THE 2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships came to a close on Sunday, as Vic Metro completed an undefeated campaign to be crowned champions. Every other team bagged at least one win in a relatively even competition. We recap how it all unfolded across the 10 fixtures, with the Larke Medal and All-Australian team to be announced shortly.

>> RECAP: 2026 AFL Under 16 National Championships

ALLIES

MVP: Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Record: 5th | 1-3 | 63.0%

Results:
def. by Vic Country 12.11 (83) to 14.12 (96)
def. by South Australia 6.7 (43) to 16.13 (109)
def. by Vic Metro 8.8 (56) to 20.19 (139)
def. Western Australia 12.12 (84) to 11.12 (78)

How it happened:

The Allies saved their best for last, avoiding a winless carnival after beating podium finisher Western Australia by a single goal in Ballarat. Having trailed by as many as 28 points during term three, the result marked a terrific fightback at the final time of asking. They bookended their campaign well having started out with a 13-point defeat to Vic Country. Both those games marked their best attacking and defensive efforts. In between, they conceded a combined 68 scoring shots to South Australia and Vic Metro in thumping defeats. A seven-goal to one second term saw SA establish its dominance, while the Vics did the work early with eight unanswered majors in the opening quarter. As is often the case, the Allies rotated through more players than any team, including prospects from outside the initial squad.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

MVP: TBA
Record: 2nd | 2-2 | 102.9%

Results:
def. by Western Australia 10.6 (66) to 11.12 (78)
def. Allies 16.13 (109) to 6.7 (43)
def. by Vic Metro 10.5 (65) to 16.15 (111)
def. Vic Country 10.15 (75) to 11.8 (74)

How it happened:

Coming off a memorable title last year, the Croweaters endured an up-and-down championships this time out. They started out with an away loss to Western Australia, trailing all day after conceding five unanswered goals in the opening quarter. Despite a late run falling short, SA carried its momentum into game two, riding a quarter time rev-up to slam on seven goals in the second term and set up a thumping victory over the Allies. The came the next trough, competing with Vic Metro for a half over in Melbourne but being outgunned in the second half. Another Victorian trip, this time to Ballarat, saw the tricolours end their campaign on a positive note, surviving a late shot on goal to beat Vic Country by one point. Over-age forward Jack Slattery was a great find, leading the competition’s goalkicking with 16 majors.

VIC COUNTRY

MVP: Ethan Drever (GWV Rebels)
Record: 4th | 1-3 | 73.7%

Results:
def. Allies 14.12 (96) to 12.11 (83)
def. by Western Australia 9.6 (60) to 10.16 (76)
def. by South Australia 11.8 (74) to 10.15 (75)
def. by Vic Metro 5.9 (39) to 20.11 (131)

How it happened:

Things could have looked a whole lot different for Vic Country, who started in winning form but came unstuck in two tight losses. They knocked off the Allies in Blacktown but lost their two co-captains – Noah Williams and Cody Walker – in the process. An extended break meant Williams made it back for game two against WA, who kicked nine of the last 11 goals to claim a remarkable come-from-behind win at Marvel Stadium. The Vics then lost another heartbreaker to South Australia, leading for much of the day and spurning a late chance to kick the winning goal in Ballarat. At the same venue, they were absolutely smoked by Vic Metro, conceding the first 11 goals of the match in a 92-point drubbing.

VIC METRO

MVP: Tyson Bradley (Sandringham Dragons)
Record: 1st | 4-0 | 229.1%

Results:
def. Western Australia 11.9 (75) to 5.9 (39)
def. Allies 20.19 (139) to 8.8 (56)
def. South Australia 16.15 (111) to 10.5 (65)
def. Vic Country 20.11 (131) to 5.9 (39)

How it happened:

Vic Metro claimed the Under 18 title for the third time in five years, finishing undefeated. They took their time to get going against WA away from home, kicking away in the final term to make a danger game look relatively comfortable. The stuttering stopped there, as the Vics reached triple-digits in their next three games. Barring an even start against South Australia, they piled on 11 goals to three first half goals against the Allies and 13 to one against Vic Country to set up comprehensive victories. Their average winning margin was 64 points, built on a stingy defence, free-flowing midfielders, and ball movement which fed an array of hungry tall forwards. No team could hang with them for long enough.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

MVP: Heath Mellody (Claremont)
Record: 3rd | 2-2 | 95.1%

Results:
def. South Australia 11.12 (78) to 10.6 (66)
def. by Vic Metro 5.9 (39) to 11.9 (75)
def. Vic Country 10.16 (76) to 9.6 (60)
def. by Allies 11.12 (78) to 12.12 (84)

How it happened:

Although Vic Metro ended up winning its final game, Western Australia had brief hope of snatching the title heading into game four. They spurned the momentary chance, going down to the Allies in Ballarat as co-captain Leo Steed finished the match on the bench. Had they won, a Vic Country upset over Metro on Sunday would have handed them the title. While not to be, the Sandgropers produced plenty of positives. They upset defending champions South Australia in game one and gave themselves the chance to run over the top of Vic Metro, but fell away in the final term. Game three against Vic Country was a great spectacle, as WA kicked nine of the last 11 goals to complete a remarkable comeback under the roof at Marvel Stadium. They generally defy the odds and again proved plenty of doubters wrong.

FINAL LADDER

LARKE MEDAL VOTING

To be announced shortly.