U18 National Championships 2025

[one-eyed]

U18 National Championships 2025 - Fixture

                                                                           Location
Sun, June 1     Allies v South Australia                       NSW          12:00pm
Sat, June 7      Western Australia v Victoria Country    WA            10:00am
Sun, June 8     South Australia v Victoria Metro           SA            10:05am
Sun, June 15   South Australia v Western Australia      SA            12:00pm
Sun, June 29   Allies v Western Australia                    VIC           10:35am
Sun, June 29   Victoria Country v South Australia        VIC            1:05pm
Sat, July 5       Allies v Victoria Country                      VIC          11:00am
Sun, July 6      Western Australia v Victoria Metro        WA          12:00pm 
Sun, July 13     Allies v Victoria Metro                        QLD          10:35am
Sun, July 20    Victoria Country v Victoria Metro          VIC          10:35am

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1282618/2025-marsh-afl-national-championships-schedule-announced

[one-eyed]

Tall timber dominates as SA edges past Allies in U18 Champs opener

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
1 June 2025

ALLIES                      2.4     5.6     9.8     11.10 (76)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA   4.3     8.3     10.8     12.11 (83)

GOALS
Allies: Murray 4, Miller 3, Hamilton 3, Corrigan
South Australia: Schubert 4, Marsh 4, Barker 2, Peucker, Nairn

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7866

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TALL forward pair Mitch Marsh and Aidan Schubert were dominant in attack to help steer South Australia to a seven-point win over the Allies in the opening game of the Marsh U18 Boys National Championships.

The entertaining clash was punctuated by a host of strong performances, including SA's pair of targets Schubert and Marsh booting four goals each.

The 195cm Schubert was a standout with his marking and capability at ground level, while Marsh showed his polish around goal and capacity to find space on the lead and convert his shots with his penetrating left-foot. Recruiters have seen the 191cm Marsh building in the lead-up to the national carnival and a big championships could solidify his first-round position.

The pair were crucial in their team's 12.11 (83) to 11.10 (76) win at Blacktown on Sunday, with Harley Barker also impressing with two goals from 15 disposals.

Noah Roberts-Thomson, the cousin of 2005 Swans premiership player Lewis, was busy with 17 disposals, Jim Kelly had 20 touches off half-back, Luke Candy had 21 disposals and four clearances and Dyson Sharp had 17 disposals in the middle.

The Allies also had a tall forward take the eye, with Taj Murray kicking four goals in a strong display from nine disposals, while also going through the ruck, where he had 15 hitouts. Murray, who is from the Northern Territory but is playing at North Adelaide this season, was consistently a threat in the air.

The Allies trailed by 15 points at half-time of the clash but made a late run for the win, with small forward Jack Miller (three goals), a Tasmanian, and midfielder Ryder Corrigan (17 disposals, one goal) providing energy throughout.

Brisbane Academy talent Daniel Annable, a potential top-three pick at the draft, did what he always does and had 26 disposals, while Gold Coast's Dylan Patterson showed he will be right in the top-10 frame as well with 23 disposals, six marks, three clearances and his trademark speed.

Fellow Suns Academy products Koby Coulson (25 disposals) and Beau Addinsall (seven clearances) were busy in the midfield for the Allies as well.   

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1331313/tall-timber-dominants-as-sa-edges-past-allies-in-u18-champs-opener

[one-eyed]

Top prospect, Tigers father-son fire SA to huge win over Vic Metro

Dyson Sharp, Louis Kellaway and Aidan Schubert impress for South Australia against Vic Metro

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
8 June 2025

SOUTH AUSTRALIA    2.2    7.5     11.8   15.10 (100)
VIC METRO               3.3    4.3      4.8      5.9 (39)
 
GOALS
South Australia: Schubert 3, Sharp 2, Peucker 2, Cumming 2, Barker, Marsh, Nairn, Nye, Reichelt, Roberts-Thomson
Vic Metro: Bamert, Dovaston, Greeves, McCarthy, Saxena

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7860

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1338420/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-sa-v-vic-metro

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South Australia's skipper Dyson Sharp has powered his side to its second straight win of the Marsh AFL Under-18 National Championships with a commanding midfield display.

Sharp's run of recent form continued in his state's second game of the national carnival on Sunday with 32 disposals and two goals in the 61-point thrashing of Vic Metro at Alberton Oval.

