The objective of the NSW scholarship program, created by the AFL in 2005, is to develop and promote AFL in the NSW region.  The idea is to identify those players who have the potential to make it into the AFL, with clubs eligible to sign players and develop their game, before having first rights to drafting them when the players become draft eligible.

The window for signing players for the program ceased at the end of 2010 with introduction of the Sydney Swans and GWS academies.

Height: 185 cm
DOB: 20-08-1993
Weight: 63 kg
From: Glen Alpine (Campbelltown)

Yakimov, a 185-centimetre midfielder from the Western Suburbs Football Club, has chosen the Magpies ahead of a number of other AFL clubs who were pursuing his signature.

Collingwood’s national recruiting manager Derek Hine, who identified Yakimov during the New South Wales state under 15 and 16 championships in 2008, was delighted to have brought a talented midfielder into the New South Wales scholarship program, complementing a group comprising plenty of developing height and size. 

“We see Adrian actually going through the middle of the ground, and that was at the forefront of our thinking, to bring in a smaller player who could potentially develop as a midfielder,” Hine said.

Height: 189 cm
DOB:  15-04-93
Weight: 75 kg
From: Tathra Sea Eagles (NSW)

The 189 centimetre utility was identified by the club in 2009 when playing for the Cats (under-16s) in the Riverview carnival under15/16 Australian Championship held in Sydney.

Derek Hine on Carracher in season 2011: Tyson Carracher completed a strong pre season and had a very strong start to the season with Ainslie and the NSW Rams however unfortunately he has injured his knee which required surgery he may be back later in the season but there is a bit of wait and see as to when Tyson will resume his rehab is ahead of schedule which is pleasing.

From: Batemans Bay (NSW)

Elijah was signed at the start of 2010 as a 14-year-old and will spend the next four years improving his game until he can come into consideration for a place on Collingwood's senior list.

Elijah relocated to Melbourne from Bateman’s Bay at the start of the 2011 season and is playing for Scotch College.

Played with John in the under 16 NSW squad for the national championships.

Height: 190 cm
DOB:  02/06/95
Weight: 78 kg
From: Western Suburbs (NSW)

John was signed in April 2010 as a 15-year-old after the club discovered him in a state carnival held in Aubury last year.

Played with Elijah in the under 16 NSW squad for the national championships.

Collingwood's NSW Scholarship Holders (2005 - 2010)