{"id":216545,"date":"2026-06-12T19:00:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T09:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=216545"},"modified":"2026-06-12T19:37:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T09:37:21","slug":"preview-2026-afl-under-18-national-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/06\/12\/preview-2026-afl-under-18-national-championships\/","title":{"rendered":"PREVIEW | 2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>THE 2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships are set to get underway tomorrow, as South Australia begins its title defence over in Western Australia. Before the action gets underway, get the lowdown on how each squad is shaping up, and which players you should be keeping a close eye on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt; <strong>NEED TO KNOW: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/06\/12\/need-to-know-2026-afl-under-18-national-championships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships<\/a><br>&gt;&gt; <strong>POWER RANKINGS: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/power-rankings\/2026-power-rankings-pre-national-championships\/\">Pre-Championships Top 30<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-allies\">ALLIES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FIXTURE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. Vic Country<br>Sunday June 14, 12:45pm @ Blacktown ISP<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ South Australia<br>Sunday June 21, 1:00pm @ Alberton Oval<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Vic Metro<br>Sunday June 28, 11:00am @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. Western Australia<br>Wednesday July 8, 1:00pm @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SQUAD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 \u2013 Sonny Smiler (Northern Territory), 2 \u2013 Brynley Ryan (Giants Academy), 3 \u2013 Cooper French (Giants Academy), 4 \u2013 Guy Jenkin (Swans Academy), 5 \u2013 Lachie Price (Swans Academy), 6 \u2013 Jake Beams (Tasmania Devils), 7 \u2013 Archie Devine (Tasmania Devils), 10 \u2013 Archie Hill (Suns Academy), 12 \u2013 Cooper Hodge (Lions Academy), 14 \u2013 Caylen Murray (Lions Academy), 15 \u2013 Matthew Owen (Lions Academy), 16 \u2013 Archie Watts (Lions Academy), 17 \u2013 Henry Meaney (Swans Academy), 18 \u2013 Ben Barnard (Northern Territory), 19 \u2013 Jackson Bridge (Lions Academy), 20 \u2013 Ben Pignatelli (Swans Academy), 21 \u2013 Jake Medved (Swans Academy), 22 \u2013 Hugo Timms (Northern Territory), 23 \u2013 Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy), 24 \u2013 Charlie Bovill (Tasmania Devils), 25 \u2013 Will Morahan (Swans Academy), 26 \u2013 Mason McGroder (Swans Academy), 27 \u2013 Reece Thompson (Lions Academy), 28 \u2013 Coen Hardy (Swans Academy), 29 \u2013 Taj Murray (Northern Territory), 30 \u2013 Jonah Harris (Suns Academy), 31 \u2013 Aiden McCartney (Swans Academy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&nbsp;<strong>MORE:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/06\/05\/allies-lock-in-27-player-squad-ahead-of-afl-u18s\/\">Allies squad announcement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-215145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3-32x21.jpg 32w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GWS-Ethan-Matthews-3.jpg 1944w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ethan Matthews strides after the ball | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BEST LINEUP:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>B:<\/strong> #6 J. Beams &#8211; #25 W. Morahan &#8211; #21 J. Medved<br><strong>HB:<\/strong> #10 A. Hill &#8211; #26 M. McGroder &#8211; #18 B. Barnard<br><strong>C: <\/strong>#14 C. Murray &#8211; #23 E. Matthews &#8211; #15 M. Owen<br><strong>HF:<\/strong> #3 C. French &#8211; #31 A. McCartney* &#8211; #5 L. Price<br><strong>F:<\/strong> #20 B. Pignatelli &#8211; #29 T. Murray &#8211; #4 G. Jenkin<br><strong>FOL:<\/strong> #30 J. Harris &#8211; #12 C. Hodge &#8211; #17 H. Meaney<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>INT: <\/strong>#7 A. Devine, #19 J. Bridge, #22 H. Timms, #24 C. Bovill, #28 C. Hardy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>* &#8211; denotes injury<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STRENGTHS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Allies are blessed with plenty of athleticism and running power this year. Even amongst their tall crop, there&#8217;s a good deal of dynamism and speed. What&#8217;s more, they should be reasonably rugged with a strong presence of over-age key position players. Expect the Allies to play some exciting slingshot footy, with several prospects capable of providing link-up in transition. Their midfield should also hold up well against the best of each