The Central District prospect was the standout midfielder on the ground and his ability to float forward and also hit the scoreboard to go with his game-high six clearances made him the clear best afield in the 15.10 (100) to 5.9 (39) win.

Sharp is viewed as a first-round draftee and showed his muscle around the contest, as did Sam Cumming, who was also excellent with two goals from 19 disposals for SA.

Richmond father-son prospect Louis Kellaway (son of former Tiger Duncan) found 19 touches, while tall forward Aidan Schubert backed up last week's four goals against the Allies with another three majors.

Mitch Marsh, who also booted four goals last week, could have had as many again if not for inaccuracy in windy conditions, with the marking option kicking 1.3.

Vic Metro got the early lead, with a seven-point advantage at quarter time, but managed just two goals after that to South Australia's 13.

The smacking saw SA register 46 inside-50s to Vic Metro's 26, with Ollie Greeves' 27 disposals, one goal and five clearances making him Metro's most consistent player across the game.

Kye Fincher, who is tied to St Kilda's Next Generation Academy, cracked in for 27 touches as well, while potential No.1 pick Cooper Duff-Tytler collected 18 disposals and 21 hitouts whilst rucking around the ground.

Aaron Sharkie (19 disposals), Sam Grlj (18) and Collingwood father-son Tom McGuane (15) - the son of Magpies premiership player Mick - were others to get some of the ball for Metro, but it was a tough day for their forwards with South Australia's midfield dominance.

South Australia will host Western Australia next week at Alberton Oval as the home team looks to go 3-0 and be hot favourites to take out this year's championships.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1335783/first-round-prospect-dyson-sharp-tigers-father-son-louis-kellaway-fire-south-australia-to-huge-win-over-vic-metro

[Diocletian]

Vic Metro getting flogged by SA or anyone is usually a good indicator that it's a weak draft and it does look like a very ordinary crop, the more I see, the more I'm convinced trading out for Reid is a no-brainer. Hell trading into next year's draft (which is apparently a lot stronger & less compromised)if Reid's not available might even be a smarter option. A few look ok , Rodriguez , Hibbins-Hargraves are the types we need but for pick 25 , not top 5. The best mids look about the level of Gross & Allen from last year's draft. Burton looks ok but no stand out, Sharp's a brute but slow, Duursma's a classy mover but a worse butcher than Taranto, Greeves - a worse version of Sharp, the supposed "unicorn" & next Luke Jackson CDT doesn't look anything special to me. Kellaway looks almost as good as any of them and we'll be getting him anyway. Everyone up to & including Murphy Reid and probably a few after like Armstrong would easily go pick one this year.

[one-eyed]

Late goal gets the job done as WA downs Vic Country

Hudson Walker kicks the winning goal with 30 seconds remaining to give Western Australia a three-point win

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
8 June 2025

WESTERN AUSTRALIA    1.2   5.6   10.7   12.9 (81)
VIC COUNTRY               3.3   4.6   8.10   11.12 (78)

GOALS
Western Australia: Curtin 3, Rodriguez 2, Banfield, Farrow, Kelly, Swadling, Walker, Watson, Whan
Vic Country: Hibbins-Hargeaves 4, Malady 2, Ah-Mu 2, Mellor, Neocleous, Smith

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7865

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1337217/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-wa-v-vic-country

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A STANDOUT game from Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves wasn't enough for Vic Country as Western Australia clinched a win with the final kick of the game in the Marsh AFL National Under-18 Boys Championships contest on Saturday.

Hibbins-Hargreaves announced himself as a potential top-15 pick with his best game of the season with four goals, including two late ones in the final term to lift Vic Country to the lead.

But in an entertaining clash at Mineral Resources Park in Perth, it was local talent Hudson Walker who stole the show with a set shot goal with 30 seconds remaining. With WA three points down, Walker's kick sailed through to hand his state a three-point victory in their first outing of the national carnival.

It capped a promising display from the Subiaco talent, who finished with 16 disposals and seven tackles and was a contributor throughout the game. It was among an even spread of performers for WA, with Fremantle Next Generation Academy member Toby Whan having 18 disposals and a goal, while midfielder Fred Rodriquez kicked two goals from 17 disposals and six tackles to show his wares as his state's leading on-ball prospect.

