THE VIC Metro Under 18 summer squad has now completed its two training camps, with the 23 selected players convening at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds most recently. Under coach Lauren Morecroft, the Big V will be looking for back-to-back championships in 2025. We profile each member of the squad.

>> ANNOUNCEMENT: 2025 Victorian summer training squads

2025 VIC METRO SUMMER HUB SQUAD

BREAKDOWN:

AFL Academy members: 5
National Futures players: 10

By age:

2007-born (top-age): 20
2008-born (bottom-age): 3

By region:

Calder Cannons: 3
Eastern Ranges: 4
Northern Knights: 3
Oakleigh Chargers: 4
Sandringham Dragons: 6
Western Jets: 3

>> 2024 Scouting Notes: National Futures | Vic Metro Futures

PROFILED

Sam Allen | Oakleigh Chargers
Wing | 184cm | 13/01/2007

Having made his CTL debut for Oakleigh as a 16-year-old, Allen went on to make 10 appearances in 2024. For the most part, he established himself out on the wing where his endurance base shines. Allen runs a sub-six minute 2km time trial and while he has built his game on the outside, is set to show his wares on the inside in 2025. He is highly regarded for his leadership and work ethic already.

Xavier Bamert | Sandringham Dragons
Midfielder | 186cm | 29/01/2007

Another strong runner in the Metro crop, Bamert has all the makings of a powerful inside midfielder. He was part of Sandringham’s leadership group in 2024 as an emerging leader and is lauded for his work rate, especially having faced setbacks. He only managed a quarter in last year’s CTL Grand Final before coming off with a shoulder injury, which kept him out of the National Futures game. A January birth, he has already completed Year 12 and is expected to take on more midfield minutes with the Dragons.

Andrew Barker | Eastern Ranges
Tall Defender | 190cm | 18/06/2007

One of a few tall defenders in the squad slightly below genuine key position height, Barker is coming off a solid bottom-age campaign for the Eastern Ranges. The 17-year-old played 16 CTL games last year for averages of 11.8 disposals, 3.8 marks and 3.0 rebound 50s. His solid frame allows him to lock down on dangerous forwards and he defends hard, playing the percentages to split contests he cannot win. His strong set of hands were on show in Vic Metro’s Futures clash against Queensland.

Thomas Burton | Western Jets
Defender/Midfielder | 178cm | 09/01/2007

Burton put his name on the casual observer’s radar with some scintillating late-season form in last year’s CTL. He’s a regular accumulator off half-back, running aggressive patterns on the rebound, while also defying his 178cm stature with tough work in midfield. The Caulfield Grammarian played seven games with Western Jets in 2024, averaging 23.7 disposals and 5.6 tackles, and dropping below 20 touches just once. He made his debut a year earlier alongside partner-in-crime Thomas McGuane.

Arki Butler | Sandringham Dragons
Forward/Midfielder | 180cm | 23/04/2008

Arguably Vic Metro’s standout player and prospect from last year’s Under 16 carnival, Butler is a mercurial type with great evasiveness and goal sense. He looks dangerous wherever he goes; whether playing deep inside 50, as a high forward or through midfield. He often makes the opposition look silly and is both skilful and athletic enough to back up his excellent decision making. Butler also has ties to the top level, as the grandson of 250-game St Kilda premiership player, Allan Davis.

Jack Dalton | Sandringham Dragons
Midfielder | 178cm | 05/04/2007

When it comes to class in midfield, few have it in such abundance than Dalton. The left-footer is a natural ball winner with slick agility and ball use from inside to out. He was the title-winning captain and Vic Metro MVP at the 2023 Under 16 championships, before going on to debut for Sandringham Dragons. Having been squeezed out of the Dragons’ premiership side that year, he kept his spot out on the wing in 2024 after overcoming a preseason injury which hindered his chances at Metro Under 18 selection.

Finn Davis | Western Jets
Defender | 190cm | 21/01/2007

A defender with good height and versatility, Davis has been part of Vic Metro programs from Under 16 level, through to Under 17s and now 18s. The 18-year-old showed his wares across 12 Coates Talent League appearances last year, averaging 14.6 disposals, 3.3 marks and as many rebound 50s. He was named among Western’s best players across a five-game run from Round 13 to 17, boosting his averages to 16.6 disposals and 6.0 marks in that time. It included a personal-best 21 touches against minor premiers, Geelong Falcons.

