THE AFL Under 18 National Championships wrapped up over the weekend, with the final two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards handed out to either Victorian team. While the Larke Medal for the series’ overall is yet to be confirmed, now is the perfect time to profile each of the state MVPs.

ALLIES

Lachlan Carmichael (Swans Academy)
Defender/Midfielder | 183cm | 27/08/2007

Stats: 24.8 disposals, 5.0 marks, 4.8 rebound 50s, 82% efficiency

An Allies representative in the last two campaigns, Carmichael returned consistent performances across the four games for his injury-ravaged side. The Swans Academy member peaked in game three against Vic Country, racking up a game-high 32 disposals, seven marks, and nine rebound 50s in the 12-point loss. Having run out that match in midfield, it allowed him to start game four there having mostly cut his teeth in defence. Carmichael proved a reliable interceptor and rebounded the ball with composure, running at 82 per cent disposals efficiency. The Allies wanted it in his hands, and for good reason.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Dyson Sharp (Central District)
Midfielder | 187cm | 23/05/2007

Stats: 27.0 disposals, 5.0 tackles, 6.0 clearances, 6.5 inside 50s

There were plenty of question marks regarding Sharp’s draft range coming into the series and he answered them emphatically with immense performances. The title-winning South Australian skipper was at his best against Vic Metro and Western Australia, posting over 30 disposals in each game and compounding his impact with a combined four goals. Sharp’s ability to add that kind of weapon to his arsenal went a long way to boosting his stocks once more, firming his status as a readymade top 10 talent. He set the tone for SA at the source and was unmatched in the way of contested ball winning.

VIC COUNTRY

Willem Duursma (Gippsland Power)
Defender/Midfielder | 191cm | 21/06/2007

Stats: 24.3 disposals, 5.3 marks, 3.8 rebound 50s, 75% efficiency

Getting one up on his three elder siblings as a state MVP, backing up his Under 16 nod in 2023, Duursma finished with a bang. His 27 disposals, six marks, and eight score involvements as a midfielder against Vic Metro helped serve a reminder of why he has long been considered a pick one contender. The utility also spent plenty of time in defence and had little trouble finding the ball, offering good bounce on the rebound with an average 463 metres gained. Duursma’s aerial ability was another highlight of his game, and while ultimately running at a high efficiency, he was made to answer queries over his kicking. Tick.

VIC METRO

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

Stats: 25.0 disposals, 11.8 cont poss, 5.3 marks, 4.5 clearances

A consistent accumulator and natural choice for Vic Metro’s best player across the four games, Greeves cemented his status as a top 15 talent. He led his side’s on-ball brigade with averages of 11.8 contested possessions and 4.5 clearances, proving a clean distributor, but also got dangerous with his forward spread from the contest. Greeves hit the scoreboard with goals in three of four outings, getting dangerous in attacking phases with his ability to take on low-percentage kicks and hit targets on the move. He’s a unique big-bodied prospect at 191cm and held a high level of performance throughout.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Fred Rodriguez (South Fremantle)
Midfielder | 184cm | 10/07/2007

Stats: 18.0 disposals, 4.5 tackles, 4.3 clearances, 4.0 inside 50s

Another state captain to take out MVP honours, Rodriguez could hardly be faulted for effort throughout the four games. He was integral to Western Australia’s only win of the series, booting two goals to go with his 17 disposals, six tackles, and six inside 50s against Vic Country. He was typically combative at the contest while utilising his running power to provide an option on the outside, helping the Sandgropers connect inside 50 with sharp entry kicks. Add to that mix a defensive appetite to lay 4.5 tackles per game, and it was a solid all-round campaign for arguably WA’s top midfield prospect.