THE 2025 AFL Under 18 All-Australian team was announced last week, with 23 of the country’s brightest prospects rewarded for their feats on the representative stage. Seven title-winning South Australians made the cut after their undefeated campaign, and are among those profiled below.

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

Back Pocket: Jacob Farrow
Western Australia | 188cm | 21/09/2007

There’s now a strong belief that Farrow is Western Australia’s leading prospect after delivering a promising state campaign. Drawing comparisons to Fremantle star Hayden Young and Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson for his size, power, and penetrating left foot, Farrow became the Sandgropers’ most trusted and effective ball user out of defence. He also proved a capable interceptor and has the potential to enhance his midfield craft down the line. While WA likely won’t have too many drafted at the pointy end, Farrow shapes as a first round fancy.

Full Back: Harry Dean
Vic Country | 193cm | 13/11/2007

Dean was excellent across the four games and if not for Willem Duursma, would have been a shoe-in for Vic Country’s 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.

Back Pocket: Lachlan Carmichael (MVP)
Allies | 183cm | 27/08/2007

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.

Half-Back Flank: Dylan Patterson
Allies | 183cm | 01/09/2007

Patterson has quickly become the most watchable player in the draft crop and was named among the Allies’ best in three of the four matches. He facilitated a lot of his side’s transitional ball movement, taking the game on with electric speed and a wicked side-step. Few could lay claim to such explosiveness as Patterson’s, and that was proven with his game-winning run through the corridor against Western Australia. Whether operating off half-back or the wing, the Suns Academy star racked up meterage, gaining 430 per match from his average 19.8 possessions. Patterson’s powerful kicking on both sides was another asset – albeit with a few clangers – as he firmed as a top five prospect.

Centre Half-Back: Willem Duursma (MVP)
Vic Country | 191cm | 21/06/2007

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.

Half-Back Flank: Josh Lindsay
Vic Country | 183cm | 07/04/2007

Lindsay was a lock at half-back for his productive work throughout the series, establishing himself as the draft crop’s best ball user. He averaged 22.3 disposals at 77.3 per cent efficiency, utilising his deadly left-foot kicking as a playmaking weapon. The Geelong Falcons prospect started strongly with hauls of 28 and 27 disposals, demanding the ball and getting involved in just about every Vic Country rebound. His distributive skills were sometimes tested by elevated pressure, but he generally stood up to the task and rode the bumps to remain unanimously considered as a top 10 prospect. He would have been one of the first names on the All-Australian team sheet and tends to stand up in big games.

Wing: Harley Barker
South Australia | 187cm | 02/05/2007

Barker formed half of SA’s formidable wing duo and showcased a range of traits which have him poised as a top 30 pick. The Sturt Under 18 captain played his role to a t, tracking up and back but getting most dangerous in the attacking phase by finding space to be a reliable outlet option. He wasn’t afraid to use his speed and drive the ball forward, while also proving a handy aerial athlete. He spent time forward and kicked goals in three of the four matches. In his lone goalless game, Barker notched a personal-best 19 disposals and 497 metres gained. He will miss the rest of the year with an ACL injury.

Centre: Dyson Sharp (MVP/Larke Medal/Captain)
South Australia | 187cm | 23/05/2007

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. He ends the carnival as its most decorated player, also taking out the Larke Medal and AA captaincy.

>> Remember the Names: 2025 AFL Under 18 MVPs

Wing: Matthew LeRay
South Australia | 189cm | 22/02/2007

The other half of SA’s wing duo, LeRay was just as effective. Having sacrificed a promising state cricket career to commit to football this year, the Central District utility poured time into his running game and has reaped the benefits. LeRay showcased outstanding work rate throughout the carnival, tracking into both 50-metre arcs and helping connect the lines with his kicking off both feet. A rangy type at 189cm, he also held his own in the air to take eight marks in games one and four. LeRay’s consistency was also a highlight, having between 15 and 18 disposals across the four games, including consecutive hauls of 17.

