THE NEXT generation of AFL Draft prospects showed their wares at the Under 16 National Championships, where Vic Metro and Tasmania picked up the Pool A and B titles respectively. A 23-player All-Australia team was announced last week, and we profile each member of the talented squad.

>> REVEALED: 2025 AFL Under 16 All-Australian team

Back Pocket: Tevita Rodan
Vic Metro | 179cm | 18/02/2009

A chip off the old block, Rodan showcased some of the same pop and power as his father, David. Rodan senior played 185 AFL games, with his 111 at Port Adelaide making Tevita father-son eligible in 2027. He’s also part of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy. The 16-year-old averaged 20 disposals across the series with roles in defence and though midfield. He was a prolific rebounder who helped set up the play, while doubling as a clean extractor who could navigate stoppages and get involved in running chains.

Full Back: Harvey Chapman
South Australia | 194cm | 10/08/2009

South Australia’s captain led from the front, or technically the back, with some commanding performances in defence. Chapman was renowned for his ability to intercept and set up the play, averaging 5.3 marks and 10.0 rebound 50s across the three games. He used the ball at 81 per cent efficiency thanks largely to his favoured left foot, which was a factor when distributing the ball from restarts. He had some tough one-on-one matchups but played to his strengths throughout.

Back Pocket: Gus Trigwell
Northern Territory | 180cm | 12/12/2008

It was tough going being a defender for the Northern Territory at times, but Trigwell held up to be one of his side’s most reliable performers. An over-ager in the Under 16 category, the Nightcliff product has also represented the NT at Under 18 level and was a leader amongst his team. He averaged 21.3 disposals and 4.7 marks in an often besieged backline, utilising his left foot to spark counterattacks and distribute the ball effectively. Fellow Nightcliff junior Taj Murray was an All-Australian in 2023.

Half-Back Flank: Louis Salopek
Vic Country | 184cm | 16/02/2009

Salopek came to prominence with a prolific opening half in game one against Vic Metro, collecting 16 disposals in the opening quarter alone. He went on to have 32 touches that day and averaged 24 for the carnival, along with 4.7 clearances. The son of 121-game former Port Adelaide player Steven is eligible to join the club in 2027, and offers plenty of guts in the way he plays. He extracts the ball cleanly and can move it forward with his left-foot kicking, even doing so during stints off half-back.

Centre Half-Back: Tom Steinfort
Vic Country | 194cm | 29/08/2009

Despite being injured early in game three, Steinfort showed enough to lock in his All-Australian selection in defence. Somewhat of a swingman, he was shifted forward late to very nearly drag his side over the line against South Australia, with that kind of versatility being a genuine weapon for Vic Country. Steinfort averaged 5.5 marks in his two full games and was a reliable competitor in the air. He is the son of former Geelong and Collingwood player Carl, and while not father-son eligible for either club, is part of the Cats’ Next Generation Academy.

Half-Back Flank: Jackson Bridge (MVP & Alan McLean Medal)
Lions Academy | 187cm | 16/07/2009

Bridge produced three phenomenal games to be the sole All-Australian representative from Brisbane’s undefeated side. He took out the Lions’ MVP award while also being adjudged the best and fairest player in Pool B. His precise ball use and ability to take ground made him a threat on the rebound, advancing the ball with impetus. Bridge was also a prolific interceptor, averaging 8.7 marks per game with some terrific positioning and overhead marking. He’s the brother of 2025 draft prospect, Harrison.

>> Remember the Names: 2025 AFL Under 16 MVPs

Wing: Taj Garrett
South Australia | 183cm | 05/01/2009

Along with Chapman, Garrett returned for his second state Under 16 series and was among SA’s most accomplished players. He proved nothing short of prolific, averaging 27.7 disposals and 4.7 clearances across the three games, credit largely to his endless running capacity. Garrett also got the job done on the inside with 13 contested possessions per match, but was often sighted supporting the defence and helping surge the ball forward on the outside. His high footy IQ was evident when covering the ground.

Centre: Max Gulliver (Captain)
Tasmania | 178cm | 04/11/2009

Gulliver’s first two performances were so outstanding that despite being injured early in game three, he was named captain of the All-Australian side. One of just two members from the title-winning Tasmanian outfit, Gulliver averaged 27 disposals across the first two games and booted seven goals as arguably the best player afield both times. His powerful stoppage bursts and field kicking were highlights, proving dangerous in the attacking phase and outworking his opponents to become a threat inside forward 50. He could be the best home grown player out of Tasmania’s all-important 2027 crop.

Wing: Charlie McClennan
Swans Academy | 178cm | 16/03/2009

A player who racked up the stats with ease, McClennan averaged 25.7 disposals, 6.7 clearances, and 6.3 marks across a well-rounded campaign. He was among the Swans Academy’s best players in each game, getting the job done with one-touch work on the inside and classy contributions on the outside. McClennan proved capable of feeding his teammates or being the one to carry the ball forward, providing great balance through midfield while also dobbing a goal per game.

