THE 2024 AFL Under 18 National Championships have concluded after a dramatic decider between champions Vic Metro and their Country contemporaries. Each representative side awarded a Most Valuable Player (MVP) to go with the competition best and fairest (Larke Medal). Get to know the prospects who took out each honour.

LARKE MEDAL:

Leo Lombard (Allies) & Harvey Langford (Vic Country)

ALLIES:

Leonardo Lombard (Suns Academy/Queensland)
Midfielder | 178cm | 05/10/2006

Stats: 26.3 disposals, 4.5 tackles, 4.8 clearances, 6.0 inside 50s, 1.0 goals

After featuring in the Allies’ undefeated run to the 2023 title, Lombard achieved individual success this time around with the Larke Medal and Allies MVP. The Suns Academy midfielder also has a VFL premiership under his belt and has looked at home at VFL level. He’s an explosive, game-winning type capable of chaining possessions up the field or rolling forward to hit the scoreboard. Lombard’s best game came against WA, where he led all comers with 32 disposals and two goals in a 20-point win.

Leo Lombard named Allies MVP after another powerful performance today.

28 disposals & 5 clearances in his side’s thrilling 2-point defeat to Vic Country.

Fittingly, the midfielder slotted a goal with the final kick of the game and his #AFLU18s carnival. pic.twitter.com/rxX5Q1hyBi

— Michael Alvaro (@MichaelTAlvaro) July 7, 2024

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Ben Camporeale (Glenelg)
Midfielder | 186cm | 21/07/2006

Stats: 26.8 disposals, 5.3 marks, 3.8 tackles, 4.5 clearances, 6.0 inside 50s

Camporeale has had Carlton fans in a frenzy, with the father-son candidate putting up strong numbers throughout the season. He was a near-permanent fixture in SA’s midfield and averaged the most disposals of any MVP, including three team-high hauls and a game-high tally of 28 touches against Vic Country. Much like father Scott, Ben covers the ground well and is quite competitive. Camporeale’s size and clean hands make him a capable inside type, while his running is invaluable on the outside.

VIC COUNTRY:

Harvey Langford (Dandenong Stingrays)
Midfielder | 190cm | 15/03/2006

Stats: 25.5 disposals, 6.3 marks, 3.0 tackles, 6.3 clearances, 6.3 inside 50s

Langford tied with Lombard for the Larke Medal and was duly awarded top honours for Vic Country, having been named in the best two players across all four games. The Dandenong Stingrays co-captain was a mainstay in midfield, but also kicked a crucial goal when swung forward in Sunday’s decider against Vic Metro. His consistent clearance output was complimented by terrific spread from the contest which saw him launch attacks inside 50. Langford also led all comers in his middle two games.

VIC METRO:

Murphy Reid (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder | 180cm | 30/07/2006

Stats: 24.5 disposals, 3.0 marks, 3.3 tackles, 3.3 clearances, 1.0 goals

Reid beat out a stacked field for the Vic Metro MVP, including Larke Medal runner-up Jagga Smith. The classy midfielder initially impressed with his versatility to play outside on the wing or up forward, but thrived when given a full-time run in midfield. Among a consistent four games, his standout performance yielded 31 disposals, eight clearances and three goals against South Australia. Reid’s poise, skill and decision making are his standout traits, which helped him earn MVP status for the unbeaten champions.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

Jaxon Artemis (South Fremantle)
Defender/Wing | 180cm | 24/08/2006

Stats: 15.5 disposals, 3.0 marks, 1.3 tackles, 5.3 rebound 50s

Western Australia surprised plenty of people with competitive performances throughout the carnival, and had prospects emerge from its galvanised team as a result. Artemis was one of them; a dashing rebound defender who also spent time on the wing. He left his best two outings for last, having 20 and 19 disposals across either game to go with seven rebound 50s apiece. The South Fremantle dasher caught the eye with his dash and dare, capped off by sharp ball use in transition. He loves to take the game on.

WA’s #AFLU18s MVP is @SFFCBulldogs riser Jaxon Artemis. The rebound defender, who also spent time on the wing, is noted for his dash and foot skills.

He posted 19 disposals (13 kicks) and 7 rebound 50s in the Sandgropers’ 11-point loss to Vic Country today.

?: AFL Photos pic.twitter.com/naNtyCvPse

— Michael Alvaro (@MichaelTAlvaro) June 29, 2024