other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ONES TO WATCH:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is often the least amount of fanfare surrounding Allied talent, but not in recent years. Star prospects <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"181672\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/ethan-matthews\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ethan Matthews<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"166078\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/caylen-murray\/\" target=\"_blank\">Caylen Murray<\/a>, both of whom earned debuts last year, are equal parts stylish and effective. There will also be a big watch on athletic Swans Academy defenders <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"208818\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/jake-medved\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jake Medved<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"188038\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/mason-mcgroder\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mason McGroder<\/a>, whose raw leg speed is sure to catch the eye. The Allies have access to elite bottom-age talent too &#8211; namely the likes of <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"209982\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/jake-beams\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jake Beams<\/a>, <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"198985\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/jackson-bridge\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackson Bridge<\/a>, and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"209357\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/cooper-french\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cooper French<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PREDICTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Allies have the advantage of starting at home, but are faced with two tough fixtures to start in Vic Country and reigning champs South Australia. Then there&#8217;s a pair of Ballarat legs to finish. The common notion is that the Allies take the most time of any team to jell, but after a pair of trial games that factor should be somewhat alleviated. Don&#8217;t be surprised to see them take a couple of scalps, especially with bottom-age talent to lift the squad&#8217;s floor. Still, they&#8217;ll most likely finish in that third-to-fifth range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MVP: <\/strong>Ethan Matthews<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-192555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8-32x21.jpg 32w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SA-Kale-Matthews-Hampton-8.jpg 1944w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kale Matthews-Hampton shapes as a key figure in defence | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-south-australia\">SOUTH AUSTRALIA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FIXTURE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Western Australia<br>Saturday June 13, 12:15pm @ Mineral Resources Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. Allies<br>Sunday June 21, 1:00pm @ Alberton Oval<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Vic Metro<br>Friday July 3, 3:15pm @ Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Vic Country<br>Wednesday July 8, 10:30am @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SQUAD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 \u2013 Josh Bell (West Adelaide), 2 \u2013 Laurence Andriani (West Adelaide), 3 \u2013 Blake Karpany (Woodville-West Torrens), 4 \u2013 Jacob McNicol (Glenelg), 5 \u2013 Sam Tassone (North Adelaide), 6 \u2013 Jake Eime (Central District), 7 \u2013 Zacky Young (North Adelaide), 8 \u2013 Lachie Werts (Sturt), 9 \u2013 Dean Hatedakis (West Adelaide), 10 \u2013 Kai Ivins (Norwood), 11 \u2013 Jack Leys (Woodville-West Torrens), 12 \u2013 Gabe Patterson (Glenelg), 14 \u2013 Cain Florance (South Adelaide), 15 \u2013 Kodah Edwards (South Adelaide), 16 \u2013 Taj Garrett (Sturt), 17 \u2013 Hudson Boal (South Adelaide), 18 \u2013 Harvey Croker (Glenelg), 19 \u2013 Memphis Webb (North Adelaide), 20 \u2013 Ben Copping (Glenelg), 21 \u2013 Jack Nelson (Sturt), 22 \u2013 Jack Gordon (Central District), 23 \u2013 Hugo Jaeschke (Sturt), 25 \u2013 Anthony Long (West Adelaide), 26 \u2013 Thomas Gribben (Norwood), 27 \u2013 Archie Van Dyk (South Adelaide), 28 \u2013 Kale Matthews-Hampton (Sturt), 30 \u2013 Harvey Chapman (Sturt), 31 \u2013 Charlie Bradford (West Adelaide), 32 \u2013 Dougie Cochrane (Central District), 34 \u2013 Jack Slattery (Woodville-West Torrens), 35 \u2013 Kai Edwards (Glenelg), 36 \u2013 Harry Franz (Glenelg), 38 \u2013 Mitch Harris (Woodville-West Torrens), 39 \u2013 Ethan Herbert (North Adelaide), 41 \u2013 