HAVING come into the Under 18 National Championships as a title fancy, the Allies were hit by injuries to key players and came away with a 1-3 record. In what was a competitive campaign nonetheless, they had three matches decided by two goals or less, and won a thriller over Western Australia in the dying stages.

>> BREAKING: 2025 AFL Under 18 All-Australian team

RESULTS

RECORD: 4th | 1-3 | 84.7% | LWLL

Game 1: def. by South Australia 11.10 (76) to 12.11 (83)
Game 2: def. Western Australia 10.19 (79) to 11.8 (74)
Game 3: def. by Vic Country 10.10 (70) to 11.16 (82)
Game 4: def. by Vic Metro 13.8 (86) to 20.8 (128)

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was an up-and-down campaign for the Allies, who were smashed by injuries to key players both before and throughout the series. They were still competitive enough to run eventual champions South Australia the closest of any side, falling just seven points short in game one. They landed on the other side of the ledger in a another close encounter against Western Australia, with star prospect Max King slotting the game-winning goal at the death. Vic Country then proved too good despite goalkicking inaccuracy, while Vic Metro handed the Allies their biggest defeat of the series as they petered out to the tune of 42 points. At full strength, they could well have been a title contender and were raging favourites pre-tournament, but ultimately slotted into fourth with a 1-3 record. What could have been.

>> How it Happened: 2025 AFL Under 18 National Championships

WHAT WORKED

Aside from a handy defeat to Vic Metro in game four, the Allies were largely competitive throughout the carnival. Three of their fixtures were decided by 12 points or less, providing consistent scoring output with tallies of 11, 10, 10, and 13 goals. Ironically, the Allies’ best total – 13.8 (86) – came in their biggest loss. Their quick, daring transitional play allowed for such free-flowing scores, more so than their midfield output having lost both the clearance and inside 50 counts in three of the four games.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

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.

>> Remember the Names: 2025 AFL Under 18 MVPs

LEADING GOALKICKER

Jack Miller (Tasmania Devils)
Small Forward | 181cm | 13/04/2007

Averages: 12.8 disposals, 3.3 marks, 6.0 score involvements, 2.0 goals

Miller’s form line was somewhat indicative of the Allies’, ending with goal hauls of three, one, three, and one. Arguably his best performance came straight off the bat against South Australia, looking dangerous with 16 disposals and five inside 50s. The Tasmanian’s other three-goal effort came against Vic Country, where he showcased a handy knack for escaping out the back. Miller’s leading patterns and timing in the forward half were terrific, and allowed him to hit the scoreboard in each game while also assisting others.

RISING PROSPECT

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

Averages: 8.3 disposals, 2.3 marks, 8.3 hitouts, 1.0 goals

Another of the Allies’ forward group who impressed in game one, Murray has shot into top 30 calculations for his raw athleticism and talent. The nimble 199cm Territorian posted 11 disposals, four marks, and 15 hitouts in that game, while keeping his side in the contest with four goals. He went on to miss the win against Western Australia but played three times in representative colours, showcasing his mobility, ability to take marks at the top of his reach, and compete hard as a rotating ruck.

ONES TO WATCH

Injuries to key players gave the Allies an opportunity to give greater exposure to others who may not have gained the same exposure in different circumstances. The likes of Koby Coulson and Tyan Prindable stepped up to be consistent performers in midfield, while rucks Jonah Harris and Isaac Waller are highly rated as draftable prospects in Queensland. Utility Kaiden McNamara broke out with three goals in game four, while Swans Academy teammate Harry Kyle showed plenty of top traits on the wing. Then there’s Tasmanian defender Avery Thomas, a powerful athlete who can lock down or intercept.

WHO WAS MISSING?

At full strength, the Allies boast arguably more top-end talent than any other squad. They went in without pick one contender Zeke Uwland and talented Suns Academy teammate Jai Murray in a blow to their midfield stocks. Forward firepower was lost with the absence of marking target Liam Hetherton, along with small livewire Raphael Geesu. During the carnival, midfielder Beau Addinsall went down with a hamstring injury and only played one game, as did wingman/defender Harrison Bridge with an ankle. Max King and Taj Murray also both missed one game apiece to compound the woes.

THE FUTURE

While the quality and depth of this year’s draft crop have been labelled shallow – especially given how many prospects are tied to clubs – the Allies only called upon two bottom-agers. Giants Academy talent Ethan Matthews earned a call-up with his classy ball use and smooth movement, operating on a wing and in defence against Vic Country. He was replaced in game four by Lions Academy gun Caylen Murray, who also helped connect the lines with his turn of foot and kicking skills. A total of eight potential Allies players for next year were named in the 2024 Under 16 All-Australian side, including Murray, indicating there remains some handy Northern talent to go with Tasmania’s emerging crop.