Young NGA player in the MFC program 

Draft eligible for 2026 draft 

(we think he’s eligible … at least until the AFL changes the rules) 

Had a great under 16s championship and made All Australian under 16 Team

here was the write up 

Forward Pocket: Marcus Prasad
Vic Country | 168cms | 23/03/2008

Prasad recently made his debut for Dandenong Stingrays’ Under 18 side and packs a punch at 167cm. Primarily playing as a small forward, the diminutive talent was crafty with ball in hand but also provided fierce defensive pressure to average 16.3 disposals and 5.7 tackles per game. His repeat efforts were complimented by sharp finishing on goal, proving an impactful creator both in attack and through midfield. 

Marcus also played in the finals for the Dandenong Stingrays. Whilst being 2-3 years younger than other players, his sharp footskills and evasive talents were good to see.  Hes small but that’s probably ok for a forward pocket.  Nick Watson is 170cms.  🤔

 

Edited September 12, 20241 yr by spirit of norm smith
V

Has speed and good inside 50 iq from the limited stuff I've seen.

Would be nice to have more transparency from the afl about which players are NGA with club exclusive rights.

gosh he's tiny

does anyone know if he's actually eligible to be selected by us, or is it another ah-mu myth?

So the AFL has a year or so to unhook Marcus from being eligible?

25 minutes ago, Clintosaurus said:

So the AFL has a year or so to unhook Marcus from being eligible?

Apparently new AFL ruling for NGA… anyone called “Marcus” is ineligible!!!! 🤣🤣

Its the Academy you have when you do not have one.

AFL informs the MFC of the new NGA draft rules introduced in mid-2026.

To be eligible he must have at least one parent born in a non-English speaking country or identify as Aboriginal or Torre Strait Islander.

It appears in the case of Ah-Mu even though Samoa has its own language English is widely spoken as a sort of 2nd language. Its the multicultural background you have when you don't have a multicultural background.

In the context of the AFL’s Next Generation Academy (NGA), a “diverse background” refers to players who come from either an Indigenous or multicultural background. Here’s a breakdown:

Indigenous Background

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander: Players who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are considered to have an Indigenous background¹.

Multicultural Background

• Non-English Speaking Country: Players who have at least one parent born in a non-English speaking country are considered to have a multicultural background¹.

Might have a bit of growth left at that age.

Might push up to 171cm which is Kozzies height, so it shouldn't be an issue. He looks tiny in that picture though! 

Fingers crossed for this one.

Not a bad year a bag of 7, 6 and 5 goals.  Lots of best player stats. 

https://www.playhq.com/public/profile/944cb87e-9898-415e-a3fa-9aff1ecf3720/statistics?tenant=afl

Some big bags of 9 and even 13 v rosebud in under 14 comp

Edited September 13, 20241 yr by Rocknroll

Is he eligible to be drafted by us as an Academy player???

Can he also bowl spin??⁹

Write up from his Vic Country trial game last week where he was named in the best.

Still a bottom age prospect but is certainly top 20 even top 15 calculations for the 2026 draft.

#7 Marcus Prasad (Dandenong Stingrays)
Small Forward | 167cm | 23/03/2008

Energetic is usually an apt descriptor of Prasad, and it proved as much again as he darted his way around Country’s forward half. The diminutive bottom-ager was most often sighted hitting up outside attacking 50, proving a key link in the chain en route to goal. He swooped on ground balls and looked to be creative by foot, also snapping a classic crumbing goal during the third quarter.

But can he bowl a DOOSRA??

Edited April 23Apr 23 by picket fence

The small forward I want at the end of this year might come to us at the end of 26.

16 minutes ago, Adam The God said:

The small forward I want at the end of this year might come to us at the end of 26.

can you name him?

Just now, Wells 11 said:

can you name him?

I want any dangerous small forward. Prasad has traits we'd be after.

I’m guessing our future first pick will be on the trade table again this year so.

3 minutes ago, Colm said:

I’m guessing our future first pick will be on the trade table again this year so.

100%.

7 minutes ago, Adam The God said:

100%.

Use it to get back into first round 2025

Another exciting young talent from the Demons NGA.

Hope he continues to grow a few more centimetres too.

He shall forthwith be nicknamed The Grand High Wizard, and all footy fans and media institutions must refer to him as such.

And put trust in his otherworldly magical powers with ball in hand, despite not having shown them on the big stage yet.

Edited April 23Apr 23 by John Demonic

Prasad is certainly one to get excited about. Likened to a young Kozzie. We also should pick up Sinnema who is elite by foot and has some speed.

Edited April 23Apr 23 by Dee Viney Intervention

What is the rule with taking NGA players atm?