Jobe Janeway (Glenelg), 43 \u2013 Lincoln Pitt (West Adelaide)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&nbsp;<strong>MORE:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/04\/23\/south-australia-under-18-squad-finalised\/\">South Australia squad announcement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-164732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP-32x21.jpg 32w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SA-Dougie-Cochrane-MVP.jpg 1944w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Will Dougie Cochrane return to feature in the champs? | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BEST LINEUP:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>B:<\/strong> #6 J. Eime &#8211; #38 M. Harris &#8211; #22 J. Gordon<br><strong>HB: <\/strong>#5 S. Tassone &#8211; #36 H. Franz &#8211; #28 K. Matthews-Hampton<br><strong>C: <\/strong>#16 T. Garrett &#8211; #27 A. Van Dyk* &#8211; #11 J. Leys*<br><strong>HF:<\/strong> #12 G. Patterson &#8211; #31 C. Bradford &#8211; #14 C. Florance<br><strong>F:<\/strong> #8 L. Werts &#8211; #32 D. Cochrane* &#8211; #25 A. Long<br><strong>FOL:<\/strong> #39 E. Herbert &#8211; #4 J. McNicol &#8211; #15 K. Edwards<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>INT: <\/strong>#10 K. Ivins, #18 H. Croker, #21 J. Nelson, #30 H. Chapman, #41 J. Janeway<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>* &#8211; denotes injury<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STRENGTHS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The South Australian pathway really took a positive turn last year and should carry plenty of momentum through the current crop. There is strong depth to cover a few injured stars, with the state uncovering plenty of talent at the start of the club season. The Croweaters have a very strong spine, featuring intercepting tall defenders and a dynamic midfield group full of versatility. They should have no trouble finding connectivity between the arcs and possess genuine match-winning small\/medium forwards. Although, the lack of an elite tall forward is perhaps the squad&#8217;s only weak point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ONES TO WATCH:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is still a chance that <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"136045\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/douglas-cochrane\/\" target=\"_blank\">Dougie Cochrane<\/a> makes an appearance at the champs, and his presence would plug a huge gap at centre half-forward. Elsewhere, ruckman <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164880\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/ethan-herbert\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ethan Herbert<\/a> has arguably been the state&#8217;s best performed player this year and looms as a leading prospect alongside skipper <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"136004\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/kodah-edwards\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kodah Edwards<\/a>. Down back, <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164879\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/mitchell-harris\/\" target=\"_blank\">Mitchell Harris<\/a> has pushed himself into top 20 calculations and is sure to form a formidable intercepting trio alongside the likes of <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164861\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/kale-matthews-hampton\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kale Matthews-Hampton<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164877\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/harry-franz\/\" target=\"_blank\">Harry Franz<\/a>. Don&#8217;t forget forward duo <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164836\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/gabriel-patterson\/\" target=\"_blank\">Gabriel Patterson<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"208987\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/anthony-long\/\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Long<\/a>, who can be game-winners on their day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PREDICTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>South Australia is well poised to have a red-hot crack at consecutive titles. The Croweaters will be well connected and well drilled, and they&#8217;ll certainly have to be with a fixture that holds three away legs &#8211; including both Victorian teams on their patch. They&#8217;ll miss some key personnel to injury, which could be costly in the early stages, but if they win game one they should be well on their way to a top three finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MVP: <\/strong>Kodah Edwards<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-211455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6-32x21.jpg 