U18 National Championships 2024

[one-eyed]

2024 AFL U18 National Championships

Squads

https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2024/05/22/76a3017d-49fb-45bd-8246-0a42a15f7ba6/Squads-2024-Marsh-AFL-National-Championships-U18-Boys.pdf?_ga=2.183909478.1316194161.1717906089-224749430.1603381344

Fixture

DATE                     MATCH                 VENUE               TIME             BROADCAST

Sun, May 26        SA vs Allies           Thebarton Oval          11:00am         AFL.com.au

Sun, June 2         Allies vs WA           Blacktown ISP           12:00pm         AFL.com.au

Sun, June 9    Vic Metro vs Allies           IKON Park             10:05am         AFL.com.au/Fox Footy

Sun, June 9     Vic Country vs SA          IKON Park             12:30pm         AFL.com.au/Fox Footy

Sun, June 16         SA vs WA              Alberton Oval           10:05am        AFL.com.au/Fox Footy

Sun, June 23    WA vs Vic Metro        Optus Stadium           10:45am        AFL.com.au

Sat, June 29   WA vs Vic Country   Revo Fitness Stadium     10:30am        AFL.com.au

Sun, June 30   SA vs Vic Metro          Alberton Oval             10:05am        AFL.com.au/Fox Footy

Sun, July 7   Allies vs Vic Country  Brighton Homes Arena    10:35am        AFL.com.au

Sun, July 14  Vic Metro vs Vic Country      IKON Park           10:35am        AFL.com.au/Fox Footy

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1135429/marsh-u18-boys-national-championships-to-start-sunday

[one-eyed]

Father-son trio shines as SA downs Allies in U18 Champs opener

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
May 26, 2024

SOUTH AUSTRALIA       3.2     5.5       9.7      13.9 (87)
ALLIES                       5.4      7.5       9.7      11.9 (75)

GOALS
South Australia: Bradley 3, Welsh 3, Howes 2, Newton 2, Barker, Cumming, Nicholls
Allies: Murphy 3, Depaoli-Kubank 2, Dean, Delana, Gallop, Lombard, Stanley, Uwland

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6786#player-stats

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1139210/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-sa-v-allies

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A TRIO of father-sons were important as South Australia overran the Allies in the opening game of the Marsh AFL Under-18 Boys Championships, while a number of northern Academy talents proved their wares.

South Australia trailed by two goals at half-time in Sunday's clash at Thebarton Oval but kicked eight goals to four in the second half to run out 12-point winners to start its carnival in strong form.

Adelaide father-son prospect Tyler Welsh kicked three goals, including the last of the game with seconds on the clock to seal the 13.9 (87) to 11.9 (75) win, while Carlton father-son pair Ben (26 disposals, six inside-50s) and Lucas Camporeale (23 disposals) were also busy.

It was an even display from South Australia, with crafty small forward Evan Bradley kicking three goals, while tall forward Noah Howes, who is pushing to be selected in Wednesday's mid-season rookie draft, kicked 2.2 from 13 disposals in front of recruiters from around the country.

SA captain Sid Draper, who has overcome a long stint on the sidelines with a shin stress fracture, collected 19 disposals as he looks to back up his All-Australian honours last season as a bottom-ager.

The star of the bottom-agers on Sunday was midfielder Dyson Sharp, who had 25 disposals and a game-high nine clearances in an exciting display.

Tall forward Charlie Nicholls kicked one goal from nine disposals, while Sam Cumming's late goal to put South Australia ahead was the highlight of his performance.

Gold Coast Academy talent Leo Lombard was the Allies' best as they started their campaign with a defeat after last year being the title winners, with the rugged and physical midfielder gathering 27 disposals, eight inside-50s, seven clearances and a goal. His pace and power was on show at many stages, while Brisbane Academy midfielder Sam Marshall had a game-high 29 disposals.

Allies forward Josh Murphy kicked three goals, exciting Tasmanian Nathaniel Sulzberger had 21 disposals in a showing further up the ground and Daniel Annable, a 2025 Lions Academy prospect, looked comfortable at the level with 23 touches.