Jacob Farrow had some exciting moments, while Oscar Willis (16 disposals), Sam Swadling (1.3 from 12 disposals) and Cody Curtin (three goals) were also among the key players for WA.

Vic Country got the early running in the game in leading by 13 points at quarter time, but WA hit back with four goals in the second term and five in the third to take control before Country's late counterpunch.

Fresh from kicking the matchwinner for the Dandenong Stingrays at Coates Talent League level last week, Hibbins-Hargreaves again underlined his front-half talents as an eyecatcher for Vic Country with his four goals coming from 17 touches.

Geelong Falcons midfielder Josh Lindsay was the leading ball-getter in the game with 29 disposals and eight marks and some penetrating play, while Willem Duursma collected 26 disposals and seven marks playing through the midfield. Classy bottom-ager Will Malady, who is draft eligible next year, kicked two goals.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1335782/late-goal-gets-the-job-done-as-western-australia-downs-vic-country

[one-eyed]

SA gun jumps up draft rankings with seven in big win over WA

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
15 June 2025

SOUTH AUSTRALIA           4.5     7.8   12.12    17.14 (116)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA      1.1     3.1    4.2        6.4 (40)

GOALS
South Australia: Nairn 7, Marsh 2, Marsh 2, Ainsworth, Alver, Cumming, Nye, Peucker, Schubert
Western Australia: Hallett 2, Kelly, Walker, Watson, Williams

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7857#player-stats

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CAMERON Nairn started this year as a draft hopeful with some tricks. He ended Sunday's Marsh Under-18 Championships as a genuine top 20 pick chance after a huge outing.

The crafty medium forward booted seven goals in a clear best-on-ground display as South Australia smashed Western Australia by 76 points at Alberton Oval.

Nairn was everywhere from the start, booting three goals in the first quarter, one in the second, two in the third and one in the last to complete one of the biggest goal hauls in recent under-18 championships history. His reel of moments was the big takeaway from SA's 17.14 (116) to 6.4 (40) win over WA.

The 189cm Central District talent has averaged two goals a game at SANFL under-18 level this season but boosted his draft stocks with the brilliant display that included set shots, clever snaps and marking prowess.

His performance came as South Australia dominated for its third straight win of the carnival as it eyes its first under-18 title since 2018, when it boasted three top-five picks – Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Connor Rozee.

Against WA, midfield dynamo Dyson Sharp had another excellent game as he heads into Larke Medal favouritism, collecting 33 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances in an impressive display, while Aidan Schubert (21 disposals, one goal) also continued his ascent up draft boards into top-15 contention.

Jack Cook (19 disposals), Harley Barker (19), Louis Kellaway (21) and Mitch Marsh (2.3) were other South Australians to take the eye in front of recruiters ahead of their final game of the carnival in two weeks against Vic Country on June 29.

Western Australia will also play that day at Marvel Stadium against the Allies and will be hoping for a better performance after Sunday's smashing.

Sam Swadling (20 disposals), Matthew Becker (19) and Fred Rodriguez (20) battled hard, while Luke Hallett kicked two goals. Benji van Rooyen, the younger brother of Melbourne's Jacob, played in the ruck and had 14 disposals and six clearances in a strong effort.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1341613/sa-gun-jumps-up-draft-rankings-with-seven-in-big-win-over-wa

[one-eyed]

Marsh propels unbeaten SA to championship title with five-goal haul

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
29 June 2025

VIC COUNTRY            2.4    3.7    5.8       8.9 (57)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA    2.6    4.7    10.10   13.13 (91)

GOALS
Vic Country: Mellor 3, Ah-Mu 2, Harding, Hibbins-Hargreaves, Mikunda
South Australia: Marsh 5, Schubert 2, Barker, Cumming, Dahlitz, Oudshoorn-Bennier, Peucker, Sharp

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7859#player-stats

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1353328/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-vic-country-v-sa

MITCH Marsh starred as South Australia stormed to its first Marsh AFL National Under-18 Boys Championships title since 2018, claiming the outright win on Sunday with its fourth straight victory of the national carnival.

And it was again led by the group of players who have pushed up their draft stocks, with Dyson Sharp, Marsh and Aidan Schubert central to the victory over Vic Country at Marvel Stadium.