32w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BP-Cody-Walker-6.jpg 1944w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cody Walker winds up a kick | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vic-country\">VIC COUNTRY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FIXTURE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Allies<br>Sunday June 14, 12:45pm @ Blacktown ISP<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. Western Australia<br>Friday July 3, 5:45pm @ Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. South Australia<br>Wednesday July 8, 10:30am @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. Vic Metro<br>Sunday July 19, 11:00am @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SQUAD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 \u2013 Cody Walker (Bendigo Pioneers), 2 \u2013 Tanner Armstrong (Murray Bushrangers), 3 \u2013 Gus Kennedy (Dandenong Stingrays), 4 \u2013 Ethan Drever (GWV Rebels), 5 \u2013 Noah Williams (Geelong Falcons), 6 \u2013 Marlon Neocleous (Gippsland Power), 7 \u2013 Max Thompson (Bendigo Pioneers), 8 \u2013 Wil Antrobus (Dandenong Stingrays), 9 \u2013 Wil Malady (Gippsland Power), 10 \u2013 Cody Templeton (Gippsland Power), 11 \u2013 Jackson Phillips (Dandenong Stingrays), 12 \u2013 Charlie Hanegraaf (Geelong Falcons), 13 \u2013 Levi Macumber (Gippsland Power), 14 \u2013 Archie Elliott (GWV Rebels), 15 \u2013 Cooper White (Dandenong Stingrays), 16 \u2013 Oscar Henwood (Gippsland Power), 17 \u2013 Keenan Boi (Gippsland Power), 18 \u2013 Ned Badrock (Geelong Falcons), 19 \u2013 Darcy Szerszyn (Dandenong Stingrays), 20 \u2013 Andrio Sousa (Dandenong Stingrays), 22 \u2013 Klay Nicholls (GWV Rebels), 24 \u2013 Darcy Harrington (Geelong Falcons), 26 \u2013 Leo Ellerton (GWV Rebels), 27 \u2013 Eamon Austin (Bendigo Pioneers), 31 \u2013 Jack Pickett (Geelong Falcons), 33 \u2013 Xavier Ladbrook (Gippsland Power), 34 \u2013 Clancy Snell (Gippsland Power), 35 \u2013 Jett Elek (Geelong Falcons), 36 \u2013 Nate Mensch (Geelong Falcons), 37 \u2013 Jackson O\u2019Brien (GWV Rebels), 38 \u2013 Cohen Dent (Gippsland Power)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&nbsp;<strong>MORE:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/06\/05\/vic-country-locks-in-2026-afl-u18s-squad\/\">Vic Country squad announcement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-164749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Vic-Country-champions-2024-AFL-U16s-32x21.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This Vic Country squad has been here before | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>POTENTIAL LINEUP:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>B:<\/strong> #3 G. Kennedy &#8211; #34 C. Snell &#8211; #8 W. Antrobus<br><strong>HB: <\/strong>#2 T. Armstrong &#8211; #33 X. Ladbrook &#8211; #19 D. Szerszyn<br><strong>C: <\/strong>#11 J. Phillips &#8211; #4 E. Drever &#8211; #7 M. Thompson<br><strong>HF:<\/strong> #6 M. Neocleous &#8211; #31 J. Pickett* &#8211; #10 C. Templeton<br><strong>F:<\/strong>  #9 W. Malady &#8211; #35 J. Elek &#8211; #14 A. Elliott<br><strong>FOL:<\/strong> #38 C. Dent &#8211; #1 C. Walker &#8211; #5 N. Williams<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>INT: <\/strong>#15 C. White, #20 A. Sousa, #22 K. Nicholls, #24 D. Harrington, #27 E. Austin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>* &#8211; denotes injury<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STRENGTHS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vic Country&#8217;s starting midfield trio &#8211; at least the one listed above &#8211; may well be the best of the lot. There is genuine top-end talent and star factor throughout the lineup, as well as a good amount of scoring power. Boasting a couple of man mountain ruck options, keen rebounders out of defence and a dominant on-ball rotation, the Vics look absolutely rock solid. They have had a strong sense of togetherness right through the pathway and have only added pieces to the puzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ONES TO WATCH:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s start at the top. <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164983\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/cody-walker\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cody Walker<\/a> is potentially the number one prospect in the draft pool and is sure to set a fine example through midfield. He co-captains the side with <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164978\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/noah-williams\/\" target=\"_blank\">Noah Williams<\/a>, who may well join a stacked on-ball group alongside Walker and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164979\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/ethan-drever\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ethan