THE PENULTIMATE round of the AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships produced two thrilling contests, with South Australia securing a title-defining 20-point victory over Vic Metro, and Queensland keeping its championship dreams alive with a hard-fought 14-point win against Vic Country. The Croweaters and Maroons lead the way in our Round 3 Team of the Week with six representatives apiece, while Vic Metro (seven) and Vic Country (five) round out the 24-player squad.

DEFENDERS:

The back six is anchored by a pair of Vic Country stalwarts who stood tall under immense pressure. Scarlett Marsh was steadfast in defence with 16 disposals and five tackles, providing crucial rebound alongside Georgia Garlick, who was a reliable distributor with a game-high 23 disposals, five marks, and seven rebound 50s. They are joined in the deep defensive unit by Gabrielle Mehrmann, who clunked four marks and provided strong intercepting presence.

The half-back line features plenty of run and carry. Queensland’s Kya Wills-Rawlings was outstanding upon her return, providing valuable drive with 22 disposals, four marks, and six tackles. She is flanked by teammate Stephanie Aguinaldo, who was staunch in defence with 14 disposals, six tackles, and four rebound 50s. Rounding out the defensive unit is South Australia’s Emily Mableson, who continued her MVP-calibre form with a composed 25-disposal, six-rebound 50 performance, constantly driving the ball out of danger with slick skill.

MIDFIELDERS:

The engine room is headlined by a trio of ball-winners who took control of the stoppages. Queensland’s Molly Ferguson was one of the players of the round, putting together a complete four-quarter performance with a game-high 26 disposals, four tackles, three clearances, five inside 50s, and a brilliant checkside major. She is joined by South Australian bottom-ager Lani Cocks, who racked up a team-high 27 disposals and five tackles, using her burst speed to break congestion and snap a crucial goal. Vic Metro’s Isabella Mazzei rounds out the inside group, having been a tireless worker around the ball with 21 disposals and a massive seven clearances.

On the outside, Vic Metro’s Maddison Meagher provided vital run and line-breaking dash, collecting 15 disposals and intercepting well off half-back before pushing up the ground in that wing role. On the opposite wing, South Australia’s Lily Whiteman showcased a perfect balance of toughness and class, winning five clearances from her 15 disposals and sealing the game with a terrific fourth-quarter goal.

In the ruck, Miyu Endersby takes the starting spot after another solid outing for South Australia. The athletic tall won 22 hitouts and provided strong follow-up work at ground level with four tackles, consistently giving her midfielders first use.

FORWARDS:

The forward line balances dangerous marking targets with high-pressure link players. Vic Metro’s Scarlett Bown threatened all day in her return, clunking six marks from 13 disposals and kicking a goal while providing a strong focal point. South Australia’s Maia Freemantle produced a complete all-round game with 19 disposals, five tackles, and a classy goal where she sidestepped an opponent to run into an open net. Fellow Croweater Lucy Moore was dominant pushing forward from the midfield, laying a whopping 12 tackles to go with her 20 disposals and a brilliant first quarter goal on the run.

The deep forwardline features plenty of firepower. Queensland’s Indiana Scheffler was the catalyst for her side’s dominant second term, booting two quick goals. She is joined by teammate Harlee McIlwain, who clunked five marks and kicked a goal from 13 disposals. South Australian tall Ruby Lynch completes the attacking setup, having turned the game for her side when thrown forward in the third term, booting two crucial goals with her incredible reach and athleticism.

INTERCHANGE

The interchange bench features a mix of inside grunt and outside class. Vic Country pair Lily Milner (15 disposals, four clearances, one goal) and Carmela Perri (19 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances) were huge around the coalface in a losing effort. Queensland’s Ameleia Murray was a welcome inclusion, gathering 20 disposals and four clearances to provide valuable drive.

Vic Metro trio Emily Rankin, Addison West, and Somer McCormack round out the bench. Rankin (22 disposals) was a consistent four-quarter contributor, West (17 disposals, seven tackles) brought toughness and athleticism, and McCormack (14 disposals, five tackles, one goal) did her draft chances no harm with a strong permanent forward role.

EMERGENCIES

It was a tight squeeze for the final squad, with Vic Country’s Ava Bilyk (16 disposals, four clearances), South Australia’s Emma Charlton (16 disposals, three tackles), and Queensland’s Freya Ross (20 disposals, six tackles, four clearances) named as emergencies after strong performances.

2026 AFLW UNDER 18 CHAMPIONSHIPS: ROUND 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK

B: Scarlett Marsh (Vic Country) – Gabrielle Mehrmann (Vic Country) – Georgia Garlick (Vic Country)
HB: Kya Wills-Rawlings (Queensland) – Stephanie Aguinaldo (Queensland) – Emily Mableson (South Australia)
C: Maddison Meagher (Vic Metro) – Molly Ferguson (Queensland) – Lily Whiteman (South Australia)
HF: Lucy Moore (South Australia) – Scarlett Bown (Vic Metro) – Maia Freemantle (South Australia)
F: Indiana Scheffler (Queensland) – Ruby Lynch (South Australia) – Harlee McIlwain (Queensland)
R: Miyu Endersby (South Australia) – Lani Cocks (South Australia) – Isabella Mazzei (Vic Metro)
INT: Lily Milner (Vic Country) – Ameleia Murray (Queensland) – Carmela Perri (Vic Country) – Emily Rankin (Vic Metro) – Addison West (Vic Metro) – Somer McCormack (Vic Metro)

EMG: Ava Bilyk (Vic Country) – Emma Charlton (South Australia) – Freya Ross (Queensland)