QUEENSLAND has named a stacked lineup for the 2026 AFLW Under 18 Championships that includes players from across four different birth years. Already boasting a host of top-age National Academy members, the Maroons have included some over-agers, bottom-agers and even a few double bottom-agers who are coming off the National Development Championships.

While having both battled injury to start the season, Summer Browning – who impressed in her second game back for the Suns Academy – and Harlee McIlwain – who got the chance to also represent the National Academy – join the likes of Aiyana Pritchard and Mia Geere, while arguably the best player of the overlooked National Academy members in Molly Ferguson only further strengthens the state’s claims.

The depth of Queensland in 2026 is insane, with Zoe Petrides, Stella Scott, Freya Ross and Stephanie Aguinaldo just a few of the classy hard-running players who are in AFLW Draft contention. The likes of Gold Coast forward/midfielder Allie Cameron and Brisbane ruck/defender Ella Gibson are others to note down ahead of the national championships. Returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Raffi Baviello is building with each game, while Suns Academy ruck Sienna Clinch will likely get the first gig in the middle.

Queensland over-ager Jemma Foley was touted as one who was unlucky to miss out last season after injury kept her out of the state squad, while Amelia Ella has made it back into Queensland’s team after missing last season. Due to limited over-age spots to fill, it means the likes of Sienna Burnham and Lilli-Ann Ryder miss out, but they will be able to keep impressing through the QAFLW and were in the state team last season.

A bumper bottom-age crop from the Lions Academy sees Ameleia Murray headline a group that includes Indiana Scheffler and Edie Fraser, while Maddie Campbell, Asia Single and Grace Cooper are ones to watch from the Suns. Murray and her Queensland teammate Lily Moana are set to be high picks in consecutive drafts, with Moana winning the MVP at the Under 16s carnival and is a star in the marking with fellow 2010-born talents, Kya Wills-Rawlings, Tigerlily Nixon and Harriet Howe also making it into the team.

Queensland will take on Vic Country, Vic Metro, South Australia and the Allies with the first game kicking off on Sunday, June 14 at GMHBA Stadium against Vic Metro. Given the strength and depth of the Maroons, they are tipped to be favourites alongside South Australia for the overall title.

2026 QUEENSLAND AFLW U18s SQUAD: