VIC COUNTRY fought back from a 0-2 start to snatch second spot at the Under 18 National Championships. The Vics’ final day win over Metro completed a terrific turnaround to end the carnival with an even 2-2 ledger, and put forward three potential top-10 picks while blooding future stars.

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

RESULTS

RECORD: 2nd | 2-2 | 101.6% | LLWW

Game 1: def. by Western Australia 11.12 (78) to 12.9 (81)
Game 2: def. by South Australia 8.9 (57) to 13.13 (91)
Game 3: def. Allies 11.16 (82) to 10.10 (70)
Game 4: def. Vic Metro 14.10 (94) to 9.10 (64)

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was a tournament of two halves for Vic Country, who took time to get going by finished with an even 2-2 record. They were unlucky to lose by three points to Western Australia with the last kick of the game, no less travelling for their opening game. Eventual champions South Australia were next, and overran the Vics after half time for a 34-point win to take the title. A more closely run match saw Country notch its first victory against the Allies, saluting to the tune of 12 points at IKON Park, before going on to claim bragging rights against Vic Metro in game four. It was a strong final performance from the Country boys, headlined by MVP recipient Willem Duursma and five goals to rising small forward Talor Byrne. The result even saw Vic Country snatch second place with superior percentage and head-to-head against Metro.

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

WHAT WORKED

Vic Country’s ability to turn its series around after an 0-2 was impressive. The Vics had viable scoring avenues pop up throughout, not just relying on one player to do the damage. Jesse Mellor slotted the most goals with eight, but Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves kicked a bag in game one and Talor Byrne booted five in game four, while big man Tairon Ah-Mu and the crafty Hugo Mikunda scored in three of the four fixtures. At the opposite end of the ground, the likes of Willem Duursma and Josh Lindsay provided great rebound power. The other positive for Vic Country was its willingness to expose bottom-age talent, fielding eight 2026-eligible prospects throughout the carnival – more than any other side.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

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.

>> Remember the Names: 2025 AFL Under 18 MVPs

LEADING GOALKICKER

Jesse Mellor (Geelong Falcons)
Forward | 185cm | 04/01/2007

Averages: 11.0 disposals, 4.5 marks, 7.5 score involvements, 2.0 goals

Mellor was Vic Country’s most consistent scoring threat and it showed as he was the only player to kick a goal in all four games. That included dual hauls of three, with Mellor’s standout performance coming against the Allies when he registered 15 disposals, five marks (three contested), and 11 score involvements. The Geelong NGA prospect is capable of playing above his 185cm standing with one-touch overhead marking and one-on-one craft, making him a reliable target forward of the ball.

RISING PROSPECT

Harry Dean (Murray Bushrangers)
Tall Defender | 193cm | 13/11/2007

Averages: 15.3 disposals, 6.3 marks, 7.8 intercepts, 86.3% efficiency

Dean was excellent across the four games and if not for Duursma, would have been a shoe-in for the MVP award. The Carlton father-son prospect snapped up everything that came his way, making early reads and using his closing speed to intercept prolifically. Dean’s overhead marking was a standout feature of his game, able to take the ball at full extension before moving it on efficiently. While not genuine key position height, he has rocketed into top 10 contention as the best tall back in the draft.

ONES TO WATCH

Tall midfielder Riley Onley caught plenty of eyes for his performances throughout the championships, but particularly in the win against the Allies. He played with greater impetus and showed his speed as a unique trait for someone his size. Talor Byrne put his name in lights with a five-goal haul against Vic Metro, proving a powerhouse with his defensive pressure, high marking, and left-foot finishing at 174cm. Another forward with match-winning tendencies was Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, whose four majors against WA almost got Vic Country home. Elsewhere, Hugo Mikunda‘s ability to get involved in scoring chains didn’t go unnoticed, while Brodie Atkins took his chance well once called up for a spot in midfield.

THE FUTURE

Vic Country blooded more bottom-age talent than any other side, with eight making their Under 18 debuts out of last year’s title-winning Under 16 squad. Arguably the pick of the bunch was Cody Walker, a Carlton father-son prospect who glides across the grass and is ultra-professional. Defender Darcy Szerszyn flew under the radar to play three of four games, while at the other end, dynamic talls Wil Malady and Jack Pickett showcased their aerial and goalkicking exploits. Diminutive duo Marlon Neocleous and Marcus Prasad gained exposure with one game apiece, along with game four debutants Noah Williams and Tanner Armstrong. There’s a good range of speedy smalls and marking talls.