THE 2024 AFL Under 16 All Australian team was announced this week, featuring 23 of the best performed players out of this year’s National Development Championships. We profile each of the budding prospects, which includes six Most Valuable Player (MVP) award recipients.

>> Announced: 2024 AFL Under 16 All Australian team

Back Pocket: Archie Hill (MVP)
Suns Academy | 182cm | 04/03/2008

An attack-minded rebound defender with great power and athleticism, Hill took out Gold Coast’s MVP award and led valiantly as the Suns’ skipper. He was often tasked with setting up play from the back and took the game on with his combination of running and kicking, averaging 34 disposals and nine rebound 50s per game. The consistent accumulator was also afforded midfield minutes and debuted for the Suns’ Under 18 side earlier this year.

Full Back: Charlie Bovill
Tasmania | 192cm | 30/03/2008

A genuine swingman who tended to start each match down back before switching forward, Bovill came into the championships having bagged five goals in his Coates Talent League debut. His reading of the play and overhead marking were standout features of a promising all-round game, with the tall averaging 12.3 touches and 5.3 marks across the carnival.

Back Pocket: Tate Hodgson
Vic Metro | 193cm | 24/07/2008

The going was tough in Vic Metro’s backline at times but Hodgson stood tall as a player who could not only thwart attacks, but help begin transitional play. At 193cm, his aerial prowess was on show with composed intercepts and he made good use of the ball, going at 74 per cent efficiency per his 14.3 disposals and 6.3 marks. He has since debuted for Northern Knights’ Under 18 outfit in the Coates Talent League.

Half Back Flank: Garrison Kenh
Western Australia | 180cm | 19/04/2008

One for West Coast fans to track as a Next Generation Academy (NGA) member, Kenh showcased electric speed and attacking instincts off half-back. The West Australian added substance to his flair with 79 per cent disposal efficiency as he broke the lines and crafted attacks with his left foot. Kenh was also resolute defensively, competing both in the air and at ground level with a solid, powerful frame.

Centre Half Back: Douglas Cochrane (MVP)
South Australia | 194cm | 02/05/2008

The standout prospect of the championships, Cochrane not only took out state MVP honours but was also awarded the Kevin Sheehan Medal as Pool A’s best and fairest player. He primarily played down back where his athleticism shone, able to cover ground and intercept with astonishing frequency. Cochrane also got a run through midfield to average 24 disposals and 6.7 marks per game. He is the son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide player, Stuart, but is not father-son eligible for either club.

Half Back Flank: Jack Gordon
South Australia | 184cm | 05/01/2008

Another Central District product to feature alongside Cochrane on the half-back line, Gordon performed his duties going both ways. He turned defence into attack with confident intercepts, carrying his forward momentum into strong rebound running at high speed. The versatile talent also gained exposure on-ball and averaged 17.3 disposals per game, thriving with whatever role or matchup was asked of him.

>> Recap: 2024 AFL Under 16 National Championships

Wing: Guy Jenkin
Swans Academy | 174cm | 25/11/2008

Often playing on the opposite wing to twin brother, Will, Jenkin nailed down the role brilliantly. His ability to hold width and provide an outlet on the outside was fantastic, but he was tough enough to win his own ball with clean work at ground level and kept his cool to deliver the ball well by hand and foot. Jenkin averaged 18.3 disposals per game and was a key player in the Swans’ final game against Tasmania, which saw them win the Pool B title.

Centre: Archie Van dyk
South Australia | 185cm | 28/07/2008

A wonderfully balanced midfielder, Van dyk proved a prolific and consistent part of South Australia’s strong side. He hardly fumbled and showcased excellent decision making in tight spots to hit targets by hand and foot – doing so with over half of his average 25 possessions being contested. Van dyk finished in the top five of the Kevin Sheehan Medal voting and his hard running meant he was simply everywhere at times.