Half-Forward Flank: Duke Marshall-Orr
Swans Academy | 186cm | 03/04/2009

A genuine powerhouse in the forward half, Marshall-Orr was a dynamic member of the Swans Academy’s core group. He was capable of playing above his 186cm standing with bustling leads up the ground, connecting the lines as a marking target who could also take metres with explosive speed. That kind of movement saw him earn midfield minutes, though he looked most dangerous up front with an average 6.3 marks and 2.0 goals per game. The Coffs Harbour native currently boards at Melbourne Grammar.

Centre Half-Forward: Zemes Pilot
South Australia | 192cm | 08/06/2009

Yet another All-Australian tied to Port Adelaide, Pilot is part of the Power’s Next Generation Academy with First Nations and African-American roots. He missed game three with a calf injury but showcased enormous upside in his first two appearances, averaging 19 disposals, 4.5 marks, and 1.5 goals. Pilot was a constant spark for South Australia, utilising his athleticism at 192cm to provide a moving target in attack, while following up nimbly at ground level and shutting down opposition ball movers. Such is his versatility, he even spent stints in midfield and shapes as a genuine top-end talent for 2027.

Half-Forward Flank: Kai Ivins
South Australia | 183cm | 14/09/2009

Ivins is another in the group of All-Australians who missed one game, sitting out South Australia’s first through injury. He was sure to make his mark up on the Gold Coast though, averaging 22.5 disposals and 11 contested possessions per his couple of appearances. Ivins was a power runner through midfield and off half-forward, taking the game on with speed and dare. His best outing came against Vic Country, where he made up for lost time to boot three goals and just about be best afield in a narrow win.

>> How it Happened: 2025 AFL Under 16 National Championships

Forward Pocket: James Artemis (MVP)
Western Australia | 176cm | 05/03/2009

Squeezed into the forwardline despite doing his best work in midfield, Artemis was also Western Australia’s MVP recipient. The speedy East Fremantle prospect found a happy knack for roving the ball off hands at stoppages before bursting out of congestion and taking the game forward. His constant run and drive through the centre was complimented by ferocious defensive efforts, averaging 8.7 tackles per game to go with his 17.3 disposals. He’s the cousin of 2024 WA Under 18 MVP, Jaxon Artemis.

Full Forward: Jake Miller
Vic Metro | 195cm | 07/05/2009

Captain of the title-winning Vic Metro side, Miller was a known quantity coming into the Queensland leg of the series after his four-goal exploits on Coates Talent League debut. He finished with nine majors in three outings for the Big V, including four against South Australia to help clinch the title in game three. The left-footed key forward was a strong marking target who presented on bustling leads and converted his chances reliably. His size and presence made him difficult to stop in full flight.

Forward Pocket: Max Thompson (MVP)
Vic Country | 175cm | 06/03/2009

The leading goalkicker in Pool A with 10 majors in three games, Thompson was also crowned Vic Country’s MVP. His exploits were largely credit to elite foot skills, making him a deadeye in front of goal and an incisive user heading inside 50. Thompson averaged 15.7 disposals per game and garnered plenty of attention in his first outing with five goals against Vic Metro. Whether converting over the mark of bending snaps through the big sticks, his craft and execution were top notch all series. He even got a run through midfield and has been employed on the wing for Bendigo Pioneers’ Under 18 side.

Ruck: Axel Walsh
Western Australia | 201cm | 20/01/2009

An extremely early shout to be the best player in the 2027 draft class, Walsh was on track for a slew of individual honours before a PCL injury ruled him out of game three. He copped the knock late in WA’s narrow loss to Vic Metro, where he very nearly dragged his side over the line at the death. Walsh played with authority and presence, dominating the ruck domain with an average of 27 hitouts and following up for 16 contested possessions per game. He was also a factor around the ground, often dropping back to clunk intercept marks and relieve pressure for his side. The West Australian captain was arguable best on ground in his first two appearances, and is the brother of Port Adelaide rookie Xavier.

Ruck Rover: Baxter Sruk (MVP & Kevin Sheehan Medal)
Vic Metro | 182cm | 18/07/2009

Sruk was part of the selfless and well-oiled Vic Metro midfield group which went a long way to clinching the Pool A title undefeated. He took out MVP honours and the esteemed Kevin Sheehan Medal having averaged 23 disposals and two goals per game. The powerful onballer came up clutch to kick the winning goal in his side’s first two matches, before breaking out with 27 touches and four majors against South Australia. He hardly fumbled on the inside and was a constant threat with his running in the attacking phase, finishing in the final third with penetrative kicking on the move.

