Caiden Cleary is one of six QBE Academy athletes selected for the Allies team. He was also part of the 2022 Allies team.

The Sydney Swans will have a solid representation at the 2023 U18 National Championships this year with six players and one staff member selected to represent the Allies throughout June and July.

Athletes Indhi Kirk, Caiden Clearey, Lachlan Cabor, Caleb May, Max Rider and Tye Gander have earned Allies selection as has QBE Sydney Swans U18 boys coach Mark McVeigh.

A total of 31 players (12 NSW/ACT players) have been selected in the Allies squad, comprising of players from the Northern Territory, NSW/ACT, Queensland and Tasmania.

The Allies squad have come together for their first training camp in Sydney this weekend in preparation for the commencement of the Championships.

The 2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Boys will be played across Australia throughout June and July, featuring the Allies, South Australia, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro and Western Australia. Full Fixture HERE.

QBE Sydney Swans Academy U18 Head Coach Mark McVeigh will coach the Allies team.

Coach Mark McVeigh said having six of the club's athletes was 'an amazing result' and said he felt very fortunate to be selected as coach of the team and be involved in the development of Allies talent.

"I am very lucky and honoured to be selected to be the coach of the 2023 Allies Squad," he said.

"We have an outstanding list of players from excellent football states NSW, ACT, Queensland ,Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

McVeigh also spoke of his selected QBE Academy athletes and provided insight into each player:

Caiden Cleary in action for the QBE Academy.

Caiden Cleary - Sydney Swans Academy / Sydney Uni
Caiden is in really good form at the moment and has been outstanding representing the AFL Academy. Lookout for his contest work and ability to tackle and pressure the opposition, I expect him to have a big carnival and further establish himself as a draft prospect.

Caleb May playing for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy against Tasmania. Image: Keith McInnes.

Caleb May - Sydney Swans Academy / South West Sydney Blues
Caleb is one of the most exciting ruckmen in the country, standing at 207cm he is an imposing figure who can run and also use the ball very well. His form in the Coates League has been really strong, the combination of Caleb and Ethan Read (Gold Coast Suns) is one to watch.

Max Rider playing for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy against Tasmania. Image: Keith McInnes.

Max Rider - Sydney Swans Academy / UNSW Eastern Suburbs
Max has had a gradual build this year and has shown some unique and x-factor skills to be selected in the Allies. His ability to mark the ball overhead and create goals out of nothing is exciting for the Allies and our QBE Swans Academy for the future.

Tye Gander playing for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy against Tasmania. Image: Keith McInnes.

Tye Gander- Sydney Swans Academy / St.George Dragons
Tye is a 19-year old QBE Academy member and has been rewarded for his form throughout the year. Tye can do the spectacular. Take a big mark, kick the impossible goal and do things most players cannot.

Lachlan Cabour in action for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. Image: Keith McInnes

Lachlan Cabor - Sydney Swans Academy / Shellharbour
Another Member of the AFL Academy who has embraced playing in different positions with professionalism and dedication. Lachie's ability to be calm in in the contest and still dispose of the ball to the advantage of his teammates is a real strength. Lachie  has been a very important part of the QBE Swans Academy success in 2023.

Indhi Kirk playing for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.


Indie Kirk - Sydney Swans Academy / UNSW Eastern Suburbs
Indie has had an outstanding year and has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects of 2023. Humble and hungry sums up Indie Kirk and the sky is the limit for this young man.