THE AFL Under 18 National Championships wrapped up over the weekend, with two more Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards handed out to either Victorian team. Meanwhile, West Australian star Heath Mellody was awarded the Larke Medal as the All-Australian team was announced on Wednesday. We profile each of the MVPs.

Note: South Australia will announce its recipient later in the year.

>> MORE: 2026 AFL Under 18 All-Australian team

ALLIES

Caylen Murray (Lions Academy/Queensland)
Defender | 181cm | 16/01/2008

Stats: 24.0 disposals, 79.6% efficiency, 6.8 marks, 5.0 rebound 50s, 517.8 metres gained

The Allies MVP could only be Murray, who was arguably both the best and most consistent player across his side’s four games. The highlight of his campaign was a rampant 31-disposal performance against South Australia – albeit in a thumping loss – which also yielded nine marks, eight rebound 50s, and 798 metres gained. He even swung forward in the final term to kick two goals. Murray’s speed and foot skills made him a relentless rebounding threat who could dictate and spark rapid transitional play. What’s more, he was highly effective, using the ball at 79.6 per cent efficiency. A first round prospect.

VIC COUNTRY

Ethan Drever (GWV Rebels)
Midfielder | 188cm | 10/07/2008

Stats: 20.0 disposals, 79.3% efficiency, 4.5 marks, 4.5 inside 50s, 5.0 score involvements

Drever has made great strides in his development this year and is likely to feature right at the pointy end of the draft. Having added weapons to his bow as a powerful inside midfielder, the GWV Rebels captain used the ball efficiently and gained plenty of meterage through the corridor. He almost had a huge day out against the Allies in game one, kicking 0.4 from his 21 disposals, while notching a high of 25 touches against South Australia. He showed a significant lift in his ability to cover ground and provide an outside element to his game, while remaining typically clean and robust on the inside. A top 10 lock.

VIC METRO

Tyson Bradley (Sandringham Dragons)
Key Defender | 196cm | 16/09/2008

Stats: 14.5 disposals, 84.4% efficiency, 6.8 marks, 5.0 rebound 50s, 7.5 intercepts

They say defence wins premierships and with Vic Metro making an unblemished run to the title, Bradley’s MVP nod supports that notion. The reliable tall was a brick wall throughout the carnival, averaging 6.8 marks and 7.5 intercept possessions. He was difficult to beat one-on-one and willingly crashed aerial contests, while proving capable of distributing the ball efficiently. Bradley’s true star turn came against South Australia, where he reeled in 12 marks and eight intercepts among his 17 disposals. Although, he was a consistent figure across all four games and shut down many dangerous forwards.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Heath Mellody (Claremont)
Defender/Midfielder | 186cm | 27/07/2008

Stats: 28.3 disposals, 5.0 marks, 4.0 rebound 50s, 6.3 score involvements, 482.5 metres gained

Mellody took out the highest honour to add to his state MVP award, being voted the Larke Medallist ahead of WA captain Leo Steed. The stylish playmaker was prolific in each game, twice breaching the 30-disposal mark. At his best, his foot skills were precise and penetrative, while his dash and dare made transitioning the ball a breeze. He ended up being unleashed in midfield across the last couple of games and continued to chew up metres while elevating his score involvements. His production level and ability to dictate games are reminiscent of the Daicos brothers – you want the ball in his hands at all times.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

To be confirmed.

>> RECAP: 2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships