THE WAIT is over for the 2024 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships as the Allies and Vic Metro kick off proceedings tomorrow at Blacktown International Sportspark. The two sides go head-to-head for some early bragging rights at the event and we preview the clash.

DETAILS

Saturday, June 29 @ 11am AEST
Blacktown International Sportspark
Live streamed via afl.com.au

STATE PREVIEWS

Allies

Vic Metro

ONES TO WATCH

There is a heavy Tasmanian flavour in the allies this year, headlined by AFLW Academy member Mackenzie Williams. The rebounding defender could also slot into the midfield, while Devils bottom-age teammates Mischa Barwin, Priya Bowering and Harriet Bingley would all play key roles.

Watch for Sydney Swans duo Emma Juneja and Ella Parker to provide plenty of run, while the Giants Academy are represented by the likes of Ashley Patton, Ellie Hall and Amelie Prosser-Shaw who are all strong overhead and use the ball well. From the Northern Territory, Tatyana Perry is the standout, though Oakleigh Chargers’ wing Emma Stark can also create some highlights.

For Vic Metro, Sandringham Dragons midfielder Sophie McKay leads a stacked midfield that also includes Sierra Grieves, Sarah Poustie and Grace Belloni. Up forward, Emma McDonald looms as a key target, while her Oakleigh teammate and skipper Sienna Tallariti is down back. Top two sides Oakleigh and Eastern Ranges have a large representation in the squad, as Zoe Hargreaves and Kyla Forbes will return after representing the ‘Big V’ last year.

WHO’S MISSING?

The Allies are without the likes of Sophie Strong and Tamika Rourke and Vic Metro is missing top-age AFLW Academy defender Grace Baba due to injury.

PREDICTION

Vic Metro has a lot of depth and is only minus Baba from its best squad, which means they should be a good shot to come away with the win. Allies will have to quickly get to know each other which is always a challenge, but do have some talented players who will crack in and look to make life difficult for Metro.