Drever<\/a>. <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"184096\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/clancy-snell\/\" target=\"_blank\">Clancy Snell<\/a> has set himself apart as the draft&#8217;s premier key defender, potentially squeezing <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"184107\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/xavier-ladbrook-2\/\" target=\"_blank\">Xavier Ladbrook<\/a> into a role up forward. Gippsland have a couple of match-winners to watch in <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"165019\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/wil-malady\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wil Malady<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164982\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/marlon-neocleous\/\" target=\"_blank\">Marlon Neocleous<\/a>, while Dandenong duo <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"183982\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/jackson-phillips-2\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackson Phillips<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"183988\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/will-antrobus\/\" target=\"_blank\">Wil Antrobus<\/a> are among the crop&#8217;s biggest potential risers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PREDICTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to note that in this age group, Vic Country won the title back at Under 16s level. They may well be the favourite this time around given their sheer amount of top-end talent and depth. There may be a question over who fills the key forward void left by <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164990\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/jack-pickett\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Pickett<\/a>, and a tricky away trip against the Allies kicks things off. Although, Country is sure to finish strong with three home games, including two in Ballarat against South Australia and Vic Metro. Likely top two or three, with a huge chance at the title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MVP: <\/strong>Cody Walker<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-187329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler-32x21.jpg 32w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/VM-Arki-Butler.jpg 1944w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Arki Butler is Vic Metro&#8217;s star man | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vic-metro\">VIC METRO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FIXTURE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Western Australia<br>Saturday June 20, 10:15am @ Cockburn Central<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. Allies<br>Sunday June 28, 11:00am @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. South Australia<br>Friday July 3, 3:15pm @ Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Vic Country<br>Sunday July 19, 11:00am @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SQUAD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 \u2013 George Dimer (Sandringham Dragons), 2 \u2013 Harper McCullough (Oakleigh Chargers), 3 \u2013 Harvie Cooke (Northern Knights), 4 \u2013 Khaled El Souki (Western Jets), 5 \u2013 Koby Bewick (Calder Cannons), 6 \u2013 Jordan Knapp (Eastern Ranges), 7 \u2013 Toby Krasna (Northern Knights), 8 \u2013 Sam Harris (Calder Cannons), 9 \u2013 Gus Teixeira (Sandringham Dragons), 10 \u2013 Max Downes (Northern Knights), 11 \u2013 Tevita Rodan (Calder Cannons), 12 \u2013 Archie Spencer (Eastern Ranges), 13 \u2013 Lachie Burrows (Sandringham Dragons), 14 \u2013 Zac Antonellos (Eastern Ranges), 15 \u2013 Jett Flower (Eastern Ranges), 16 \u2013 Lachie Hicks (Western Jets), 17 \u2013 Arki Butler (Sandringham Dragons), 18 \u2013 Albert MacGowan (Sandringham Dragons), 19 \u2013 Kai Parker (Northern Knights), 20 \u2013 Billy Wigmore (Western Jets), 21 \u2013 Sam Devers (Eastern Ranges), 22 \u2013 Nic Staropoli (Calder Cannons), 23 \u2013 Blake Justice (Calder Cannons), 24 \u2013 Harrison Chapman (Eastern Ranges), 25 \u2013 Archie Fogarty (Oakleigh Chargers), 26 \u2013 Henry Thomas (Sandringham Dragons), 27 \u2013 Harrison Leeder (Northern Knights), 28 \u2013 Sam Gayfer (Northern Knights), 29 \u2013 Angus Tippett (Western Jets), 30 \u2013 Flynn Woolhouse (Oakleigh Chargers), 31 \u2013 Seb Marsic (Oakleigh Chargers), 32 \u2013 Jake Miller (Western Jets), 33 \u2013 Tyson Bradley (Sandringham Dragons), 34 \u2013 Lewis Houndsome (Northern Knights), 35 \u2013 Tate Hodgson (Northern Knights), 36 \u2013 Harry Van Hattum (Northern Knights), 37 \u2013 Nathaniel Jenkins (Calder Cannons), 38 \u2013 Macauli Buck (Western Jets), 39 \u2013 Angus Brown (Sandringham Dragons), 40 \u2013 Baxter Sruk (Eastern Ranges)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&nbsp;<strong>MORE:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/05\/28\/knights-dominate-vic-metro-under-18-squad\/\">Vic Metro squad announcement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"698\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-1024x698.