Marlon Neocleous, a small forward for Gippsland Power, was on his team’s bus heading to Bendigo on Thursday when he received a call that changed his day. He had been informed that he would be a late addition to the AFL Academy side. His Gippsland team had a match in Bendigo the following morning, over three hours away from his home in Traralgon. During school holidays, Neocleous returned to his home in Traralgon after playing for Caulfield Grammar.
After receiving congratulations from his teammates, he was dropped off at Officer, on the outskirts of Melbourne, and immediately returned home to prepare for a game that many believed he should have been part of all along.
“He’s been really solid playing more midfield than he did last year, but we’re mindful of the fact he’s one of the better small forwards in the competition. He can tear a game apart like he did in three or four minutes in Round 3,” said Gippsland Power coach Kris Pendlebury, speaking to Zero Hanger.
“He has maximum impact when the ball’s in his area. He’s the ultimate professional who gives himself every chance to play well.”
When the squad was released last year, an industry insider overlooked Neocleous’ omission, convinced he must have been on the list. The prevailing belief was that a three-goal, 20-disposal performance in the 2025 Under-17s Futures game last year secured him a spot he likely already had a grasp on—yet he was ultimately overlooked.
Neocleous represented Vic Country as a bottom-ager last year and is considered one of the most talented and entertaining players in the crop. Those around him believe the omission would have fueled him during the pre-season. After dynamic moments in the first fortnight, the Nick Watson-like small forward exploded with 20 disposals and four goals last week.
“Running patterns when he’s in the midfield is the next thing we’ve been working on with him because all the boys in there naturally are used to being the go-tos at local level. Sacrificing at times and understanding when to run defensive so we can share the load in the midfield,” added Pendlebury.
Neocleous will be one of three Gippslanders to feature in the match, alongside Xavier Ladbrook and Wil Malady.
Xavier Ladbrook, a mobile tall utility, is a raw and intriguing prospect who has started the year well in the backline. “I’ve been working with him on positioning—I want him to start in front and cut angles left and right as opposed to being back shoulder. He’s doing that really well,” said Pendlebury.
“His defensive work across the first three rounds has been really strong. I think in Round 3, he showcased the offensive side to his game, his running and creating width and length with ball in hand. He’s such a strong runner that forwards won’t be able to go with him down the field. I think he’s one of the better kicks, and with his speed and agility, he gives himself enough time to make really good decisions.”
Wil Malady, a 190cm forward who also represented Vic Country last year, kicked six goals against Murray Bushrangers in Round 1 and has taken a step forward after a promising bottom-aged campaign. “He’s a focal point for us no doubt, but the thing that has surprised me the most about him has been his leadership,” said Pendlebury.
“In Round 1, he ran out and gave the backs a stern talking to, which I was all for because he’s really well respected within the playing group. As well as his offensive talent, it’s probably his buy-in defensively—little things that don’t come as naturally to him as taking marks and kicking goals. So I think that part of his game is rounding out really nicely.”
The AFL Academy is set to take on North Melbourne’s VFL side at Arden Street Oval at 12:30 pm on Sunday, followed by a clash against Richmond VFL at Ikon Park on Saturday, 18 April.
Northern Territory small forward Sonny Smiler and Sturt defender Kale Matthews-Hampton were previously confirmed as other late additions. South Australian prospect Gabe Paterson and Murray’s Tanner Armstrong are expected to play despite missing last week with minor injuries.
Plenty of eyes will be on how Carlton father-son prospect Cody Walker handles the step up against VFL opponents, after a strong start to the Talent League season.
Sandringham’s Arki Butler and South Australian pair Kodah Edwards and Ethan Herbert will also have plenty of eyes on them after big starts to 2026.
