AHEAD of the final AFLW Under 18 Championships match between South Australia and Western Australia, we take a look at a prospect from each of the other state sides who stood up and took their chances across the carnival. For most, they were always around the mark, but have solidified their ability in comparison to their peers with big national championships.

Grace Belloni (Eastern Ranges / Vic Metro)
Forward / Midfielder | 174cm | 09/09/2006

Belloni has always been one in the picture from a draft perspective, but in 2024, the Eastern Ranges midfielder/forward has gone from a really good solid player, to one of the most consistent dual position talents out there. For Eastern Ranges she has played primarily midfield and then gone forward, a role reversal of her bottom-age season. For Vic Metro, it has largely been the opposite, kicking seven goals but still finding the ball on average 18.3 times per game, while also having 4.7 marks and 4.0 inside 50. Has seldom had quiet games and is among the top 30 chances now.

Jemma Reynolds (Dandenong Stingrays / Vic Country)
Midfielder / Forward | 163cm | 29/04/2006

Another one who has always been amongst the talented prospects, Reynolds was one of a number of surprise omissions from the second All-Stars match, instead playing through the Victorian trials. She was always going to have a role to play for Vic Country at the national carnival, and showed her talent as a forward who rolled into the midfield, before playing in her preferred inside midfield role in the third and final game against the Sandgropers. Has returned for the Stingrays doing just that, and has been incredibly consistent all season. Ultra-clean at ground level and a smart stoppage player.

Mia Salisbury (Bond University / Queensland)
Midfielder | 168cm | 27/06/2006

Outside of the twin towers of Havana Harris and Georja Davies, Salisbury was arguably the next best for Queensland across the national carnival. The Suns Academy member was always in the draft frame having largely played as a rebounding defender last season. Now taking advantage of a full-time midfield role courtesy of some injuries, Salisbury has put out some huge performances. Composed with ball in hand, capable of making great decisions and lowering the eyes, she has not only been an eye-catching player for the Maroons, but also for Bond University in the QAFLW.

Ellie Veerhuis (Swans Academy / Allies)
Defender / Midfielder | 171cm | 18/01/2006

One player who enhanced her stocks between the Coates Talent League Girls and AFLW Under 18 Championships outings is Veerhuis who caught the eye as an explosive half-back who progressed into the midfield when others went down with injury. Her form showed an upward trajectory when she moved into the middle, and finished her Allies stint averaging 13.7 disposals, 1.7 clearances, 4.7 clearances and 1.3 inside 50s. Veerhuis ran at a contested possession rate of 52.3 per cent and won 43.2 per cent of her touches off the ground.