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-199959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-1024x698.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-2048x1397.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-128x87.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gus-Teixeira-1-SD-2025-CTL-32x22.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gus Teixeira is one to watch | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>POTENTIAL LINEUP:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>B:<\/strong> #20 B. Wigmore &#8211; #33 T. Bradley &#8211; #22 N. Staropoli<br><strong>HB: <\/strong>#5 K. Bewick* &#8211; #35 T. Hodgson &#8211; #13 L. Burrows<br><strong>C: <\/strong>#6 J. Knapp &#8211; #9 G. Teixeira &#8211; #24 H. Chapman<br><strong>HF:<\/strong> #1 G. Dimer &#8211; #32 J. Miller &#8211; #23 B. Justice<br><strong>F:<\/strong> #4 K. El-Souki* &#8211; #34 L. Houndsome &#8211; #28 S. Gayfer<br><strong>FOL:<\/strong> #36 H. Van Hattum &#8211; #16 L. Hicks &#8211; #17 A. Butler<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>INT: <\/strong>#3 H. Cooke, #18 A. MacGowan, #27 H. Leeder, #30 F. Woolhouse, #40 B. Sruk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STRENGTHS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vic Metro has an embarrassment of riches in the tall forward department. They should be able to rotate plenty of players through those roles and keep them fresh. They will absolutely destroy teams in the air with the right conditions, boasting a blend of mobile and physically dominant key position players. Another major strength is their elite bottom-age crop, with arguably up to a handful of them good enough to be starting ahead of top-agers. As usual, Metro should also have a handy group of midfielders who can make the grade as utilities around the ground, giving the side balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ONES TO WATCH:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sandringham pair <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"165064\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/arki-butler\/\" target=\"_blank\">Arki Butler<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"192367\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/gus-teixeira\/\" target=\"_blank\">Gus Teixeira<\/a> are the ones to watch in midfield, and have the potential to do plenty of damage. <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"165101\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/harry-van-hattum\/\" target=\"_blank\">Harry Van Hattum<\/a> leads a very strong group of talls, while up forward Northern trio <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"165102\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/lewis-houndsome\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lewis Houndsome<\/a>, <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"165094\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/sam-gayfer\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Gayfer<\/a>, and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"209953\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/harrison-leeder\/\" target=\"_blank\">Harrison Leeder<\/a> will fight for spots alongside Oakleigh pair <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"165095\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/flynn-woolhouse-2\/\" target=\"_blank\">Flynn Woolhouse<\/a> and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"211047\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/sebastian-marsic\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sebastian Marsic<\/a>. Returning utility <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"182511\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/blake-justice\/\" target=\"_blank\">Blake Justice<\/a> is sure to press his claims, as will star bottom-agers like <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"184450\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/jake-miller\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jake Miller<\/a>, <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"183937\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/koby-bewick\/\" target=\"_blank\">Koby Bewick<\/a>, and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"183990\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/baxter-sruk\/\" target=\"_blank\">Baxter Sruk<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PREDICTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on talent alone, Vic Metro should nearly always finish in the top three. They possess their usual star power plus an array of talls which can overwhelm the opposition should conditions suit, although two Ballarat games may bring that into question. They arguably lack specialist smalls at either end of the ground and the kind of elite midfield depth we are used to, but having three fixtures at home helps &#8211; particularly after a tough away trip to start. They&#8217;ll need wins on the board early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MVP: <\/strong>Arki Butler<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-1024x563.