

"A massive honour, I can't really put into words just the opportunity that's been given to us to represent our country, also to represent the Swans and our families and friends so its a big opportunity," Chamberlain said. 

"Hopefully I can kick a couple of goals, I'm a high half forward that loves to compete, just get the ball to ground, take some marks and have that competitive edge to compete and try my best."

The National Academy is a holistic football and personal development program, providing the next generation of stars with valuable experiences, insights and opportunities to best prepare them for the next steps in their football journey.

The Marsh AFL National Academy Boys squad will arrive in Melbourne on Thursday for the second camp of the 2025 program. It follows an induction camp that was held in Victoria last December.

The squad will feature in a range of high-performance, wellbeing, education and team bonding sessions throughout the three-day camp.

They will train at North Melbourne’s Arden Street Oval on Friday and Saturday morning in preparation for Sunday’s match at RSEA Park.