Half-Forward Flank: Sam Cumming
South Australia | 186cm | 27/07/2007

Cumming is among the many Croweaters who boosted their draft stocks throughout the series, impacting in a dual mid-forward role. After a steady start against the Allies, the North Adelaide star found his groove with 21 touches and two goals against Vic Metro. He went on to bag a goal in each of the remaining two games to go with a combined nine score involvements. Cumming’s work rate, fast feet, and competitive streak are traits which have him poised to be a first round prospect this year. He has since gone on to make his SANFL League debut with North Adelaide to rave reviews.

Centre Half Forward: Cooper Duff-Tytler
Vic Metro | 200cm | 22/08/2007

Despite being Vic Metro’s primary ruck, Duff-Tytler spent plenty of time forward and arguably produced his best moments there in game four. The pick one contender gradually lowered his hitouts output and improved his scoring impact as the series wore on, culminating in five marks and two goals against Vic Country. He started out with highs of 18 disposals and 21 hitouts against eventual champions South Australia, proving he can still match it with the best rucks while acting as a fourth midfielder of sorts. While Duff-Tytler didn’t necessarily produce a ‘pick-me’ game many were hoping to see during the tournament, his stocks were far from damaged and he earned his All-Australian nod.

Half Forward Flank: Fred Rodriguez (MVP)
Western Australia | 184cm | 10/07/2007

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.

Forward Pocket: Mitchell Marsh
South Australia | 191cm | 15/02/2007

Perhaps becoming South Australia’s leading prospect across an extraordinary four-game stretch, Marsh finished top of the goalkicking charts with 12 in four games. That included a bag of four in game one and five in game four to bookend his series nicely. West Adelaide’s sole squad member, Marsh showcased high-end athletic traits with his speed off the mark and spring-heeled aerial ability. The booming left-footer has all the tools to be a top 15 talent, and will be pushing for a single-digit number next to his name come draft time. He has an abundance of talent not seen in many prospects this year.

Full Forward: Aidan Schubert
South Australia | 198cm | 21/12/2007

Bolting to become one of the top two key forwards in the draft – depending on who you ask – Schubert spearheaded South Australia’s attack with 10 goals in four games. His best effort came in game one, making a splash with four majors from 14 disposals and eight marks. He averaged nearly nine score involvements per game and was a contested marking machine, taking six against Vic Metro. His rangy frame and clean hands made him difficult to beat aerially, along with a competitive streak. Schubert also chopped out in the ruck and looks every bit a top 15 prospect on representative form alone.

Forward Pocket: Lachy Dovaston
Vic Metro | 177cm | 29/05/2007

Arguably the premier small forward of the crop, Dovaston proved his credentials by hitting the scoreboard in each game. His standout performance came against the Allies as Vic Metro’s smalls ran riot, booting four goals among eight score involvements. He was also lively with 18 touches and five scoring shots against Western Australia, running atop the ground in both his side’s wins. Dovaston showed a terrific ability to work up the ground before impacting closer to goal within single passages. He is consistently dangerous at ground level with his speed and evasiveness, and has a terrific goal sense.

Ruck: Sam Ainsworth
South Australia | 198cm | 12/08/2007

One of the great unknowns coming into the championships, Ainsworth had been in undeniable form for Norwood having been converted from a key defender to a ruck. He translated that form onto the representative stage, often finishing among his side’s top contested possession winners. He averaged 15.8 disposals, 15.3 hitouts, and 4.5 clearances per game, closing out the series with 20, 12, and eight against Vic Country. He’s a tall who is growing in confidence and isn’t afraid to possess the ball, showing a terrific rate of improvement throughout his top-age campaign to date.

Ruck Rover: Oliver Greeves
Vic Metro | 191cm | 07/02/2007

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.

