VICTORIA’s Under 18 AFL Women’s Under 18s Championships selection process began in a more formal manner yesterday with two trial games taking place at La Trobe University in Bundoora. Vic County and Vic Metro split the results in their respective matches as the coaching panels and talent staff of both regions look to finalise their lists ahead of next month’s first match.

We took note of some of the players who caught the eye across the day, with all notes the opinion of the individual author.

GAME ONE:

VIC COUNTRY:

By: Peter Williams

#4 Baia Pugh (Gippsland Power)
Forward | 169cm | 23/03/2007

Continuing on her handy recent form for Gippsland Power, Pugh provided some spark inside 50, kicking a couple of goals in the second and fourth quarters respectively. Her first came through hard running back to the goalsquare to soccer it through, before snapping truly in the final term. She showed some nice strength overhead and a willingness to apply defensive pressure as well.

#9 Georgia Tyrrell (Geelong Falcons)
Midfielder | 168cm | 04/08/2007

Had the ball on a string throughout the day, Tyrrell was the most consistent performer from Vic Country, racking up the touches through the middle and finding it in all thirds of the ground. She was incredibly clean at ground level and constantly flicked off handballs transitioning from the inside to the outside. Worked hard to compete in the air as well, and got back to help out the defence when it was under siege early.

#10 Greea McKeegan (Geelong Falcons)
Tall Forward | 176cm | 15/12/2008

Presented as a target inside 50 well and after not having many looks early and having to work her way up the ground, McKeegan finished with a couple of goals through the middle two quarters. Her work rate and aggression to get up the ground stands out, and she kicked a really clever goal during the third term. She clunked a grab reading an awkward high snap close to goal then delivered from a tight angle in the pocket.

#17 Milly Shortal (GWV Rebels)
Defender | 175cm | 24/06/2008

Shortal is one of those players who will never die wondering and backs herself in whatever role she plays. Capable of holding down a position on any line, the taller utility played in defence for Vic Country. She loves a fend-off, and though it can get her into trouble, it is that burst speed combined with her strength that will provide plenty of highlights in years to come. She is still a little raw in terms of her game compared to others, but ultra exciting and one to watch for the future.

#18 Stella Huxtable (Geelong Falcons)
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 22/12/2007

Always likely to play a big role, Huxtable got better as the game went on, working in tandem with Falcons partner in crime, Tyrrell. She provided a presence when going forward, taking a strong mark 40m from goal and making no mistake from long-range with a couple of other chances not quite paying off including a checkside attempt. Still, the late year born talent was lively throughout the match and looms as a key player for Vic Country in the national championships.

#23 Ella Jeffrey (Bendigo Pioneers)
Midfielder/Defender | 167cm | 09/08/2007

Really put her best foot forward to make the final Country side, Jeffrey was arguably next most consistent across the four quarters behind Tyrrell. She did well when in defence to remain composed and hit targets down the field, while also showing strength around the stoppages. Jeffrey can use the ball well with nice vision when able to have that split second to think and she is as courageous as they come, going back with the flight at one stage despite knowing contact was coming.

#25 Mizuki Brothwell (Dandenong Stingrays)
Defender/Midfielder | 175cm | 22/10/2007

The sole National Academy member in the match, Brothwell provided some typical highlights for her, bursting down the ground and looking to take grass at every opportunity. She moved into the middle where she was able to break through a couple of tackles and dish off cleanly, while also still providing that intercepting ability. A really nice balance of offensive and defensive traits, Brothwell continued her great form in 2025.

#30 Abby Hobson (Gippsland Power)
Tall Forward | 174cm | 11/09/2007

Looked the most dangerous forward on the Vic Country side, finishing with two goals and realistically could have had a couple more. One hit the post and another drifted in the fourth term, with her aggressive leads, strong aerial ability and velcro-like hands made life difficult for the Vic Metro defenders. Coming off her best Coates Talent League Girls match, Hobson will be a huge threat in attack for Country.

VIC METRO:

By: Erin Piez

#1 Tayla Olivieri (Western Jets)
Forward I 160cm I 14/02/2008

Olivieri made the most of her opportunities, showing great one-on-one strength and a knack for positioning. Her contested mark that she took with one hand and subsequent set shot goal was a highlight. She was also involved in several key inside 50 chains, showing her strong forward presence and awareness.