The Allies kicked five goals in the first term to open up a 14-point break at the opening change before the home team gradually dragged the deficit back and overran them with a strong final term.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1139194/father-son-trio-tyler-welsh-and-ben-and-lucas-camporeale-shine-as-south-australia-downs-allies-in-under-18-national-championships-opener

[one-eyed]

Academy prospects shine as Allies storm past WA

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
3 June 2024

ALLIES                                     2.1       5.3       6.7       10.10 (70)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA                2.1       4.4       7.6       7.8 (50)

Goals
Allies: Harrison 2, Lombard 2, Shanahan 2, Annable, Depaoli-Kubank, Marshall, Uwland
Western Australia: Champion 2, Urquhart, Kelly, Hayes, Gerreyn, Angove

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6787#player-stats

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1143602/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-allies-v-wa

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GOLD Coast Academy talent Leo Lombard continues to rise in draft calculations, with the Allies gun steering his team to a hard-fought 20-point win over Western Australia on Sunday.

The Allies rebounded from last week's tight loss to South Australia by overrunning Western Australia in the final quarter at Blacktown, claiming the 10.10 (70) to 7.8 (50) win.

Lombard was in the middle of everything. He had 10 disposals in the first quarter and 19 by half-time before finishing with 32 disposals, two goals, 10 inside-50s and two clearances.

The physical, fast and ferocious Suns Academy prospect has been consistent throughout the season and has elevated again in the early stages of the Marsh Under-18 Championships to further cement himself as a first-round talent.

The Suns will also be preparing for another top Academy talent in 2025, with Zeke Uwland, the brother of Gold Coast's Bodhi, having 30 disposals and a goal on Sunday.

The Allies trailed by five points at three-quarter time in a tight contest but broke away in the final term, booting 4.3 to 0.2 to storm home.

Brisbane Academy pair Sam Marshall (26 disposals, one goal) and Daniel Annable (21, one goal) were also important, with Marshall in the 2024 draft crop and Annable eligible next year.

Jobe Shanahan and Joe Harrison both booted two goals for the winners, while Swans Academy player Joel Cochran impressed with 20 disposals.

Western Australians Luke Urquhart (19 disposals, one goal) and Charlie Burke (19 disposals) were busy, while Cody Angove kicked a goal from 13 disposals and was lively on a wing.

Small forward Malakai Champion kicked 2.2 from 10 disposals and caught the eye in the first half.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1143355/academy-prospects-leo-lombard-and-sam-marshall-shine-as-allies-storm-past-western-australia-in-u-18-national-championships

[one-eyed]

Likely top-20 picks shine in the wet as Vic Metro down Allies

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
9 June 2024

VIC METRO     2.6         5.8       5.13     9.13 (67)
ALLIES             1.7       2.10      4.12     6.15 (51)

Goals
Vic Metro: Ashcroft 2, Kako 2, Dattoli, Gross, Hollow, Richardson, Smillie
Allies: Murphy 2, Depaoli-Kubank 2, Douglas, Annable

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6778#player-stats

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1147903/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-vic-metro-v-allies

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LIKELY top-20 picks Harry Oliver and Murphy Reid were terrific as Vic Metro was too strong for the Allies in Sunday's Marsh Under-18 Championships clash.

In its first game of the carnival, Metro got out to an early lead and managed to hold off the Allies to win 9.13 (67) to 6.15 (51) in wet conditions at Ikon Park.

Oliver was a standout across half-back, with the rebounder's run and carry important as well as his defensive work, with the Sandringham Dragons prospect gathering 24 disposals.

Reid adapted well to the slippery nature of the contest with 23 disposals and five tackles, with his ball use, deft kicking and decision-making on show throughout. He has won comparisons to Collingwood star Steele Sidebottom with his smarts and craft with the ball.

Metro had too many top-end players in the game, with midfield trio Levi Ashcroft (24 disposals, two goals), Jagga Smith (33 disposals, eight clearances) and Christian Moraes (24 disposals) all impactful, while Damon Hollow was also in the middle of plenty of play with 21 disposals and a goal after a consistent first half of the season with the Calder Cannons.