Rover: Koby Bewick
Vic Metro | 177cm | 10/01/2009

Yet another club-tied player in the All-Australian side, Bewick is father-son eligible to Essendon where his father Darren won two premierships in 238 games. Capable of impacting in each third of the ground, Bewick draws comparisons to another father-son gun in Nick Daicos credit to his exceptional footy IQ and ball use. With averages of 23 disposals and eight inside 50s, Bewick forged many attacks on the back of intelligent running and innate skill execution on the move. He was most often employed as a midfielder rotating forward, but also spent time off half-back where his playmaking abilities shone.

Interchange: Angus Abbonizio
Western Australia | 184cm | 18/03/2009

Abbonizio was among Western Australia’s most important midfield pieces, able to rack up possessions and combine with teammates. He averaged 24 touches throughout the carnival, a mark he surpassed within the first half of his game against Vic Country with 25 – a remarkable feat in 23-minute flat quarters. Abbonizio was consistently able to swoop on loose balls with shrewd positioning and reactions around stoppages, helping move the ball to the outside and deliver it forward with repeat efforts.

Interchange: Monte Cairns (MVP)
Swans Academy | 185cm | 03/07/2009

A player with genuine class and poise, Carins was crowned the Swans Academy’s MVP among a highly talented core of top-end prospects. The solidly-built midfielder was clean in the clinches and extracted the ball with minimal fuss, but showed finesse when stepping through traffic to buy time in possession. Cairns averaged 22.7 disposals and 6.0 clearances per game, also impacting with his ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard, which yielded four goals.

Interchange: Cooper French (MVP)
Giants Academy | 178cm | 28/03/2009

Another Northern Academy MVP to earn his spot in the All-Australian side, French was a standout for the Giants. He operated mostly as a high forward who worked into space and could connect the ground, doing so with classy movement and ball use. French averaged 22 disposals and 6.7 marks per game, being named among GWS’ best in all three appearances and booting four goals overall. He showed an ability to rack up the numbers while hitting the scoreboard and earned stints in midfield throughout.

Interchange: Sam Husband
Tasmania | 180cm | 17/09/2009

Husband is a powerfully built midfielder who balanced his game nicely throughout the series, averaging 20.3 disposals and 10 contested possessions. He helped break open the play with bursts of speed, exploding from the contest and finding avenues into attacking 50. One of just two All-Australians from the title-winning Tasmanian side, Husband returned for his second campaign at the level having debuted last year, and followed through to be one of the most impactful players in Pool B.

Interchange: Harper McCullough
Vic Metro | 176cm | 29/05/2009

A true competitor in midfield, McCullough punched above his weight throughout the carnival with dogged determination and explosive feats around the contest. He did the tough stuff with averages of 5.3 clearances and 8.0 tackles across Vic Metro’s three games, allowing his side’s depth of selfless midfielders to shine with contributions at the source and in end-to-end passages. McCullough was like a bull out the gate when extracting possession, refusing to be beaten or tackled.

Coach: Ash Close (Vic Metro)

Close mentored Vic Metro to the title with a flawless 3-0 record. The side’s togetherness and willingness to support each other in different roles was evident as they held firm in key moments – which included seeing out two tight wins up front. The Oakleigh Under 18 coach had his side playing an attractive transition style of play to compliment their depth of reliable midfield ball winners.

2025 UNDER 16 ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM

B: Tevita Rodan (VM) – Harvey Chapman (SA) – Gus Trigwell (NT)
HB: Louis Salopek (VC) – Tom Steinfort (VC) – Jackson Bridge (BL)
C: Charlie McClennan (SS) – Max Gulliver (TAS, C) – Taj Garrett (SA)
HF: Kai Ivins (SA) – Zemes Pilot (SA) – Duke Marshall-Orr (SS)
F: Max Thompson (VC) – Jake Miller (VM) – James Artemis (WA)
FOL: Axel Walsh (WA) – Baxter Sruk (VM) – Koby Bewick (VM)

INT: Angus Abbonizio (WA), Monte Cairns (SS), Cooper French (GWS), Sam Husband (TAS), Harper McCullough (VM)

Coach: Ash Close (Vic Metro)
Captain: Max Gulliver (Tasmania)
Kevin Sheehan Medal: Baxter Sruk (Vic Metro)
Alan McLean Medal: Jackson Bridge (Lions Academy)

BREAKDOWN

POOL A:

South Australia (4): Harvey Chapman, Taj Garrett, Kai Ivins, Zemes Pilot
Vic Country (3): Louis Salopek, Tom Steinfort, Max Thompson
Vic Metro (5): Koby Bewick, Harper McCullough, Jake Miller, Tevita Rodan, Baxter Sruk
Western Australia (3): Angus Abbonizio, James Artemis, Axel Walsh

POOL B:

Giants Academy (1): Cooper French
Lions Academy (1): Jackson Bridge
Northern Territory (1): Gus Trigwell
Suns Academy: Nil
Swans Academy (3): Monte Cairns, Duke Marshall-Orr, Charlie McClennan
Tasmania (2): Max Gulliver, Sam Husband