WESTERN Australia was the first side to finish its AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships campaign, capping off the four-game carnival with two wins after two losses. The Sandgropers had their chances in every match, though ultimately fell short against Queensland and South Australia before knocking off Vic Metro and the Allies.

>> FULL SQUAD: 2025 Vic Metro AFLW U18s

RESULTS

RECORD: 3-1 | 98.2% | WLWW

Game 1: def. South Australia 4.11 (35) to 4.7 (31)
Game 2: def. by Western Australia 4.4 (28) to 3.6 (24)
Game 3: def. Allies 7.8 (50) to 7.6 (48)
Game 4: def. Vic Country 12.8 (80) to 4.6 (30)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Vic Metro fought off a gallant South Australia in a rematch of last year’s final, before falling short in agonising circumstances against Western Australia. Another win by less than a kick against the Allies was a cause for a sigh of relief, while a 50-point demolition of rivals Vic Country ensured Metro finished with a percentage-boosting victory.

WHAT WORKED

Metro’s top-end midfield talent shone throughout the tournament with Chloe Bown and Tayla McMillan leading the way, while Northern Knights duo Marlo Graham and Olivia Gorman also provided great support around the ball and up forward. Two stars on the outside in Scarlett Johnson and Jordyn Allen were both fantastic, while ruck Josephine Bamford and key defender Zara Neuwirth also stood out.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Chloe Bown (Oakleigh Chargers)
Midfielder | 173cm | 20/12/2007

Averages: 27.5 disposals, 2.3 marks, 5.5 tackles, 5.8 clearances, 5.3 inside 50s, 2.0 rebound 50s

Bown had a wonderfully consistent carnival where she was massive out of the middle and around the ground. Racking up the ball with ease, Bown’s ability to win it both on the inside and outside stood the test of time, setting up numerous scoring attacks. She kicked a nice goal in the last game on the run and was just as fierce defensively as she was damaging offensively across the four matches.

LEADING GOALKICKER

Bailee Martin (Oakleigh Chargers)
Tall Forward | 176cm | 03/09/2007

Averages: 1.7 disposals, 3.7 marks, 1.0 tackles, 1.0 inside 50s, 2.7 goals

A seven-goal haul in the final game against Vic Country saw Martin total up eight for the carnival with just the one major against Western Australia and none against the Croweaters. The bottom-aged Martin is ultra-athletic and strong above her head, making her a nightmare to matchup on for any defender. She is prone to kicking bags of goals and is among, if not the top prospect for 2026.

RISING PROSPECT

Scarlett Johnson (Northern Knights)
Defender/Wing | 175cm | 26/11/2007

Averages: 19.5 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2.5 tackles, 3.5 inside 50s, 1.5 rebound 50s

Johnson’s outstanding season rolled on at the national carnival with the former forward turned wing/defender able to stretch the ground well and be a menace for the opposition sides. She often found space and penetrated the forward half of the ground well, but was willing to bite off the risky kicks on the inside too. One who could drift into the backline or work hard to be a facilitator going inside 50.

ONES TO WATCH

Graham solidified herself as a genuine top 30 talent with her smarts and skills on full display. Defensively she was the pick of the Metro players, while fellow Knight Gorman through the middle and Olivia Jesser both stood out. Eastern Ranges’ wing Asher Fearn-Wannan provided vital run and carry, with Allen doing the same from half-back. Chloe Thorn and Macy Watkins had their moments, with Bamford and Neuwirth providing strength in the air.

THE FUTURE

Martin is looming as the top prospect for next year with her continued dominance inside 50. Her fellow Metro prospect Brylee Anderson was deployed at both ends but will be a midfielder next season, with Vic Metro’s heavy focus on top-agers meant limited chances for 2008-born players. Both are top 10 talents and will be keys in next year’s national carnival.