Potential No.1 pick Josh Smillie had 16 disposals and kicked 1.1 while spending some of his time inside 50 as a forward target, while Essendon Next Generation Academy small forward Isaac Kako kicked two goals from 11 disposals, including a brilliant snap late in the fourth term.

Bottom-ager Zeke Uwland once again showed why he is set to be one of the early picks at the draft in 2025 with 24 disposals and a game-high 729 metres gained for the Allies, with Brisbane Academy's Sam Marshall (23 disposals), Swans Academy's Lachie Carmichael (20) and Gold Coast Academy's Leo Lombard (18) also busy.

Jobe Shanahan had moments in attack for the Allies as one of their key marking options, with 12 disposals and six marks.

It was the Allies' third game of their carnival following a win over Western Australia and defeat to South Australia in the opening round, with their fourth and final game coming against Vic Country in Brisbane on July 7. 

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1147907/vic-metro-too-strong-for-allies-in-wet-conditions

[one-eyed]

Welsh stars as SA falls to Vic Country

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
9 June 2024

VIC COUNTRY                       4.2       6.6       10.8      13.9 (87)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA                2.2       4.6       7.11     11.13 (79)

Goals
Vic Country: Alger 3, Berry 3, Barrat 2, Stevens 2, Day-Wicks, Ivisic, J.Whitlock
South Australia: Welsh 4, Newton 3, Bowman, Bradley, Nicholls, Rosenzweig

Stats: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6779#player-stats

Highlights: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1148041/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-vic-country-v-sa

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A LATE charge from Adelaide father-son prospect Tyler Welsh wasn't enough to see South Australia overcome Vic Country in the second game of the Marsh Under-18 Championships doubleheader on Sunday.

The strong-marking and accurate-kicking Welsh booted three second-half goals – to finish with four majors – as Vic Country held on for an eight-point win over South Australia.

Vic Country had a more rounded group of performers across the high-scoring 13.9 (87) to 11.13 (79) clash, with Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Harvey Langford excellent with 26 disposals and six clearances and Geelong Falcon Xavier Ivisic also boosting his draft stocks with 27 disposals and a goal.

Tobie Travaglia once again showed his dash off half-back and intercepting qualities with 24 disposals to push his claims as a potential first-round pick, while crafty forward pair Joe Berry and Jasper Alger both kicked three goals.

River Stevens, the son of former North Melbourne midfielder Anthony, kicked two goals from 12 disposals in a classy showing, with the Roos having father-son access on Stevens this season.

Powerful midfielder/forward Cooper Hynes used his strength to bust through stoppages and finished with 19 disposals, while Harry Charleson, the brother of Port Adelaide's Lachie, had 23 touches.

Vic Country established a buffer for most of the game and controlled proceedings in the third term with a four-goal quarter before South Australia's late rush of the final three goals put them within striking distance.

Potential top-five choice Sid Draper grew into the contest well and finished with 26 disposals, Carlton father-son Ben Camporeale collected 27 disposals and five clearances and exciting key forward Charlie Nicholls had opportunities but kicked 1.3.

Forward Jacob Newton was also lively with 3.2 from 13 disposals for SA to show his wares in front of recruiters, while Louie Montgomery, who is eligible to Port Adelaide under father-son rules where his dad Brett played, had 15 touches. 

https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6779#match-report

[one-eyed]

Potential top-10 picks shine as Vic Metro down WA

By Callum Twomey
Afl.com.au
23 June 2024

MIDFIELD jet Jagga Smith and emerging tall forward Thomas Sims have helped Vic Metro to a come-from-behind 33-point win over Western Australia on Sunday in the Marsh Under-18 Championships.

Smith backed up his 32-disposal game in Vic Metro's first outing against the Allies with a game-high 34 disposals and a goal in the 15.16 (106) to 10.13 (73) win at Optus Stadium to show his top-10 pick credentials.

Potential No.1 pick Josh Smillie grew into the game as well, collecting 22 disposals, having nine clearances and also kicking a goal having spent some time stationed inside-50.

Murphy Reid was again smooth with his disposal with 24 touches and a goal in Metro's midfield, Brisbane father-son Levi Ashcroft had 27 disposals and Tom Gross collected 23 and a goal as Metro started its campaign 2-0.