The 34-point win under the roof in Melbourne completes South Australia's clean sweep of the carnival in their fourth and final game to win 13.13 (91) to 8.9 (57) and go through unbeaten.

Marsh's haul of five goals took his tally to 12 for the carnival, with the left-footer continuing to show his smarts inside-50 and his classy conversion skills to stamp himself as a first-round draft talent. The son of former Crows and Tigers player Ben is not eligible for either club as a father-son pick.

Schubert was also excellent, capping a terrific championships with two goals from 19 disposals and six marks, with the SA key forward proving hard to stop for Vic Country, while Sharp finished with 21 disposals and a goal and was instrumental in setting up the win. The SA captain was also named his state's most valuable player for the carnival.

Jack Cook (21 disposals), ruckman Sam Ainsworth (21 disposals, 12 hitouts) and Jett Dahlitz (19) were also consistent contributors in SA's win.

Vic Country started strongly and only trailed by six points at half-time before being blown away in the second half, booting five goals to South Australia's nine.

Josh Lindsay showed his stellar kicking with 28 disposals, Willem Duursma finished with 24, while Brody Atkins had 24.

Geelong Next Generation Academy prospect Jesse Mellor kicked three goals and Tairon Ah-Mu kicked two goals from 12 disposals and 10 marks to show his aerial presence.



https://www.afl.com.au/news/1350056/five-goal-mitch-marsh-propels-unbeaten-south-australia-to-marsh-afl-national-under-18-boys-championships-title

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King's clincher snatches win for U18 Allies over WA

By Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
Jun 29, 2025

ALLIES                             3.7    5.10     8.13     10.19 (79)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA     4.1     7.3      11.5     11.8 (74)

GOALS
Allies: King 2, Wootton, White, Prindable, Miller, McMillan, Kane, Hamilton, Annable
Western Australia: Hallett 3, Walley 2, Williams, Whan, Swadling, Phillips, Luke, Kelly

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7858

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1353653/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-allies-v-wa

SYDNEY Academy star Max King held his nerve to kick a dramatic late winner as the Allies secured its first victory of the Marsh AFL National Under-18 Boys Championships on Sunday.

The athletic King kicked 2.3 in an impressive display up forward, including the winning set-shot with just a couple of minutes remaining, as an inaccurate Allies side overcame Western Australia to win 10.19 (79) to 11.8 (74) at Marvel Stadium.

The sealing goal was set up by Gold Coast's Academy ace Dylan Patterson, who made a searing two-bounce run through the middle of the ground before keeping his composure to spot up an unmarked King inside-50.

Patterson (20 disposals, three marks) is viewed by recruiters as a likely top 10 pick and had been one of the Allies' standout performers, alongside his Suns Academy teammate Koby Coulson (27 disposals, six clearances).

Brisbane Academy jet Dan Annable (25 disposals, five clearances, five tackles, one goal) and fellow Sydney Academy gun Lachlan Carmichael (27 disposals, four tackles) had also impressed across the afternoon.

Western Australia had led for much of the match before conceding the late goal, with defensive pair Jacob Farrow (30 disposals, nine marks) and Dale Sutherland (19 disposals, four tackles) among the best.

Sam Swadling (23 disposals, one goal) and Matthew Becker (20 disposals, four marks) also continued their impressive carnivals, as Western Australia moved to 1-2 ahead of its final game against Vic Metro next week.

Luke Hallett (nine disposals, three goals) and West Coast Academy prospect Wes Walley (10 disposals, two goals) had also looked dangerous in attack throughout for an unfortunate Western Australia side.

The Allies, who moved to 1-1 ahead of successive fixtures against Vic Country and Vic Metro across the next fortnight, also found handy contributors in Brisbane Academy prospect Tyan Prindable (18 disposals, one goal) and Tasmanian youngster Avery Thomas (15 disposals, seven marks).

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1350057/kings-clincher-snatches-win-for-u18-allies-over-wa

[one-eyed]

Blues' father-son talent shines as Vic Country overcome Allies

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
5 July 2025

ALLIES                      3.5         4.7         6.8         10.10 (70)
VIC COUNTRY            1.4         6.5         8.13       11.16 (82)

GOALS
Allies: Miller 3, Hamilton 2, Carmichael, Chamberlain, Corrigan, McMillan, Prindale
Vic Country: Ah-Mu 3, Mellor 3, Byrne, Hibbins-Hargreaves, Jackson-Leahy, Pickett, Smith

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7861

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1357413/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-allies-v-vic-country


CARLTON father-son talent Cody Walker had his best game of the Marsh AFL National Under-18 Boys Championships on Saturday, with the 2026 draft prospect gathering 24 disposals in Vic Country's win.

