The long-touted junior is ready to make the step up as a banner draft year awaits in 2025 and those in the know have duly recognised his efforts.
By the end of next week Onley will be no longer merely an understudy to the likes of current draft prospects Matt and Jack Whitlock or Oliver Warburton.
He’s set to take the reins as the region’s top prospect — and there’s no better way to position yourself as one to watch than with a berth in the AFL National Academy squad, as announced on Tuesday.
Onley earned his shot following a standout 2024 as a bottom-age prospect with the Murray Bushrangers, earning his way into the Vic Country side a year early at the national under-18 championships where he featured alongside the aforementioned likely draftees.
He’s one of five Vic Country players to earn their place in the boys’ squad and one of two Bushrangers, with North Albury representative Liam Hetherton also getting the nod.
This was anything but a chance occurrence, though, and he knew he had positioned himself well.
“I knew it was coming out around that time, but I felt pretty emotional,” Onley said.
“My dad’s big in my life and it’s been a dream of mine making it because we’d been discussing it for years and years.
“I felt like I had a good enough season where I deserved to make it.
“(My parents) have made a lot of sacrifices for what I do and I’m very thankful for the opportunities they’ve provided me.
“They’ve been very supportive during this stressful time with exams and footy.”
Also by Onley’s side throughout his rise through the pathways have been the “big three” 2024 prospects who have shared a locker room with him at the Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country.
“I’ve had ‘Warby’ around and he’s been a big help to talk to,” Onley said.
“The Whitlocks are a whole different thing. I spend probably 90 per cent of my weekends with them and they help out with anything.
“I’ll be at the Whitlock table at the draft next week and I’ll definitely get a bit emotional if they get called out.
“I’ve put myself in good stead in terms of my form and it gives me confidence that I can take on the best of the best, whether that’s at nationals or hopefully for team Australia and so on.
“It’s very cool, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given.”
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