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-215047\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-1024x563.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-1536x845.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-2048x1126.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-128x70.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Leo-Steed-WA-U18-2026-32x18.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leo Steed celebrates a goal | Image Credit: via WA Football<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-western-australia\">WESTERN AUSTRALIA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FIXTURE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. South Australia<br>Saturday June 13, 12:15pm @ Mineral Resources Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>vs. Vic Metro<br>Saturday June 20, 10:15am @ Cockburn Central<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Vic Country<br>Friday July 3, 5:45pm @ Marvel Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@ Allies<br>Wednesday July 8, 1:00pm @ Mars Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SQUAD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1 \u2013 Axel Walsh (East Perth), 3 \u2013 Benji Van Rooyen (Claremont), 4 \u2013 Cooper Ramsay (East Fremantle), 5 \u2013 Frazer Rickson (Subiaco), 6 \u2013 Mitchell Stirling (Peel Thunder), 7 \u2013 Byron Foster (South Fremantle), 8 \u2013 Hudson Graham (South Fremantle), 9 \u2013 Koby LeCras (West Perth), 10 \u2013 Harvey Spawton-Guy (West Perth), 11 \u2013 Conor Bushe-Jones (South Fremantle), 12 \u2013 Elijah Dennis (Claremont), 13 \u2013 Cody Lee (Perth), 14 \u2013 Maxim Collins (West Perth), 15 \u2013 Jacob Kee (Claremont), 16 \u2013 Ben Wood (East Fremantle), 17 \u2013 Noah Hannaford (East Fremantle), 19 \u2013 Oscar Richardson (East Fremantle), 20 \u2013 Fynn Tomasini (Perth), 21 \u2013 Heath Wilson (South Fremantle), 22 \u2013 Tom Brown (Claremont), 23 \u2013 George Gale (Claremont), 24 \u2013 Elijah Williams (Claremont), 25 \u2013 Lucas Robinson (South Fremantle), 26 \u2013 Garrison Kenh (East Perth), 27 \u2013 Marcus Motton (East Fremantle), 29 \u2013 Harper Banfield (Claremont), 30 \u2013 Rafe Williamson (West Perth), 32 \u2013 Sam O\u2019Brien (Subiaco), 33 \u2013 Robert Farmer (Claremont), 34 \u2013 Lachlan Sheldrick (Claremont), 35 \u2013 Heath Mellody (Claremont), 36 \u2013 Campbell Creyk (West Perth), 37 \u2013 Noah Braun (Claremont), 38 \u2013 Sheldon Pickett (Swan Districts), 39 \u2013 Hunter Hearn (East Fremantle), 40 \u2013 James Artemis (East Fremantle), 42 \u2013 Ethan Turner (East Perth), 43 \u2013 Lachlan McGlade (East Perth), 44 \u2013 Leo Steed (Swan Districts), 45 \u2013 Cameron Maynard (South Fremantle), 47 \u2013 Jayden Clarke (Perth), 48 \u2013 Taj Allan (Swan Districts), 49 \u2013 Kyan Perera (Subiaco), 50 \u2013 Finlay Yeo (East Fremantle)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&nbsp;<strong>MORE:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/04\/23\/western-australia-reveals-initial-under-18-squad\/\">Western Australia squad announcement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-195377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-1536x1032.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-2048x1376.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-128x86.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Axel-Walsh-WA-2025-AFL-U16s-32x22.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Axel Walsh may be the best bottom-ager in the country | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BEST LINEUP:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>B:<\/strong> #21 H. Wilson &#8211; #7 B. Foster &#8211; #42 E. Turner<br><strong>HB: <\/strong>#8 H. Graham &#8211; #22 T. Brown &#8211; #26 G. Kenh<br><strong>C: <\/strong>#23 G. Gale &#8211; #25 L. Robinson &#8211; #40 J. Artemis<br><strong>HF:<\/strong> #9 K. LeCras* &#8211; #10 H. Spawton-Guy &#8211; #50 F. Yeo<br><strong>F:<\/strong> #43 L. McGlade &#8211; #1 A. Walsh &#8211; #45 C. Maynard<br><strong>FOL:<\/strong> #3 B. van Rooyen &#8211; #35 H. Mellody &#8211; #44 L. Steed<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>INT: <\/strong>#5 F. Rickson, #20 F. Tomasini, #27 M. Motton, #29 H. Banfield, #36 