#4 Isabelle Godfrey (Oakleigh Chargers)
Forward I 162cm I 11/08/2008

Godfrey’s strength lies in her positioning and support running. She read the play well, was a constant outlet under pressure, and her ability to spread and re-enter the play was notable. Her marking inside 50 and clean disposal efforts helped create multiple scoring opportunities. A composed presence across all four quarters.

#5 Emily Rundle (Oakleigh Chargers)
Defender I 164cm I 09/03/2007

Rundle had several standout moments, particularly her intercept marking and willingness to put her body on the line. Her defensive acts were well-timed, and her pressure to force stoppages and rushed behinds were valuable in critical moments for her side. She showed great composure under pressure with smart handballs and clearances.

#6 Ashleigh Thatcher (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder/Defender I 164cm I 03/09/2007

Reliable and physical around the contest, Thatcher used her body well in both offensive and defensive efforts. She provided important shepherds, helped teammates find space, and executed clean handballs and disposals even under pressure. Her repeat efforts, especially in contested situations, highlighted her resilience and team-first mindset. She was often in space to receive and help switch play effectively.

#8 Leni Lockyer (Oakleigh Chargers)
Defender/Midfielder I 165cm I 26/02/2008

Lockyer impressed with her clean ball movement through traffic, particularly as a linking player in her defensive half. She read the play well and played a key role in transition chains, often supporting switches and overlapping runs.

#18 Scarlett Johnson (Northern Knights)
Wing/Defender I 175cm I 26/11/2007

A true standout performance, Johnson was everywhere. Her defensive pressure was elite, consistently laying strong tackles and applying repeat efforts. She showed excellent game awareness, frequently intercepting opposition passes and positioning herself well in transition. Her ability to back up efforts with immediate pressure and regain possession exemplified her maturity and leadership. A vital link in both defensive and attacking chains.

#19 Macy Watkins (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder I 172cm I 24/05/2007

A smart, clean player who acted as a crucial link in Metro’s transition. Watkins consistently presented in space and displayed good decision making under pressure. Using clean disposals and effective handballs. She thrives in chain play and her positioning around the contest made her a safe option for teammates. A reliable and consistent performer.

GAME TWO:

VIC COUNTRY:

By: Peter Williams

#3 Rain Dodd (Murray Bushrangers)
Midfielder/Defender | 165cm | 13/01/2007

From winning the early clearance out of the middle to producing a great run-down tackle on the wing to force a turnover, Dodd’s aggression and determination around the field really came to the fore. She is such an electric player defensively, and can weight her kicks well too when on the move, standing up when the match was at its hottest. In the third term she juggled a loose ball under pressure then fended away an opponent to clear from the back 50, with Dodd always under siege back doing her best.

#4 Ava Bilyk (Geelong Falcons)
Defender/Midfielder | 167cm | 07/07/2008

They say form is temporary, class is permanent, and lucky for Bilyk, she has both. Coming off half-back she sizzled passes forward, picked the right options, and mopped up when required, then went into the middle and showed clean hands under pressure. Last year’s Under 16s Vic Country MVP rarely makes a mistake both in execution and her decision making, and when she does, she is the first to try and fix it. Such a lovely user of the ball, the bottom-ager is not afraid to bite off that risky corridor kick to open up play for her side.

#7 Maggie Johnstone (GWV Rebels)
Midfielder/Forward | 171cm | 06/06/2007

Had a slower start when her side was battling early, but worked into it particularly through the second half where she moved from midfield to attack. She missed a chance on goal from a tight angle, but did set up a goal to her Rebels counterpart Jovie Skewes-Clinton, and threw herself into every challenge. Johnstone has a low penetrating kick as well as one that can travel long distances, with her defensive pressure a highlight in this one.

#16 Brook Ward (GWV Rebels)
Defender | 170cm | 18/04/2006

Over-agers do not get many slots at the National Championships, but Ward could not have done much more in the match playing out of defence, definitely one of her side’s best in a tough loss. She competed well in the air, continually cleared from the back 50 and not only marked the ball, but spoiled when required. She did well to turn defence into offence, and can use the ball with time and space, while scrapping at ground level too.