Defender Luke Trainor was also busy with a composed 26 disposals and cool hand in the back half.

Metro's Sims was the dominant key forward in the game, booting 3.3 and missing a couple of opportunities that could have boosted his day. However, it showed the Northern Knight's talents at a higher level after his consistent season in the Coates Talent League, where he has kicked 19.9 so far, as well as his ability to leap and clunk marks.

Western Australia jumped to a hot start after its strong win over South Australia last week, booting five opening-quarter goals and taking a four-point lead into half-time. However, Metro rallied midway through the third term and kicked eight goals to three for the second half as its quality rose to the top in the tussle.

WA captain Bo Allan again showed his exciting midfield traits with 19 disposals, five clearances and two goals as clubs consider his top-10 draft stocks, while Luke Urquhart continued his ball-getting ways with 27 disposals and five clearances.

Small forward Malakai Champion chipped in with three majors and put on the afterburners at times, with Fred Rodriguez (23 disposals), Jaxon Artemis (20) and Hamish Davis (two goals) others to do their bit.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA            5.2       7.8       9.9       10.13 (73)
VIC METRO                             3.1       7.4       11.9     15.16 (106)

Goals

Western Australia: Champion 3, Allan 2, Davis 2, Angove, Banfield, Evans
Vic Metro: Sims 3, Dolan 2, Armstrong, Dattoli, Gross, Kako, Moraes, Oliver, Reid, Smillie, Smith, Stumpf

[one-eyed]

WA tall forwards star in thrashing of SA

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Jun 16, 2024

SOUTH AUSTRALIA                 1.2       3.6       4.9       6.12 (48)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA            6.3       9.4       12.6     18.7 (115)

Goals
South Australia: Bowman 3, Bradley 2, Newton
Western Australia: Rohr 4, Gerreyn 3, Evans 2, Davis 2, Burke 2, Angove, Banfield, Champion, Hayes, Kelly

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WESTERN Australia's tall forwards Max Rohr and Kayle Gerreyn have combined for seven goals in their side's rout of South Australia in the Marsh Under-18 Championships.

Rohr kicked four goals and Gerreyn booted three to lead Western Australia to its first win of the national carnival, beating South Australia 18.7 (115) to 6.12 (48) at Alberton Oval on Sunday.

The key-position pair were dominant and showed their draft wares, with Rohr overlooked at last year's draft but returning as an over-ager and Gerreyn being eyed as a potential recruit as clubs consider tall talent.

Luke Urquhart was consistent for Western Australia with 19 disposals, seven clearances and 11 inside 50s while Bo Allan, returning to the team after a back injury saw him miss the start of his state's under-18 championships, collected 19 disposals and six tackles.

Fred Rodriguez gathered a team-high 22 disposals and Charlie Burke and Hamish Davis both chipped in with two goals in consistent displays.

Western Australia set up the win with a six goal to one first term and finished with six goals in the final term to win convincingly, coming after its loss to the Allies earlier in the carnival.

It was the second defeat in two weeks for South Australia, with the disappointing performance seeing it struggle to hit the scoreboard despite registering more inside-50 entries (44 to 43) than Western Australia.

Lucas Camporeale, who is tied to the Blues along with twin brother Ben as father-son selections this year, picked up a game-high 29 disposals and five rebound 50s to show his run and carry, while Phoenix Hargrave had 27 disposals and eight inside 50s to be a strong contributor throughout.

Father-son prospects Lucas Camporeale (29 touches) and Ben Camporeale (23 touches) never stop working for SA in exciting signs for Blues fans

Exciting ruck prospect Alex Dodson again showed his potential with 20 disposals, five clearances and 22 hitouts in another athletic display as he weighs up a basketball career alongside his football talents.