Vic Country got on the board for their campaign with a 12-point win over the Allies on Saturday at Ikon Park.

And Walker, who has trained with the Blues at the venue as part of the club's father-son program, was excellent with a promising showing through the midfield and forward half. The son of former Blue Andrew Walker is also tied to Richmond's Next Generation Academy zone, and will have a call to make next year on where he nominates.

Already he looks entrenched as a top-five talent looking ahead to the 2026 crop.

Vic Country dominated after half-time, with Geelong NGA prospect Jesse Mellor and Dandenong Stingrays key forward Tairon Ah-Mu both kicking three goals to star in attack, while midfielder Riley Onley was strong with 28 touches and seven clearances.

Another Blues father-son talent – Harry Dean – mopped up things in defence and added further weight to his top-15 draft stocks for this year with 15 disposals for Vic Country.

The Allies trailed by 17 points at three-quarter time but looked like making a late charge in the final quarter when Ryder Corrigan kicked a goal to follow Lachie Carmichael's long bomb, but didn't snatch the victory, with Mellor's late sealer stopping their run.

Swans Academy player Carmichael was among the best with 33 disposals, while usual suspects Dan Annable (23 disposals), Koby Coulson (22) and Dylan Patterson (19) also had highlights.

Tyan Prindable also continued his patch of form with 18 disposals and a goal, while Riley Hamilton booted two majors for the Allies and small forward Jack Miller kicked three. Tall forward Taj Murray returned to the side and showed some of his attri
The Allies finish their carnival next week against Vic Metro at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1355425/carlton-blues-father-son-talent-cody-walker-shines-as-vic-country-overcome-allies

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Draft prospects tied to Magpies, Bombers shine for Vic Metro

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
6 July 2025

WESTERN AUSTRALIA   0.2         2.4         3.5         5.12 (42)
VIC METRO                  2.6         5.7         9.10      11.11 (77)
 
GOALS
Western Australia: Curtin 3, Swadling, Williams
Vic Metro: McCarthy 3, Dovaston 2, El Achkar 2, Emmett, Greeves, Grlj, McGuane

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/7864

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1359449/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-wa-v-vic-metro

POTENTIAL Collingwood and Essendon recruits Zac McCarthy and Hussien El Achkar were lively as Vic Metro nabbed its first win of the Marsh AFL Under-18 Championships on Sunday.

McCarthy, a 200cm key forward, is tied to the Magpies as a Next Generation Academy player and booted three goals for Metro from 11 disposals, four clearances and seven hit-outs to show his first-round status in Metro's 35-point win over Western Australia.

He was supported well at ground level by Bombers NGA talent El Achkar, who booted 2.3 from 15 disposals in his best game of the carnival. The Calder Cannons small forward was busy in creating opportunities and with his pressure, and worked well in tandem with fellow Vic Metro small forward Lachy Dovaston, who also booted 2.3 from 18 touches in a strong display.

Metro got the early running and held control throughout the contest in windy conditions, with Aaron Sharkie leading the way with 29 disposals and Ollie Greeves having 27 touches and also booting a classy goal in the second half.

Jack Dalton, in his first game of the championships, had 23 disposals and Louis Emmett, also returning from injury, had 16 disposals and a goal as well as 11 hitouts in the ruck.

Collingwood father-son prospect Tom McGuane kicked a classy goal in his 19 disposals.

The 11.11 (77) to 5.12 (42) result saw Western Australia end its carnival with just one win, with midfielder Fred Rodriguez putting in a strong effort with 23 disposals and a game-high eight clearances.

Blake Kelly (29 disposals) and Sam Swadling (20 disposals, one goal) were solid, rebounder Matthew Becker stood out and key forward Cody Curtin kicked three goals for WA.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1355426/draft-prospects-zac-mccarthy-and-hussien-el-achkar-tied-to-collingwood-and-essendon-respectively-shine-for-vic-metro-against-wa