Wing: Caylen Murray
Lions Academy | 183cm | 03/01/2008

A member of the Brisbane Lions midfield group which hummed throughout the carnival, Murray averaged strong numbers of 25 disposals and five clearances per game. He showcased a powerful turn of speed to navigate traffic or take ground before distributing the ball, thriving in roles both on the inside and out on the wing – where he has been named in this team.

Ruck: Ethan Herbert
South Australia | 197cm | 01/11/2008

The standout ruck of the championships, Herbert displayed strong craft but was also able to impact on the follow-up and around the ground. He provided presence at the contest with his size and clean hands, often feeding his midfielders either via his average 18 hitouts or 17 disposals per match. At 197cm, Herbert’s skills and mobility were outstanding.

Ruck Rover: Lucas Robinson (MVP)
Western Australia | 188cm | 13/02/2008

An absolute beast on the inside, Robinson was difficult to contain in each game with his sheer size and aggression. He dominated at the coalface with averages of 25 disposals (18 contested), six tackles and nine clearances, while also proving capable of launching attacks on the outside. Robinson’s strong overhead marking was another handy point of difference around the ground. He was named WA’s MVP and was runner-up in the Kevin Sheehan Medal. Fremantle fans will want to keep a close eye on his progress as a NGA product.

Rover: Cody Walker (c) (MVP)
Vic Country | 183cm | 26/01/2008

Already receiving much fanfare, Walker was named All Australian captain to go with MVP honours in the title-winning Vic Country side. The powerful midfielder was able to prise first possession and utilise his athletic ability to shift to the outside, averaging 28 disposals and 13 contested possessions. His work rate and ground coverage were also exceptional, while a long boot allowed him to launch frequent attacks. Having exposure at either end of the ground also showcased his versatility as a prospect. Walker, the son of Andrew, is tied to Carlton via father-son eligibility but is also a Richmond NGA member.

>> Remember the Names: 2024 AFL Under 16 MVPs

Half Forward Flank: Angus White
South Australia | 183cm | 06/06/2008

One of five South Australians to earn All Australian honours, White’s speed and hurt factor register at high levels. He made a splash up forward with three goals from 26 disposals in the title-deciding match against Vic Country, but also took his chances through midfield to average 21.7 disposals per game. White was a true difference maker and has the ability to makes things happen from nothing.

Centre Half Forward: Koby LeCras
Western Australia | 190cm | 26/04/2008

Another familiar name, LeCras comes from great pedigree as the son of former North Melbourne player Brent, and nephew of premiership Eagle, Mark. While not father-son eligible for the Roos, he has similar weapons to his uncle up forward with terrific overhead marking and classy finishing ability. LeCras’ raking left-foot kick and leading patterns were key features of WA’s attacking play, as he booted 2.3 goals per game to star for the Black Swans.

Half Forward Flank: Arki Butler
Vic Metro | 180cm | 23/04/2008

Arguably Vic Metro’s standout player and prospect, Butler is a mercurial type with great evasiveness and goal sense. He was dangerous wherever he went; whether playing deep inside 50, as a high forward or through midfield. He often made the opposition look silly and proved both skilful and athletic enough to back up his excellent decision making. Butler also has ties to the top level, as the grandson of 250-game St Kilda premiership player, Allan Davis.

Forward Pocket: Marcus Prasad
Vic Country | 167cm | 23/03/2008

Prasad recently made his debut for Dandenong Stingrays’ Under 18 side and packs a punch at 167cm. Primarily playing as a small forward, the diminutive talent was crafty with ball in hand but also provided fierce defensive pressure to average 16.3 disposals and 5.7 tackles per game. His repeat efforts were complimented by sharp finishing on goal, proving an impactful creator both in attack and through midfield.

Full Forward: Aidan McCartney
Swans Academy | 190cm | 04/11/2008

McCartney is yet another ‘son-of’, with his father Jason‘s 107 games for North Melbourne making Aidan father-son eligible for the Roos in 2026, as well as being tied to Sydney’s academy. The 190cm forward spearheaded a rather tall Swans outfit, booting over two goals per game as a reliable marking target inside 50. He slotted set shots and was quite mobile on the lead, looking to grow into a genuine key position talent.

