THE 2023 AFL Under 18 National Championships have concluded, with Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards handed out for each side and the Larke Medal also selected. We profile each of the winners, who joined esteemed company in earning their respective honours.

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LARKE MEDAL

Ryley Sanders (Allies/Tasmania/Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder | 186cm | 85kg | 21/01/2005

You could have rolled a dice with the names of six Allies players to decide this year’s Larke Medalist, but it was Sanders who deservedly took out the overall best and fairest award. The Tasmanian midfielder was ultra consistent throughout four games, averaging 35 disposals with a low of 34 to stamp his credentials as a genuine top 10 prospect. Give the lack of midfielders in first round contention, he could even feature in the top five and North Melbourne is working hard to gain priority access to their Next Generation Academy member. Number one for the Allies, and number one in the championships.

ALLIES

Connor O’Sullivan (NSW-ACT/Murray Bushrangers)
Key Defender | 198cm | 92kg | 19/05/2005

Again, narrowing down a single winner for Allies MVP status would have been a difficult task, but O’Sullivan’s efforts from defence broke through the fanfare of his side’s midfield. The title winners rated their back line as perhaps most important internally, with O’Sullivan being the centrepiece. He dominated the airways and contributed to transitional play, keeping up with all comers as one of the more mobile, efficient, and versatile talls in this year’s crop. He too, is in the top 10 mix.

>> Profiled: The title-winning Allies squad

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Sid Draper (South Adelaide)
Midfielder | 180cm | 72kg | 05/07/2006

The only bottom-ager to earn MVP honours this year, which is always a rare feat, Draper was truly impossible to look past. He was just about South Australia’s best player in all four games, finishing clear as the Croweaters’ top ball winner and consistently defying his age with high-level output. The 2022 Under 16 state captain showcased his searing speed and agility on the outside, but was not afraid to get his hands dirty and has since broken through for a SANFL League debut with South Adelaide. The brother of Collingwood’s Arlo is one of many midfielders with promise for next year’s draft.

VIC COUNTRY

Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers)
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 85kg | 17/04/2005

Taking out Vic Country’s MVP award was no mean feat for Reid, despite how it may seem like just another accolade for the pick one fancy. He came into the carnival a touch underdone after missing over a month of footy, forced to play out of the goalsquare in game one before finding his groove through midfield. Reid proved a match winner in Country’s two victories – against Western Australia and Vic Metro – with his game four physicality and fend-offs serving a reminder as to why he remains arguably the best prospect in the country. More VFL opportunities may await between his Bendigo commitments.

VIC METRO

Ollie Murphy (Sandringham Dragons)
Key Defender | 200cm | 85kg | 16/09/2005

Perhaps Metro’s most consistent top-end talent throughout all four games, especially in the face of heavy squad rotation, Murphy held down the fort in defence. After bursting onto the scene in a Victorian trial game, he took on difficult roles against the likes of Jed Walter and Archer Reid and held his own despite their quality. Murphy’s proficiency in a relatively new role this year has been outstanding, taking to the skies with terrific intercept marks to go with showings of athleticism and composure. He looks like another tall entering the first round frame and will have plenty more opportunities to impress.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Daniel Curtin (Claremont)
Utility | 195cm | 91kg | 08/03/2005

The third key defender to earn MVP status, Curtin also proved he can play just about anywhere throughout the carnival. He started out with the job on Jed Walter down back, before shifting into midfield against South Australia in game two, and nearly clinching game three from Vic Country with his exploits on all three lines. His ability to be a difference maker in each role at 195cm is quite unique and will continue to put him in the conversation to become a top five selection – most likely WA’s first.

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