Lachy Dovaston | Eastern Ranges
Small Utility | 175cm | 29/05/2007

An All-Australian at Under 16 level in 2023, Dovaston is a crafty small who can play at either end of the ground. His speed and evasiveness stand out across a variety of roles, whether it be as a pressure forward, rebound defender, or pinch-hitting midfielder. Dovaston played 15 CTL games last year, honing his craft as a distributor down back before impressing in attack, particularly with his seven goals in two games late in the year. He’s small, but packs a punch with his play.

Cooper Duff-Tytler | Calder Cannons
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 22/08/2007

One of the top tall prospects for this year, Duff-Tytler has made the call to pursue football having also come through the pathway as a promising basketballer. While still raw, he moves well for a player his size and is comfortable with ball in hand, projecting as a potential top pick contender. He suits the mould of a mobile ruck but can also play forward and posts big numbers – like his 30 disposals, 10 marks, and two goals for Calder Cannons in Round 18 of the 2024 CTL season. Watch this space.

Hussien El Achkar | Calder Cannons
Midfielder/Small Forward | 171cm | 02/04/2007

Essendon NGA

Another energetic small prospect out of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy, El Achkar put up some big performances in 2024. He booted five goals from 21 touches against Western in Round 19, while his best disposal tally was 27 – just two weeks prior. El Achkar takes the game on with his burst speed and has a keen eye for goal, often coming to life when in range of the big sticks. He looks like settling in as a small forward but has gained plenty of midfield exposure and can break open congestion.

Louis Emmett | Oakleigh Chargers
Ruck/Key Forward | 202cm | 23/03/2007

Emmett hit his straps late in 2024, but was also a recognised talent in 2023 having been named in the Under 16 All-Australian side. He went on to represent Vic Metro twice at the 2024 Under 18 championships and impressed on debut with 14 disposals, three marks and 25 hitouts. The mobile ruckman covers the ground well and is just as capable up forward. Emmett is also a talented rower and has terrific upside as a prospect who only seems to get better with each game.

Kye Fincher | Sandringham Dragons
Defender | 185cm | 18/11/2007

St Kilda NGA

Fincher has been part of the Vic Metro program in the Under 16 and 17 grades, so naturally returns for his top-age year. The running half-back is part of St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy and has also played a large chunk of footy with Brighton Grammar in the APS competition. He likes to attack from the back and played three CTL games for the Dragons in 2024, averaging 13 disposals and 3.3 rebound 50s.

Oliver Greeves | Eastern Ranges
Midfielder | 191cm | 07/02/2007

Greeves has showcased his prowess at representative level, for Caulfield Grammar, and the Eastern Ranges. He was an Under 16 All-Australian in 2023 and played seven CTL games last year, teaming up in midfield with Richmond draftee Josh Smillie, who he holds some resemblance to. The 191cm prospect is quite agile for his size but uses that frame to his advantage and can also swing forward to kick goals. His clean hands and efficient ball use by hand and foot are handy traits for a big-bodied mid.

Tyson Gresham | Northern Knights
Small Forward | 167cm | 21/06/2007

Carlton NGA

Having only ever produced a single draftee, Carlton’s Next Generation Academy has two prospects in the Metro hub this year – one being Gresham. The brother of Essendon’s Jade possesses similar smarts at ground level and is evasive, while also faring well in wet conditions. He may be the smallest player in the Metro program but is quite tough and can shift further afield. Gresham made his CTL debut in 2023 and turned out 15 times last year, also making the grade for Vic Metro’s Under 17 side.

Sam Grlj | Oakleigh Chargers
Defender | 182cm | 26/07/2007

A genuine line-breaker off half-back, Grlj showcased marked improvement across 10 CTL appearances with Oakleigh last year. The speedy, attacking defender averaged 13.8 disposals per game and while he catches the eye going forward, also holds his own defensively. Grlj’s best traits suit the outside and flanks, but his appetite to improve may see him earn more midfield exposure in 2025. Further improvement will come once he polishes up his decision making and execution while moving at full tilt.

