THE 2024 AFL Under 16 National Championships came to a close last week, with Vic Metro and Tasmania taking home the Pool A and B titles respectively. Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were also handed out across all 10 teams, and we profile each recipient. Note, the best and fairest medal for Pool B, and overall All-Australian side will be announced later this week.

POOL A

KEVIN SHEEHAN MEDAL: Baxter Sruk (Vic Metro)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Hugo Semmler (Central District)
Ruck | 199cm | 01/09/2009

Game two was when Semmler truly showed out, posting 17 disposals, 38 hitouts and six marks in South Australia’s lone win against Vic Country. The imposing ruck made his presence felt at the contest all carnival with great physicality, while his clean pair of hands translated to strong marking presence around the ground. The Central District prospect also battled hard against potentially the best player of the 2009-born crop in West Australian Axel Walsh, and found success against a trio of Vic Metro talls with 22 hitouts to their combined 13. His follow-up work and decision making were handy bonuses.

VIC COUNTRY:

Max Thompson (Bendigo Pioneers)
Small Forward | 175cm | 06/03/2009

An absolute deadeye in front of goal, Thompson booted more majors than anyone in Pool A with 10 in three games. He started out the carnival with an electric bag of five against Vic Metro, converting via snaps and set shots from all sorts of angles. Thompson was more than just a goalkicker, utilising his elite foot skills and decision maker to set up others and cut up opposition defences. His hurt factor with ball in hand was complimented by good hunt at ground level and tackling pressure which created opportunities. For reliability and impact, the Bendigo Pioneers prospect was a sure pick for Vic Country’s MVP.

VIC METRO:

Baxter Sruk (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder | 182cm | 18/07/2009

Sruk achieved the rare feat of booting match-winning goals in both of Vic Metro’s opening two games, proving a clutch performer on the big stage. He also bagged four majors as the Vics won the title in game three, which was a much more comfortable victory against South Australia. The midfielder’s ability to impact in the attacking phase was exceptional, possessing power and a penetrating left-foot kick. Sruk is a compact, solidly-built unit who can just as easily win his own ball as he does linking up on the attack. On top of his Vic Metro MVP award, Sruk was also named Pool A’s best and fairest player.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

James Artemis (East Fremantle)
Midfielder | 176cm | 05/03/2009

Following in the footsteps of cousin Jaxon in taking out state MVP honours, Artemis provided plenty of run and flair through the West Australian midfield. He found a happy knack for roving the rucks’ taps at centre bounces, sharking the ball cleanly and utilising his turn of speed to escape to the outside. Such plays made Artemis a weapon for WA, advancing the play forward and looking to chain up on the outside. Among his best moments was a snap goal to keep his side alive late in the game against Vic Metro, and he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in defensively with some fierce tackling throughout each match.

POOL B

ALAN MCLEAN MEDAL: To be confirmed.

BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY:

Jackson Bridge
Defender | 187cm | 16/07/2009

Getting one up on elder brother Harrison, a 2025 AFL Draft prospect, Bridge was a straightforward choice for the Lions’ MVP nod. He was arguably in Brisbane’s best one or two players across each match, but definitely for game three with 20 disposals and 13 marks against the Northern Territory. Bridge’s reading of the play and positioning made him a prolific intercept marker, and he compounded his impact with elite ball use. Able to restart from deep in defence or relaunch further up the field, Bridge hit targets on the move and consistently took the game on by foot. Another star Queensland prospect.

GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY:

Oliver Bennett
Midfielder | 169cm | 01/05/2009

Bennett could hardly be faulted for effort throughout the three games, defying his size to battle hard in midfield. It was tough going for the winless Gold Coast with an average losing margin of 105 points, but Bennett burrowed in at ground level and often emerged with ball in hand. The evasive small drove his legs to the outside and was often able to pump it forward by foot, proving a reliable asset at the contest. He was arguably the Suns’ best player in games one and three, starting the series with 25 disposals, nine clearances, and five tackles against the Lions Academy. He could hold his head high.

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY:

Cooper French
Forward | 178cm | 28/03/2009

One of two players who go by ‘C. French’ on the Giants’ team sheet, Cooper looked a standout prospect with his smooth movement and creativity in the forward half. He’s another MVP who had claims on being his side’s best player in two of three games, although was terrific in each outing. The Ainslie product provided an option up the ground to help connect the field, utilising his vision and foot skills to do so. French hit the scoreboard in all three matches and averaged 22 touches, credit largely to hauls of 25 and 26 against the Northern Territory and Tasmania. He was a dynamic, easy to watch front half threat.

NORTHERN TERRITORY ACADEMY:

Hugo Timms
Key Forward | 193cm | 17/12/2009

It’s often rare to see the Northern Territory blessed with key position talent at this level, but Timms proved a big hit among the tall timber. A competitive, bustling forward who provided a chop-out in the ruck, Timms was the NT’s most reliable marking target and moved well for a player his size. He was particularly outstanding in game two against the Giants Academy with 17 disposals, five inside 50s, and goals, putting all his best traits together to make an impact. With his consistent endeavour, the Northern Territory closed the margin of defeat with each passing game and were competitive in decent stints.

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY:

Monte Cairns
Midfielder/Forward | 185cm | 03/06/2009

The Swans had a strong core of players who performed well across each game, with Cairns adjudged the best of them. He arguably peaked in the final match, amassing 29 disposals, 11 marks, eight tackles, and six clearances against the Suns Academy. A solidly-built midfielder, Cairns showcased plenty of poise and was a shrewd decision maker with ball in hand. The left-footer’s composure and lateral movement made him effective both at stoppage and in open play, helping set up attack from the source. He compounded his impact with two goals against the Suns and Giants academies, also resting forward.

TASMANIA:

Lucas Heazlewood
Small Forward | 176cm | 02/03/2009

The barometer of Tasmania’s stacked side, Heazlewood put his name on the map while wearing the map. He was an excitement machine throughout the series, kicking the second-most goals in Pool B with nine in three games. He didn’t just lump his tally into one match either, booting three goals in each appearance. Heazlewood’s raw speed and eye for goal made him an eye-catcher, while his boisterous celebrations made him a true entertainer. He proved capable of finishing with either side of his boot and wasn’t afraid to take on opponents, also working up the ground to become a creator for others.