THE 2026 AFL Under 16 National Championships came to a close last week, with Western Australia and the Giants Academy taking home the Pool A and B titles respectively. Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were also handed out across all 10 teams, and we profile each recipient. Note, the best and fairest medal for Pool B, and overall All-Australian side will be announced later this week.

POOL A

KEVIN SHEEHAN MEDAL: Troy Warner (Western Australia)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:

Logan Treverton (Central District)
Midfielder | 183cm | 23/10/2010

Averages: 24.3 disposals, 3.7 marks, 5.7 clearances

Treverton was a consistent performer across the three games but arguably saved his best for last. Part of a physically mature South Australian engine room, he picked up 29 disposals, nine clearances and nine inside 50s against Vic Metro to finish his carnival on a high note. Key features of his game include a clean set of hands and strong frame on the inside, along with a handy ability to accumulate around the ground. He absorbs pressure and plays well in wet conditions, as proven in two of the three games.

VIC COUNTRY:

Eamon Hyde (Murray Bushrangers)
Tall Defender | 190cm | 21/02/2010

Averages: 15.0 disposals, 6.0 marks, 4.7 rebound 50s

Hyde was an absolute monster in Vic Country’s defence, proving a fine choice for co-captaincy given how he went about it. Made to absorb plenty of pressure, he positioned expertly behind the ball and made terrific reads to impact contests, often throwing himself into the action. Hyde showed excellent intercept and contested marking ability and was hardly beaten throughout the carnival. He spent time forward and bagged a goal in game three, playing with the utmost vigour and competitiveness.

VIC METRO:

Louis Grinter (Oakleigh Chargers)
Midfielder | 187cm | 04/12/2010

Averages: 17.7 disposals, 3.0 marks, 4.0 clearances

A classy, smooth moving midfielder, Grinter was often the most effective player for a winless Vic Metro side. While others accumulated more possessions, he made his own count with flashy movement in and out of traffic complimented by equally eye-catching disposal. Already quite a good size, Grinter does not just rely on his build to have an impact at stoppage, proving dangerous on the outside with his ability to carry the ball. He effortlessly covers ground and performed consistently across the three games.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

Troy Warner (East Fremantle)
Forward/Midfielder | 179cm | 18/03/2010

Averages: 24.7 disposals, 4.7 marks, 4.7 inside 50s

Already a standout name with two brothers in the AFL system, Warner was also the standout performer in Pool A. He took home the coveted Kevin Sheehan Medal having co-captained Western Australia to an undefeated title run. Often operating as a high forward with stints in midfield, he gathered over 20 disposals in each game and showcased great skills and composure throughout. Warner’s quick feet got him out of trouble and helped drive his side forward on countless occasions. A star in the making.

POOL B

ALAN MCLEAN MEDAL: To be confirmed.

BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY:

Darcy Pearson (Victoria Point)
Defender | 185cm | 29/01/2010

Averages: 18.7 disposals, 6.0 marks, 6.0 rebound 50s

Following on from Jackson Bridge‘s defensive masterclass last year, Pearson proved a vital cog in the Lions’ backline. He provided aerial presence and intercepted nicely, while also being able to join the attack with plenty of drive in transition. Arguably Pearson’s best performance was his first, amassing 23 disposals, six marks and six rebound 50s in a heavy Q-Clash defeat. He provided a spark in midfield after half time of that game, lifting when his side otherwise looked down and out.

GOLD COAST SUNS ACADEMY:

Hunter Weatherley (Broadbeach)
Defender | 179cm | 16/09/2010

Averages: 11.3 disposals, 3.0 marks, 2.3 inside 50s

Perhaps a prospect in the category of unheralded MVPs, Weatherley seemed to build as the carnival wore on. He saved his best game for last, tallying his greatest disposal haul (13) and six rebound 50s in the Pool B ‘final’ against GWS. He attacked from the back, doing so with a balance of speed and composure. Weatherley’s quick and effective forays were the key feature of his game, remaining efficient while hastily disposing of the ball.

GWS GIANTS ACADEMY:

Alexander Maher (Eastlake)
Midfielder | 177cm | 16/05/2010

Averages: 28.7 disposals, 5.7 clearances, 4.0 inside 50s

Working in tandem with James Rice to dominate the Pool B midfield stakes, Maher was the leading ball-winner in two of three games. He tipped the 30-disposal mark in game one, also having his highest clearance (eight) and inside 50 (seven) hauls. Boasting high-level craft and poise, Maher got involved in combination play around the ground and was a standout at stoppage. His spatial awareness and lateral movement brought him time to identify and hit targets on the move. All class.

NORTHERN TERRITORY ACADEMY:

Billy Brown (Southern Districts)
Tall Defender | 190cm | 12/04/2010

Averages: 12.7 disposals, 3.3 marks, 7.7 rebound 50s

Brown was a calming presence in the Northern Territory’s defence, able to both intercept and rebound proficiently. He rose to take several impressive marks throughout the carnival, showing his athletic leap and ability to extend overhead. Brown was also able to mop up at ground level and spark counterattacks for his side, distributing the ball cleanly and with minimal fuss. He often took the kick-in duties and was comfortably able to breach defensive 50, showing great composure with ball in hand.

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY:

Noah Keam (Manly Bombers)
Midfielder | 182cm | 02/01/2010

Averages: 29.7 disposals, 6.0 marks, 6.0 inside 50s, 1.0 goals

Keam was arguably Sydney’s best player in all three games and a deserving recipient of the MVP award. The midfielder helped seal the Swans’ come-from-behind win over the NT in game three with 26 touches, seven clearances and two goals. He breached 30 disposals in the two games prior, helping himself to 33 against the Gold Coast in game two. Keam was clean and composed on the inside, but just as able to spread and demand the ball on the outside while becoming a threat in the forward half. Gun.

TASMANIA:

Jordan Stevenson (North Hobart)
Defender | 179cm | 02/05/2010

Averages: 22.0 disposals, 4.7 marks, 4.3 tackles, 4.0 rebound 50s

A consistent performer who contributed across the board, Stevenson provided plenty of bounce out of Tasmania’s defence. He could often be seen running the ball out from deep, pinpointing his short passes and streaming past to get the ball back. His link-up play was a highlight of Tasmania’s ball movement, catching the eye with each transitional push. Stevenson was also willing to get stuck in defensively, holding his own in one-on-one situations, intercepting, and laying hard tackles.