Tate Hodgson | Northern Knights
Tall Defender | 193cm | 24/07/2008

One of three bottom-agers in the Metro program this year, Hodgson is coming off an exemplary 2024 season. He was an Under 16 All-Australian and compiled a near-unprecedented 10 games in the Northern Knights’ defence – as a 15-year-old for most of the campaign. Hodgson is a tall who reads the play superbly well, capable of peeling off to intercept or lock down on an opponent. He also uses the ball with great composure and efficiency, acting as a key distributor off the last line or further afield.

Jack Ison | Oakleigh Chargers
Utility | 189cm | 26/02/2007

Carlton NGA

Ison came on strongly in the back-end of his bottom-age campaign having missed early parts of the season with a foot injury. Having broken through to make his Oakleigh Chargers debut in Round 12, the tall utility earned Vic Metro Under 17 and National Futures selection. Already a good height, Ison moves well and is quite versatile, with his upside clear to see. The talented prospect is one to watch for Carlton fans given his ties to the Blues’ Next Generation Academy.

Felix Kneipp | Calder Cannons
Midfielder | 177cm | 01/01/2007

Kneipp is a natural accumulator who hit the spotlight last year with his 48-disposal performance for Wesley College in the APS competition. The Calder Cannons prospect also played some key defensive roles late in the CTL season having represented Vic Metro at Under 17 level. He was a late call-up for the National Futures match and excelled with his productive work out of the backline. Kneipp is also adept around the ball and finds ways to get into space with his smarts and sharp turn of speed.

Archie Ludowyke | Sandringham Dragons
Key Forward | 195cm | 19/11/2007

Ludowyke has bucketloads of potential as an athletic key forward with a penchant for taking spectacular grabs. He is often sighted getting separation on the lead and kicking goals to go with moments of great flair. The high-flying talent made a single appearance at last year’s Under 18 National Championships, taking five marks and booting a goal on debut. He also turned out for Sandringham Dragons between his school and representative commitments, booting 13 majors in nine games with an average 3.7 marks.

Thomas McGuane | Western Jets
Midfielder | 177cm | 27/08/2007

Collingwood F/S

McGuane has already garnered plenty of fanfare for his performances at Coates Talent League level, particularly given his status as a Collingwood father-son prospect. The son of 152-game Pie Mick, averaged 25.7 disposals per his 16 games with the Western Jets last season. He debuted as a 16-year-old in 2023 and has gone on to be a consistent performer. The left-footer is a sharp ball user with clean hands and great decision making, capable of playing on the inside or outside of midfield.

Xavier Taylor | Eastern Ranges
Tall Defender | 191cm | 30/01/2007

Somewhat of an in-betweener in terms of size, Taylor often plays above his 191cm standing as a competitive tall defender. He is a terrific reader of the play whose intercept game stands out, and is reflected in his 2024 numbers. Taylor was a consistent figure in 15 CTL appearances for the Eastern Ranges last year, averaging 13.3 disposals and 4.9 marks per game.

Miles Tyrer | Sandringham Dragons
Ruck | 199cm | 18/08/2007

A strongly-built ruckman with good tap craft, Tyrer earned four opportunities in the stacked Sandringham Dragons side last year. He made his debut in Round 12 and backed up with a strong performance against Eastern, posting 12 touches and 27 hitouts. He went on to showcase his potential up forward with six marks and two goals a few weeks later, moving well for a big unit. Tyrer also turns out for Melbourne Grammar School in the APS competition.

Harry Van Hattum | Northern Knights
Ruck | 202cm | 01/07/2008

Van Hattum earned a CTL debut with the Northern Knights off the back of an imposing Under 16 National Championships, though his maiden appearance ended early. The towering 202cm ruck holds his own aerially with a clean set of hands of strong ruck work, while also moving well around the ground to clunk contested marks. His opening Under 16 outing in the Big V yielded 14 disposals, seven marks and 23 hitouts in a sign of his potential to be a dominant tall.