A STACK of representative hopefuls will take to the field at La Trobe University, Bundoora on Sunday when Vic Metro and Vic Country’s top prospects go head-to-head in a pair of trial games. The two matches will assist Victorian selectors in narrowing down potential lists for next month’s AFLW Under 18 Championships, though names from outside the squads – such as Chloe Bown and Chloe Baker-West – will of course make the final teams.

>> SQUADS: 2025 Vic Under 18s Girls squads named for trials

NEED TO KNOW

Venue: La Trobe University, Bundoora
Date: Sunday, May 25
Times: 11am (Game 1) & 1pm (Game 2)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

GAME 1

Vic Metro

Tall defender Zara Neuwirth is one player with Vic Metro experience at Under 18s level, having played two games at last year’s carnival. Another is Northern Knights ruck Isobella Hishongwa-Gibb who should have the advantage in that role. Expect the side to have plenty of run, with the likes of winger/defender Scarlett Johnson and Eastern Ranges midfielder/defender Brylee Anderson ones that will naturally stand out. Sandringham Dragons midfielder Macy Watkins has had a big year this year, while watch for the forwards of Shauna McElligott and Storm Johnson to provide plenty of pressure.

Vic Country

The Vic Country squad looks a strong one, headlined by Geelong Falcons midfield duo Georgia Tyrrell and Stella Huxtable coming off a combined 72 touches last weekend. Isabella Davies has also hit the 40-touch mark this year, while the forwardline of Abby Hobson and Nalu Brothwell is an exciting one. National Academy member Mizuki Brothwell will be up the other end, while bottom-agers Lily Milner, Grace Dillow and Milly Shortal loom as key players in next year’s Country squad if not this year. Issy Boulton is one player who has produced consistent footy, in the side with fellow top-age Pioneer Ella Jeffrey.

GAME 2

Vic Metro

Definitely the more stacked side for Metro with the two Vic Metro National Academy members in Tayla McMillan and Jordyn Allen playing. Throw in potentially the best Vic Metro ruck in Josephine Bamford, dominant leading goalkicker Bailee Martin and intercept defenders Alex McBride-Loane and Chloe Thorn, and the team is really well balanced. Players such as Amy Smith and Olivia Jesser who are outside the Vic Metro hub have had strong starts to the 2025 season and will look to force their way in. From a bottom-age perspective, the likes of Chloe Shipton and Kiara Boyd are great chances. The team has plenty of speed as well.

Vic Country

Plenty of tough characters in this side with GWV Rebels duo Maggie Johnstone and Jovie Skewes-Clinton both able to play multiple lines. The latter will most likely start in defence alongside National Academy member Ella Stoddart, while Dandenong Stingrays’ Evelyn Connolly is a goalscoring threat up the other end. There are no shortage of Dandenong Stingrays in the side with eight of the 23 players from the club. Marlee Black and Alice Cunnington are two who are ones to watch next season, while Ava Bilyk is a remarkable talent. Brisbane father-daughter Meg Lappin is in this game. too, while Rain Dodd and Lillian Snow will provide a hard edge.

SUMMARY

The talent is aimed to be split up so players can ideally play a role they would at the national championships, so players with similar positions will be evenly spread across both teams. Vic Country’s team in game one looks the stronger one for that game though should be a close one, while Vic Metro in the second game looks incredibly strong so the sides may split results.