Athletic defenders Diing Mayen and Lual Deng are among a fleet of rising stars emerging through North Melbourne's Academy.

The exciting pair, who share a South Sudanese background and are based in the club's NGA region of Wyndham, represented Vic Metro in the recent 2026 U16 AFL National Development Championships, and the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League.

Mayen and Deng, who will be draft eligible in 2028, showcased their versatility across the championships, Academy coordinator Dan Marie told NMFC Media.

"They move really well for their height, they're quick and are good by foot," Marie said.

"Diing's a real leader, and Lual has an outstanding character, too.

"They're both exciting players and they’re both going to keep learning and developing."

Mayen also recently featured for the AFL Multicultural Futures team in a showcase match at RSEA Park against the AFL Indigenous Futures side. The AFL Indigenous and Multicultural Futures programs comprise talented 16 and 17-year-olds, many of whom meet the AFL’s Next Generation Academy criteria.

Echuca pair dazzle for Futures team

Opposing Mayen and representing the AFL Indigenous Futures team were fellow Kangaroos Academy members Jackson Butterworth and Lynkoln Richardson, who both hail from Echuca, in the club's new NGA northern corridor.

Butterworth, who made three U16 appearances for Vic Country this season, will suit up for Talent League side Bendigo Pioneers in 2027, as will Richardson.

Like Mayen and Deng, Butterworth and Richardson will be eligible for the AFL Draft in 2028.

"Jackson's strengths are in the contest, the way he wins the footy, his ability to break lines, drive through stoppage and set the next person up," Academy coordinator Matt Carnie said.

"He's dynamic and brings players together as well, which is a testament to his character.

"Playing for the Indigenous team was great for him, to get another run in before Talent League.

"Lynk played outside on the wing and played his role really nicely (against the Multicultural Futures).

"He's a beautiful user of the footy, he's a smart decision-maker as well, whether it’s coming off half-back, out on the wing or as a high half-forward.

"He's another great kid building towards Talent League with Jackson."

Elite Roos hit Arden St

North Melbourne welcomed participants from its Elite Roos Academy program at Arden St last Thursday and Friday. 

The program, for 16-19 year-old players, offers youngsters in the club’s western and northern academy regions extra development, complementing the elite talent pathways in Victoria and interstate.

The players used Arden St Oval for skillwork and conditioning, and the indoor facilities for recovery and education.

"They get a real taste of everything," Marie said.

"We had (AFL assistant coach) Michael Barlow in as well to talk to the group about his journey through footy and how it's not a straightforward path for everyone, and then a bit about what it looks like when you get (to the AFL/W) as well."