A HEAVILY rotated exhibition between the Allies and Queensland on the weekend saw the former come away with a 27-point win in what was a great way for the AFLW Under 18s squad from across multiple states to come together as one prior to the national carnival.

The Allies defeated the tournament favourites Queensland 9.13 (67) to 5.10 (40), though nothing can be read into it too much, with the Allies rotating 24 players, while Queensland had its entire available squad taking part with 32 players taking part, and ultimately most sat out a quarter during the game.

In the past, the Allies have essentially all turned up the night before – or close to – the first game of the national carnival, and usually been thrashed. It should come as no surprise with the representatives from NSW/ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania often meeting for the first time and having to quickly adapt against a quality state side that has spent months building up towards the championships.

That has changed in 2026, with the Allies opting for the trial match format instead, and it also gives Queensland a great opportunity to face off against their neighbouring rivals and get an idea as to how the players can fit in the lineup.

Regardless of the opposition and the rotations, the Allies will be pleased to come away with the hitout, missing star forward Majella Day who will immediately add to the lineup and join Swans Academy talls Lolita Savala and Jordan Davis, and Northern Territory bottom-ager Kayla Ilett among the marking targets inside 50.

Ilett finished with two goals in the 27-point victory, and was the standout from the Top End alongside highly touted 2009-born prospects Peggy Rock (10 disposals, two marks and a goal) and Layla May (10 disposals, two tackles).

Wing specialists Frances Walsh (22 disposals, four marks, three inside 50s, three rebound 50s and 1.2) and Isla Judd (16 disposals, two tackles, three clearances and two inside 50s) both looked good, while Swans Academy star Evie Bowie (22 disposals, four marks, five tackles, two clearances, four inside 50s and 2.1) and Tasmanian bottom-age gun Matilda Lange (20 disposals, four tackles, four clearances, five inside 50s and two goals) were also terrific.

National Academy member Charlotte Tidemann (14 disposals, three marks, two tackles, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s) and in-form defender Ashleigh Barlow (17 disposals, four marks, two clearances and four rebound 50s) were both fantastic, while from the Apple Isle, Evie Ward (14 disposals, four tackles, three clearances and two inside 50s) was the pick of the bunhc. Her fellow National Academy member Evie Bingham also missed the clash alongside Day.

Queensland will also be pleased to have got valuable minutes for every player against a quality opponent, with Under 16s MVP Lily Moana continuing her incredible rise with 15 disposals, five tackles, six clearances and four inside 50s despite sitting out the third quarter. Zoe Petrides (13 disposals, two marks and two inside 50s) was dangerous inside 50 other than her 0.3 on the scoreboard, while Stella Scott (13 disposals, two tackles and four rebound 50s) did well bringing the ball out of the back half and ball-winning midfielder Molly Ferguson (13 disposals, two marks and two tackles) was also lively.

National Academy member Mia Geere (12 disposals, three marks) and bottom-age jet Ameleia Murray (12 disposals, three marks and two tackles) sat out the third and second quarters respectively, with Ferguson (second) and Scott (first) all heavily rested to give everyone a go. Perhaps the biggest tick was the return of tall forward Harlee McIlwain from injury, who booted three goals from six disposals and six marks in a reminder of what she is capable of.

From a ruck perspective, Suns Academy’s Sienna Clinch (14 hitouts) and Lions Academy’s Ella Gibson (13 hitouts) shared the ruck duties, though the Allies did not have a recognised ruck as Savala, Davis, Emma McCallum and Morgan Stevens all shared the role.

The two teams do meet again, when they face off at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday, July 5. By then, both outfits will have finetuned their lineups and strategy. The Allies take on Vic Country at Blacktown International Sportspark on Sunday, June 14, with Queensland also taking to the field that day down in Geelong when the Maroons meet Vic Metro and GMHBA Stadium.

The Allies face South Australia, Queensland and then Western Australia in the last three games, while the Maroons will meet Vic Country and South Australia either side of the battle with the Allies. The championships concludes on Saturday, July 11 with a triple-header at a Victorian venue that is to be announced in the near future.