Likely top-10 pick Sid Draper had 19 touches, while lively small forward Ned Bowman kicked three goals.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1152409/western-australia-tall-forwards-star-in-thrashing-of-south-australia

[one-eyed]

Stingrays duo shines as Vic Country pips WA

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
30 June 2024

WESTERN AUSTRALIA            1.2       4.2       7.4       9.12 (66)
VIC COUNTRY                       2.2       5.6       10.8     11.11 (77)

Goals
Western Australia: Davis 3, Walley 2, Boxshall, Gerryn, Rodriguez, Rohr
Vic Country: Alger 2, Berry 2, Hynes 2, Burmeister, Day-Wicks, Duursma, Faull, Stevens

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DANDENONG Stingrays pair Harvey Langford and Cooper Hynes were pivotal for Vic Country as it held off a fast-finishing Western Australia in Saturday's Marsh Under-18 Championships clash.

Vic Country travelled to Perth to claim an 11-point win, with Hynes' two goals and 20 disposals and Langford's 28-disposal and five-clearance effort crucial in the 11.11 (77) to 9.12 (66) result.

The pair were rested last week in the Coates Talent League but stepped up for Vic Country, with Langford's hot form through the midfield continuing and showing himself as a first-round pick, while power medium forward Hynes had presence and impacted the game particularly in the second half.

Vic Country captain Tobie Travaglia had 19 disposals in a controlling performance off half-back while Ollie Warburton (22 disposals) and Jack Ough (21) were also busy for the winners.

Tall forward Jack Whitlock, viewed as a likely first-round selection, kicked two points but had 18 disposals in a good showing, while small forward pair Joe Berry and Jasper Alger again showed real excitement with two goals each. In his first game for Vic Country, Alix Tauru's marking exploits were evident in defence as his stocks rise.

Vic Country, which recorded 51 inside-50s to 35, led from start to finish but Western Australia will rue some missed chances late after kicking 2.8 to 1.3 in the last term.

It saw Western Australia close its four-game championships with one win, however across the carnival the side performed more than competitively and unearthed some draft prospects beyond top-liner Bo Allan, who had 22 disposals and seven tackles against Vic Country.

Hugh Boxshall collected 21 disposals and a goal, while crafty goalkicker Hamish Davis continued his run of hitting the scoreboard with 3.3 from 15 disposals. Tough midfielder Luke Urquhart had six clearances, while Cody Curtin, the younger brother of last year's top draftee Daniel, had 17 disposals. Curtin is eligible for the 2025 draft.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1159177/stingrays-duo-shine-as-vic-country-pips-wa

[one-eyed]

Reid all about it: Slick mid dominates for Vic Metro

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
30 June 2024

SOUTH AUSTRALIA       3.2    5.5    7.6       7.7 (49)
VIC METRO                  3.2    6.7    11.8    15.11 (101)

GOALS
South Australia: Atkinson, Barrett, Bowman, Dodson, Sharp, Welsh, West
Vic Metro: Armstrong 3, Reid 3, Kako 2, Moraes 2, Ashcroft, Dattoli, Ludowyke, McKenzie, Sims

STATS: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6782#player-stats

HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1161444/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-sa-v-vic-metro

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IF MURPHY Reid has been rushed so far in this year's Marsh Under-18 Championships, then we're yet to see it.

But Reid is certainly rushing further up draft boards after a best-on-ground effort for Vic Metro in its 15.11 (101) to 7.7 (49) win over South Australia on Sunday at Alberton Oval.

The smooth and composed midfielder backed up his strong start to the carnival with three goals from 31 disposals and eight clearances to stamp his claims as a top-10 pick. It lifts his average to 26 disposals across three games for Metro so far.

With his deft kicking, calm centre clearances and elite decision-making, Reid produced his best game yet to all but lock himself in as an under-18 All-Australian at the end of the championships.

The Sandringham Dragon wasn't alone, though, with his club teammate Harry Armstrong another standout for the Metro side as it continued its unbeaten run in the carnival. Armstrong, a left-footed key forward, kicked three goals in an impressive display in attack to show his strengths as an athletic tall.

Christian Moraes had his best game of the championships with two goals and 22 disposals, while the hard-working Tom Gross (26 disposals), Levi Ashcroft (33 disposals, one goal) and Jagga Smith (23) were also consistent in their midfield performances.

