Aaron Cadman (Darley), Felix Fogaty (East Point), George Stevens (South Warrnambool) and James Van Es (North Ballarat) were all named in the boys squad, which converged on Essendon's facilities last week to undergo medical screenings and fitness tests.

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Individual development plans and training programs were also created in preparation for the 2022 season.

The quartet all featured as bottom-aged players for the Rebels in 2021, helping their side to an impressive second-place finish.

Paige Scott (Carisbrook) and Kalani Scoullar (Ballarat Swans) have been named in the girls squad after impressive years.

Scott played for Vic Country as a 16-year-old at the 2021 AFL under-19 championships, kicking seven goals across her three games.

Scoullar, a boarder at Ballarat Clarendon College, is an emerging ruck talent and played alongside Scott at the under-19 championships.

The 190-cm up-and-comer also took home the Rebels' most improved player award in a 2021 season that saw her side reach the preliminary final.

The squads will return for a second three-day camp early next year to learn about preparation, recovery and football-life balance, take part in two full training sessions and conduct first official interviews with AFL club recruiters.

Players who missed out on these initial squads will be given every opportunity to develop in the system next year, with many extra players required to fill the national championship squads for both boys and girls.

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