Tathra's Tarni Evans will advance her AFLW potential into the 2020 season.
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Tarni, 17, who now plays out of the Queanbeyan Tigers has been named as part of the Level 2 AFL Women's Academy squad.
AFL NSW/ACT officials said Tarni was among some of the most promising young female players across the state and were excited to see her continued development.
Tarni and each of the players in the level 1 and level 2 Academy squads will receive a NAB Women's Academy scholarship that provides high performance camps and personal development opportunities over a 12-month period.
Tarni will be one of five players from the NSW/ACT region named in the squads, an increase on three players from this season.
AFL NSW/ACT female talent manager Ash Moeller said he was pleased to see an increase of representation in the academy.
"We are very pleased to have five girls selected in the AFLW Academy's 2020 intake and it further highlights the great progress we are making in the talent space," Moeller said.
"Tarni, Jayde, Abby, Emily and Ally are all deserving of their place in the Academy following very strong years in their respective competitions.
"Whilst the Academy plays host to the most talented U18 girls across the country it has an even balance of playing types with the aim to assist girls on and off the field in 2020 in conjunction with their state representation.
The Academy plays host to the most talented U18 girls across the country
- Ash Moeller
"The news follows a great result in the 2019 NAB AFLW draft in which 18 NSW/ACT based girls were taken in the draft with five having been through the pathway in the past two years.
"As a state through the community leagues, talent pathways and coaching it is pleasing to see the progress and rewards such as the draft results and academy representation."
The NAB AFLW Academy is part of the NAB AFLW Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL and AFLW.
Earlier this year Tarni said she had been enjoying the opportunities the Academy had brought, including a run with the ACT Rams.
Talent scouts were also singing Tarni's praises during an appearance for the Eastern Allies as part of the AFL Women's under 18 championships recently.
Spotters said Tarni was exceptional at attacking the ball and even bombing in some long range kicks.
"She went hard at every opportunity and showcased her intent," they said.