Livewire small forward Isaac Kako was also brilliant at stages with two goals from 17 disposals, including a special outside-of-the-boot kick late in the game to put the icing on Metro's win.

South Australia was competitive in the contest through to half-time, when it trailed by eight points at half-time, but was blown away in the second half as Metro kicked nine goals to two after the main break.

In South Australia's final game of the championships, with Ben Camporeale leading the way with 29 disposals, while Sid Draper had 19 disposals and four clearances, including a brilliant piece of play with several efforts that led to a goal for his team.

Phoenix Hargrave (21 disposals) and Kade Herbert (19) were also busy throughout, while bottom-ager Dyson Sharp kicked a goal from 14 disposals with five clearances. Ruckman Alex Dodson started strongly in the ruck and was important in the first half and small forward Benny Barrett was lively with a goal from 10 disposals.

If Vic Country beats the Allies next week in their clash in Brisbane, then the championship will be decided in the final round game between Metro and Country on Sunday, July 14.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1161442/reid-all-about-it-slick-mid-dominates-for-vic-metro

[one-eyed]

Talls fire, potential No.1 pick returns as Vic Country sets up title decider

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
Jul 7, 2024

ALLIES                     4.1          6.3          10.4       14.4 (88)
VIC COUNTRY           2.3          6.8          9.9          13.12 (90)

Goals
Allies: Gallop 3, Shanahan 3, Murphy 2, Annable, Davey-Motlop, Delana, Hogan, Lombard, Mentha
Vic Country: Faull 3, Lalor 3, M.Whitlock 2, Berry, Hynes, Travaglia, Unwin, J.Whitlock

STATS: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6783#player-stats

HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1166639/national-boys-u18-championships-match-replay-allies-v-vic-country

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THE DRAFT class of 2024 may be dominated at the top by midfielders, but a number of tall prospects showed their talents on Sunday as Vic Country held on for a two-point win over the Allies in the Marsh AFL Under-18 Championships.

Vic Country's 13.12 (90) to 14.4 (88) win over the Allies at Brighton Homes Arena sets up next week's final clash of the carnival between the unbeaten Country and Vic Metro sides as the title decider.

It came after an even spread for Vic Country, including in attack where strong tall forward Jonty Faull kicked three goals and had presence close to goal. The 195cm Greater Western Victoria forward, who had a long layoff to start the season with a back injury, was effective alongside tall Murray Bushrangers pair the Whitlock twins – Matt and Jack – with Matt kicking two goals from 15 disposals and Jack booting one from 12 touches.

The three-pronged forward half troubled the Allies at times, who had their own key forward Jobe Shanahan kick three goals from 17 disposals and nine marks.

Harvey Langford continued his superb carnival for Vic Country as the leading midfielder in the game with 30 disposals and a game-high nine clearances, while Vic Country half-backs Lachie Jaques (22 disposals and nine marks) and Tobie Travaglia (18 disposals, one goal) were also important in the win.

Two talented Vic Country prospects also stood up in the clinches, with Sam Lalor's late goal, his third of the day, and Finn O'Sullivan's final term steering their side to the win. Both have had injury-hit seasons, with O'Sullivan returning from injury against the Allies for his first game of the carnival, to gather 16 disposals.

Riley Onley (20 disposals) and Joe Berry (13 disposals, one goal) also had moments for the winners, who started slowly but kicked four goals to two in the second term to take advantage in the game.

Gold Coast Academy midfielder Leo Lombard capped off a terrific carnival for the Allies with 28 disposals and five clearances before booting the final goal of the game in the last minute to drag the deficit back to two points. His power, speed and consistency have been on show throughout the season, including at VFL level for the Suns, and he shapes as a top-10 contender at the draft in November.

Brisbane Academy's midfielder Sam Marshall collected 27 disposals and Swans Academy prospect Lachlan Carmichael had 20 disposals for the Allies, while Ty Gallop booted three goals to go with Josh Murphy's two.