Rover: Daniel Annable
Allies | 183cm | 04/05/2007

Arguably the draft crop’s most consistent performer, Annable was a single vote away from being the joint-Larke Medallist after representing the Allies for a second year running. The prolific ball-winner was made to showcase some of his forward craft and kicked goals in two of the four games, while proving a threat with his running in the attacking phase. Annable, who averaged 24.8 disposals in the series, also got stuck in defensively to lay just under four tackles per game and remains one of the most well-rounded midfielders out there. He has since returned to the VFL grade for Brisbane, yielding strong numbers to continually prove why he has long been considered a top five prospect.

Interchange: Koby Coulson
Allies | 180cm | 31/07/2007

You can hardly ever fault Coulson for effort and that was evident throughout a terrific National Championships campaign from the Queenslander. He was among the Allies’ most reliable assets in midfield having had a spate of injuries, averaging 24.3 disposals, 4.8 tackles, and 4.0 clearances per game. He started brightly with a game-high 29 touches in his side’s loss to South Australia, before also topping the Allies’ disposal charts with 27 in game two. The Suns Academy member would often be seen getting in and under packs, prising possession and bustling a way forward through sheer will. Having also got the job done defensively, Coulson was impossible to deny for a spot in the All-Australian side.

Interchange: Jesse Mellor
Vic Country | 185cm | 04/01/2007

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 Next Generation Academy 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. He has gone on to make his VFL debut with the Cats, booting a single goal.

Interchange: Riley Onley
Vic Country | 194cm | 30/03/2007

Having come into the year with plenty of promise, Onley served a reminder of his upside throughout the National Championships. He was a mainstay in Vic Country’s midfield, averaging 23 disposals and four clearances across the campaign. At 194cm, he showcased terrific speed to break forward from the stoppages and looked every bit a top 30 talent with his 28 disposals, seven clearances, and 13 score involvements against the Allies. He held a strong level of consistency by not dropping below 20 touches across the four games and proved difficult to stop in full flight. The rest of the year is set up nicely.

Interchange: Sam Swadling
Western Australia | 187cm | 16/01/2007

Swadling was the third West Australian to make the cut in this year’s All-Australian side having been a strong contributor across the four matches. Rotating between the midfield and forwardline, he hit the scoreboard in three outings and was the Sandgropers’ top ball winner in the one game he didn’t. Swadling’s average 19 disposals came on the back of an average of 35 at WAFL Colts level, which has since propelled him into a League debut with West Perth. He’s the type of player who will find the ball wherever he goes, linking up dangerously by hand and becoming a threat in the front half.

Interchange: Adam Sweid
Vic Metro | 175cm | 14/09/2007

Sweid was one of four Vic Metro players to earn All-Australian selection, cementing his rise from relative obscurity to be a genuine top 30 prospect. The Essendon Next Generation Academy member is a fierce two-way competitor, able to prise his own possessions (4.3 clearances) while denying the opposition (4.8 tackles) easy ball. He was quiet in game one but peaked against the Allies with four goals from 16 disposals. Sweid backed that up with a personal-best 23 against Vic Country to round out the carnival.

Coach: Tony Bamford (South Australia)

Having coached South Australia to its last title in 2018, which was his first year at the helm, Bamford broke through for his second in 2025. He mentored a well-drilled and connected unit which produced seven All-Australian players and the Larke Medallist. It comes after the Croweaters finished in last place in 2024, marking a terrific turnaround for the proud footballing powerhouse.

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

BREAKDOWN

ALLIES (4):
Daniel Annable, Lachlan Carmichael, Koby Coulson, Dylan Patterson

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (7):
Sam Ainsworth, Harley Barker, Sam Cumming, Matthew LeRay, Mitchell Marsh, Aidan Schubert, Dyson Sharp

VIC COUNTRY (5):
Harry Dean, Willem Duursma, Josh Lindsay, Jesse Mellor, Riley Onley

VIC METRO (4):
Lachy Dovaston, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Oliver Greeves, Adam Sweid

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3):
Jacob Farrow, Fred Rodriguez, Sam Swadling