IT WAS tall talent time in the Under 18 National Championships opener on Sunday, which saw South Australia upset title favourites the Allies by seven points in Blacktown. In particular, a group of key forwards from either side made their mark and boosted their stocks at the start of representative season.

>> Scouting Notes: 2025 AFL U18s – Allies vs. South Australia

RISING STOCKS

ALLIES:

Jack Miller (North Hobart/Tasmania)
Forward | 181cm | 13/04/2007

Stats: 16 disposals, 5 inside 50s, 3 goals

The only non-tall among this crop, Miller came into game one as arguably the Allies’ only genuine small forward. He fulfilled the role well, translating his Coates Talent League form (13 goals in seven games) to the representative stage. Miller worked up the ground as a connection piece and was dangerous close to goal, converting well over the mark from a range of angles. His highlight for the day, though, was a snap over his shoulder in the mould of Nate Caddy against Brisbane – a goal of the week contender.

Taj Murray (North Adelaide/Northern Territory)
Ruck/Key Forward | 199cm | 02/05/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 15 hitouts, 4 goals

Murray would have been buzzing to take on many of his fellow SANFL prospects and teammates and he certainly showed a level of comfort against them. The Northern Territory native took some terrific marks at the top of his reach, threatening to break the game open with two bursts of consecutive goals. He ended up with four overall and helped turn the momentum in the Allies’ favour, outlining a good competitive streak. His spring-heeled leap and mobility were also on show in the ruck.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Sam Ainsworth (Norwood)
Ruck | 198cm | 12/08/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 20 hitouts, 6 clearances

Ainsworth has shot out of the ground to not only become South Australia’s primary ruck option, but a draft prospect. The Norwood tall was forced to shift from his usual key defensive post this year and has been prominent around the ball at SANFL Under 18 level. That form manifested into a team-high 12 contested possessions and six clearances on his representative debut, doing the dirty work at ground level against an array of high-flying Allies ruck. He seems like a great competitor and one to watch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rookie Me Central (@rookiemecentral)

Mitchell Marsh (West Adelaide)
Tall Forward | 191cm | 15/02/2007

Stats: 11 disposals, 7 marks, 4 goals

Marsh was highlighted during our preview series as a prospect set to boom at this year’s National Championships, and he certainly delivered in game one. The sole West Adelaide representative was difficult to stop in the forward half, able to create separation on the lead to either help link inside 50, or become a scoring threat closer to goal. His aerial ability and running capacity are classic tropes of the second or third tall role, combined with the scoreboard impact which saw him bag four majors.

Aidan Schubert (Central District)
Key Forward/Ruck | 198cm | 21/12/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 8 marks, 4 goals

Schubert carried on his form from the trial games, booting four majors against the Allies as he had done against the combined NSW/ACT Academies. The rotating ruck was a marking machine inside 50, taking the ball cleanly overhead and owning front position. His pure reach made him difficult to combat when allowed a good look at the aerial ball, and while his end product bordered on erratic, he still managed to find the target four times. He’ll continue to be a spearhead for the Croweaters.