Bottom-age pair Zeke Uwland (22 disposals) and Daniel Annable (17 disposals, one goal) also stood out as they ended the carnival having proved themselves as exciting talents for the 2025 draft.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1166236/tall-prospects-stand-up-as-vic-country-beat-allies-to-set-up-title-decider-against-vic-metro-in-under-18-national-championships

[one-eyed]

Dramatic late 50m penalty hands Metro championship win over Country

By Callum Twomey
afl.com.au
14 July 2024[/i]

VIC METRO          2.3    5.8    8.11  12.13 (85)
VIC COUNTRY      3.1    6.2    9.5    13.6 (84)

GOALS
Vic Metro: Armstrong 5, Kako 3, Dolan 2, Ashcroft, Trainor
Vic Country: Berry 3, Whitlock 2, Day-Wicks 2, Faull, Hynes, Ivisic, Lalor, Langford, Onley

STATS: https://www.afl.com.au/u18cb/matches/6785#player-stats

HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.afl.com.au/video/1171813/u18-boys-national-champs-highlights-vic-metro-v-vic-country

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LUKE Trainor has kicked a goal from point blank range after a 50m penalty in the dying seconds clinched a one-point win for Vic Metro over Vic Country, seeing his side claim the Marsh Under-18 National Championships title in crazy circumstances.

Vic Country grabbed a five-point lead with 90 seconds to play in the thrilling title-deciding game to give them the late advantage when half-forward Archer Day-Wicks snapped truly from the goalsquare.

But Metro had one last play, with Vic Metro defender Trainor getting a free kick just outside the 50m arc. He was awarded a 50m penalty for a Vic Country opponent encroaching on the protected area, seeing Trainor brought to five metres from goal and kick truly to give his side the win with the final kick of the carnival.

It ended an under-18 classic, with Metro grabbing the trophy with the 12.13 (85) to 13.6 (84) win at Marvel Stadium.

Trainor was the late hero but Metro had plenty more, with tall forward Harry Armstrong proving his first-round draft stocks with five goals, including three in the second quarter, and several important grabs.

Small forward Isaac Kako ended his championships with another three goals and Josh Dolan booted two, while tall forward Thomas Sims was inaccurate but a threat in attack.

Vic Metro captain Jagga Smith (25 disposals, eight clearances) was everywhere, while Jesse Dattoli (20), Murphy Reid (19) and Christian Moraes (19) were also important for Metro. Josh Smillie had 16 disposals and eight clearances.

Country looked in control when small forward Joe Berry kicked his third goal midway through the final term, before Vic Metro kicked three of the last four goals to clinch the title in the battle of the two unbeaten teams.

Berry was excellent throughout and is a top-15 pick contender, while fellow Murray Bushrangers prospect Jack Whitlock was also very good in Country's front half with two goals, 13 disposals and seven marks.

Harvey Langford kicked a goal from 19 disposals, nine score involvements and five clearances and capped his carnival by being named a joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best players of the championships alongside Allies midfielder Leo Lombard.

Country midfielder Xavier Lindsay was close to best afield with 30 disposals and eight tackles, while Tobie Travaglia continued his growth as a potential first-round pick with 25 disposals and nine contested disposals.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1171616/dramatic-late-penalty-hands-vic-metro-championship-win-over-vic-country

[one-eyed]

ALLIES star Leo Lombard and Vic Country forward Harvey Langford have tied for the Larke Medal as the best players during the Marsh Under-18 National Championships.

Langford and Lombard each polled 21 votes to finish ahead of Metro captain Jagga Smith (19).

TEAM MVP AWARDS
*selected by the coaching staff of each program

Allies: Leo Lombard (Gold Coast Suns Academy/Broadbeach)
South Australia: Ben Camporeale (Glenelg/Brighton Districts & Old Scholars)
Victoria Country: Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays/Mount Martha)
Victoria Metro: Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons/South Melbourne Districts)
Western Australia: Jaxon Artemis (South Fremantle/Jandakot Jets)

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1171885/allies-gun-leo-lombard-vic-country-mid-harvey-langford-tie-for-larke-medal

[Diocletian]

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1174031/u18-all-australian-squad-vic-metro-dominate-gun-pair-levi-ashcroft-and-sid-draper-picked-again

Smillie not named....

[Simonator]

Still think smillie is number 1 but the next few months will be telling.