Forward Pocket: Wil Malady
Vic Country | 188cm | 12/10/2008

The hero of Vic Country’s title-clinching final match, Malady came up clutch with the golden point to deliver his side the Pool A trophy. As a rangy tall medium-tall forward, Malady’s overhead marking and set shot conversion were standout traits which saw the raw talent take a competition-high seven contested marks. He also booted eight goals and proved capable of stepping up in big moments, celebrating each of them with vigour.

>> Throwback: 2023 AFL Under 16 All Australian team

Interchange: Tanner Armstrong
Vic Country | 175cm | 27/02/2008

A tough and versatile talent, Armstrong adapted to roles on all three lines throughout the championships. He shone during the Queensland leg of the carnival with an attacking role out of defence, while also proving capable of shutting down opposition smalls. Armstrong averaged 21.3 disposals and 10 contested possessions per game, balancing his work beautifully and working hard for the team in whatever role was asked of him.

Interchange: Ryder Bugg
Tasmania | 174cm | 22/05/2008

Bugg offered a terrific mix of speed and endurance across half-forward, searching high up the ground and also getting a run in midfield. He was relentless in his willingness to drive the ball forward, breaking the lines and snatching metres both with his run and booming kick. A tough and consistent small prospect.

Interchange: Ewan Dillon (MVP)
Tasmania | 200cm | 18/01/2008

Dillon took out MVP honours in a Tasmanian side which fell just short of nabbing the Pool B title. He projects as a high upside tall, boasting terrific aerial range at 200cm with his spring-heeled leap helping to win an average 27 hitouts per game. While capable of getting first hand to the ball and advantaging his teammates, Dillon also used his frame to support on the follow-up, albeit with an average of five disposals.

Interchange: Matthew Owen (MVP)
Lions Academy | 178cm | 01/03/2008

Owen was awarded the Alan McLean Medal as Pool B’s best and fairest player, while also being named Brisbane’s MVP. The prolific midfielder averaged 32 disposals and 4.7 clearances per game, leading a talented line of Lions onballers with his terrific all-round skills and smart running. He had more ball than anyone in Brisbane’s two wins, including a high of 37 against Gold Coast.

Interchange: Leo Steed
Western Australia | 174cm | 07/03/2008

Steed provided relentless effort and intent through Western Australia’s midfield, displaying a sharp turn of speed and aggressive instincts. He proved capable of prising first possession and driving to the outside where his sharp ball use came to the fore. Half of his average 21 possessions were contested, indicative of his prolific stoppage craft.

Coach: David Loader (Vic Country)

Loader led Vic Country through an undefeated campaign, with his side displaying great determination throughout the carnival. He is currently head coach at the GWV Rebels, and has mentored some of the region’s finest footballers for very many years, while also having experience at VFL level.

>> Profiled: 2024 AFL Under 18 All Australian team

SQUAD BREAKDOWN

POOL A:

South Australia (5):
Douglas Cochrane, Jack Gordon, Archie Van Dyk, Ethan Herbert, Angus White

Vic Country (4):
Cody Walker, Marcus Prasad, Wil Malady, Tanner Armstrong

Vic Metro (2):
Arki Butler, Tate Hodgson

Western Australia (4):
Garrison Kenh, Lucas Robinson, Koby LeCras, Leo Steed

POOL B:

Brisbane Lions Academy (2):
Matthew Owen, Caylen Murray

Gold Coast Suns Academy (1):
Archie Hill

Sydney Swans Academy (2):
Aidan McCartney, Guy Jenkin

Tasmania (3):
Charlie Bovill, Ryder Bugg, Ewan Dillon

GWS Giants Academy: Nil

Northern Territory: Nil