#17 Lillian Snow (Dandenong Stingrays)
Midfielder/Forward | 169cm | 10/07/2007

Bears very similar traits to Huxtable in the sense of being a left-footed midfielder/forward with a fantastic overhead ability, but Snow seems to be able to slot into any side. She thumped a long-range goal with the breeze that bounced home to break the drought for her side, then went into the middle and won the very next centre clearance. Her work on-ball was really strong and she competed throughout the match which was crucial.

#19 Ella Stoddart (Gippsland Power)
Defender | 174cm | 30/01/2007

Has clicked into gear the past fortnight, with her best Coates Talent League Girls game last weekend and now a strong performance on the last line for Vic Country yesterday. Stoddart is having meaningful impact with her touches, driving the ball from defence and more often than not either hitting targets or getting it to a contest where her teammates can have an advantage. The sole Vic Country National Academy member in the match was one of her side’s best comfortably.

VIC METRO:

By: Erin Piez

#3 Tayla McMillan (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder I 161cm I 25/05/2007

McMillian’s defensive work and positioning around the contest were impressive throughout the game. She laid several key tackles, including one in the first term that halted a promising attack, and used her spatial awareness to receive and deliver effective outlet kicks. Her involvement in multiple switch plays and pressure acts made her a valuable two-way contributor.

#6 Katelyn Busuttil (Northern Knights)
Midfielder I 164cm I 15/02/2007

Busuttil brought intensity and repeat efforts in the contest, especially in the third term where she won several ground balls in quick succession under pressure. Her ability to deliver well-weighted kicks and handballs while being tackled was pivotal in clearing congestion. She was also involved in multiple inside 50 entries, showing composure with ball in hand and good vision to spot teammates in dangerous positions.

#8 Scout Semple (Eastern Ranges)
Midfielder/Forward I 162cm I 03/10/2009

Semple played an important linking role through the midfield, consistently finding space and delivering clean disposals. She scored a well-timed goal from a snap in the first quarter and was involved in multiple attacking chains with hand-offs and overlapping runs. Her football smarts and positioning made her a reliable connector between defence and attack.

#11 Chloe Shipton (Sandringham Dragons)
Midfielder I 164cm I 30/04/2008

Shipton had strong moments inside 50 and delivered under pressure in tight spaces. She kicked a behind early after a smart grab and long kick under pressure and later dummied an opponent and set up a scoring chance with a composed delivery. In the final term, she took a difficult mark whilst running back with the flight, demonstrating her courage and control in high-pressure moments.

#13 Chloe Thorn (Oakleigh Chargers)
Defender I 167cm I 07/09/2007

Thorn was a consistent presence across all four quarters, combining clean disposals with relentless pressure. She delivered multiple key defensive moments including a strong intercept mark in the second term and excellent support runs to push forward in transition. Her handball in the final quarter to a teammate on the overlap, and sharp pickup and delivery inside 50 showcased her composure under pressure and strong footy IQ.

#17 Isla Tucker (Sandringham Dragons)
Defender I 168cm I 11/07/2008

Tucker was a defensive anchor who repeatedly broke up opposition plays and supported teammates under pressure. In the third quarter, she showed strong hands in the contest, dummying an opponent and resetting attacking momentum with smart handballs. Her spoil in a one-on-one contest and follow-up handball in the final term reflected her football intelligence and commitment to team structures.

#25 Bailee Martin (Oakleigh Chargers)
Forward I 176cm I 06/06/2008

Martin was a reliable marking target and sharp finisher inside 50. She kicks multiple goals, including one from a contested mark and set shot in the third quarter, and another after taking a smart grab in the goal square and quickly converting. In the final quarter, she dropped back to support defensively, winning a one-on-one contest and calmly delivering to a teammate to set up another forward push.

#26 Bree Horne (Eastern Ranges)
Defender I 178cm I 31/05/2007

Horne stood out for her hard running and awareness at both ends of the ground. Her run-and-carry from defensive 50 in the third quarter opened a scoring chain, and she tracked back superbly in the final term to cleanly gather a bouncing ball and stop a certain goal. She also won several important ground balls under pressure, demonstrating clean hands and a solid clearance kick when it mattered.