EVERY competing side has now made at least one appearance in the 2023 AFL Under 18 National Championships, presenting the perfect opportunity to recap what has gone down to date, and who are shaping up as title contenders. We recap the four games thus far, team by team.

ALLIES

RECORD:
2-0, 218.9%

RESULTS:
def. South Australia 12.12 (84) to 11.2 (68)
def. Western Australia 16.12 (108) to 2.8 (20)

HOW THEY’VE LOOKED

Unreal. The Allies are arguably this year’s frontrunners when it comes to title contention, looking slick in both of their outings at Thebarton Oval. After bursting out of the blocks against South Australia, they kicked away from Western Australia with uniquely dominant patches in either game.

Their ability to wax together and look like such a cohesive unit is remarkable considering their makeup, as a team comprised of talent from five states and territories. They run in waves, move the ball quickly and have a balanced spine with unrivalled depth through midfield. Watch out.

STARS OF THE SHOW

There’s a few. Starting at the source, Tasmanians Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders have absolutely caught fire, while bookends Jed Walter and Connor O’Sullivan are another couple of top 15 prospects to have impressed. Don’t forget mobile ruck Ethan Read either, and Suns Academy teammate Jake Rogers.

WHAT’S NEXT?

vs. Vic Metro | Sunday July 2, 2:00pm @ Brighton Homes Arena (QLD)
vs. Vic Country | Sunday July 9, 1:35pm @ RSEA Park (VIC)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

RECORD:
1-2, 75.5%

RESULTS:
def. by Allies 11.2 (68) to 12.12 (84)
def. by Vic Metro 5.8 (38) to 15.16 (106)
def. Vic Country 15.4 (94) to 11.9 (75)

HOW THEY’VE LOOKED

It has been a mixed bag for the Croweaters thus far, looking less than impressive over two losses before coming to life most recently against Vic Country. The game against the Allies was essentially lost in the first half, but Vic Metro managed blow the result out across four quarters.

Then there was the Vic Country clash. After being jumped at the start, South Australia dominated the second half to run away with an impressive victory and prove many people wrong. They have the class up forward to kick winning scores, but just need consistent enough supply from the middle.

STARS OF THE SHOW

Livewire forward Jack Delean has been classy as ever with two bags of four goals, and would arguably be leading the MVP race if not for Sid Draper‘s three outstanding efforts. Elsewhere, SA coaches will be happy with skipper Will Patton and emerging ruck Taylor Goad, while Tyler Welsh‘s five-goal haul was a highlight.

WHAT’S NEXT?

vs. South Australia | Saturday June 24, 2:00pm @ Optus Stadium (WA)

VIC COUNTRY

RECORD:
0-1, 79.8%

RESULTS:
def. by South Australia 11.9 (75) to 15.4 (94)

HOW THEY’VE LOOKED

Not quite at their best, but with the potential to put out strong performances. It was tough going for Country to face a side which has turned out thrice already at the championships in their opening bout, and they were perhaps a little behind the ledger in terms of chemistry and team balance.

A small sample size means this side’s potential is yet to be properly gauged, but there is a lot to like. The weakness perhaps lies in their key defensive stocks, but there is a range of medium-small options and some genuine star power in the midfield-forward rotation. The best is yet to come.

STARS OF THE SHOW

The first nine minutes of Sunday’s loss to South Australia only highlighted the potential of top pick fancy Harley Reid, though he isn’t alone in the way of star players. Zane Duursma is in serious form, while Darcy Wilson showed signs of his class. Others to have performed well first up include marking forward Michael Rudd, and Dandenong Stingrays pair Harry De Mattia and Kobe Shipp.

WHAT’S NEXT?

vs. Western Australia | Friday June 30, 6:00pm @ WACA Ground (WA)
vs. Allies | Sunday July 9, 1:35pm @ RSEA Park (VIC)
vs. Vic Metro | Sunday July 16, 10:35am @ IKON Park (VIC)

VIC METRO

RECORD:
1-0, 278.9%

RESULTS:
def. South Australia 15.16 (106) to 5.8 (38)

HOW THEY’VE LOOKED

Ominous. There may not be the usual wealth of high-end top-age talent, but some bottom-age stars and solid operators served Metro well in game one. They have the capacity to dominate through midfield and boast genuine game winners forward of the ball, with strong running power throughout.

STARS OF THE SHOW

Bottom-age midfield trio Levi Ashcroft, Jagga Smith, and Josh Smillie were sublime in combination against SA, as Metro’s clear best players alongside tall-small forward duo Jordan Croft and Nick Watson. Rebounders Archie Roberts and Nathan Philactides also started well and ruck William Green will continually serve his ball winners nicely.

WHAT’S NEXT?

vs. Allies | Sunday July 2, 2:00pm @ Brighton Homes Arena (QLD)
vs. Western Australia | Sunday July 9, 10:35am @ RSEA Park (VIC)
vs. Vic Country | Sunday July 16, 10:35am @ IKON Park (VIC)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

RECORD:
0-1, 18.5%

RESULTS:
def. by Allies 2.8 (20) to 16.12 (108)

HOW THEY’VE LOOKED

Like Vic Country, there is only a small sample size to analyse, and Western Australia was always going to find it tough against a slick Allies side. The Black Ducks have a strong pressure game and some handy key position prospects, but perhaps not enough points of difference or depth through midfield to compete with the strongest teams this year.

STARS OF THE SHOW

There were some solid contributors for WA in game one, with key defender Daniel Curtin and ruck Mitchell Edwards being among the more prominent and draftable figures.

Clay Hall stood tall in midfield and was supported by speedy small Koen Sanchez, while Reece Torrent showed potential on the outside and rebounder Riley Hardeman has plenty left in him. Watch for Lance Collard and Koltyn Tholstrup to make an impact as the series goes on.

WHAT’S NEXT?

vs. South Australia | Saturday June 24, 2:00pm @ Optus Stadium (WA)
vs. Vic Country | Friday June 30, 6:00pm @ WACA Ground (WA)
vs. Vic Metro | Sunday July 9, 10:35am @ RSEA Park (VIC)

CHAMPIONSHIPS LADDER

1. Allies (2-0, 218.9%)
2. Vic Metro (1-0, 278.9%)
3. South Australia (1-2, 75.5%)
4. Vic Country (0-1, 79.8%)
5. Western Australia (0-1, 18.5%)