C. Creyk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>STRENGTHS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WA&#8217;s starting midfield is incredibly strong and wonderfully balanced. It forms the crux of a robust spine, boasting tall depth on each line and plenty of genuine ruckmen. Size will be no issue for the Sandgropers. At the talls&#8217; feet lie plenty of specialist small forwards with genuine speed and match-winning traits. In terms of intangibles, they should arguably be the most &#8216;together&#8217; group having played the more trial games than any state side. That counts for plenty at this level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ONES TO WATCH:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The likely starting midfield trio of <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"190035\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/heath-mellody\/\" target=\"_blank\">Heath Mellody<\/a>, <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164909\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/leo-steed\/\" target=\"_blank\">Leo Steed<\/a>, and <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164939\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/lucas-robinson\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lucas Robinson<\/a> features potentially Western Australia&#8217;s leading three draft prospects. Add <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164915\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/george-gale\/\" target=\"_blank\">George Gale<\/a> to that mix off a wing and the Black Swans should be able to match many sides. A potential bolter in the mix is 194cm utility <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"212178\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/hudson-graham\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hudson Graham<\/a>, who can play at either end of the ground or on a wing. Of course, bottom-ager <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"164965\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/axel-walsh\/\" target=\"_blank\">Axel Walsh<\/a> is already a well known quantity and will almost inevitably make his mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PREDICTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The West Australians could spring a few surprises with two home fixtures to start their campaign. Their second &#8216;away&#8217; trip is also effectively neutral against the Allies in Victoria. They should have plenty of positive momentum coming off a series of trial games, albeit having to host the reigning champs first up. A strong midfield should put them in good stead, although they have more bottom-agers than any other side and may battle as a result. They could surprise a few, but likely sit in the 3-5 bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MVP: <\/strong>Lucas Robinson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dc-block-dc-mention _dc_mention\"><div class=\"section-heading_wrap\"><span class=\"section-heading is-small\">Mentions<\/span><span class=\"hor-border\"><\/span><\/div><ul class=\"js-overflow-list overflow-list\"><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/ethan-matthews\/\">Ethan Matthews<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/caylen-murray\/\">Caylen Murray<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/jake-medved\/\">Jake Medved<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/mason-mcgroder\/\">Mason McGroder<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/jake-beams\/\">Jake Beams<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/jackson-bridge\/\">Jackson Bridge<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/cooper-french\/\">Cooper French<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/douglas-cochrane\/\">Dougie Cochrane<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/ethan-herbert\/\">Ethan Herbert<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/kodah-edwards\/\">Kodah Edwards<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/mitchell-harris\/\">Mitchell Harris<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/kale-matthews-hampton\/\">Kale Matthews-Hampton<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/harry-franz\/\">Harry Franz<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/gabriel-patterson\/\">Gabriel Patterson<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/anthony-long\/\">Anthony Long<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/cody-walker\/\">Cody Walker<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/noah-williams\/\">Noah Williams<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/ethan-drever\/\">Ethan Drever<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/clancy-snell\/\">Clancy Snell<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/xavier-ladbrook-2\/\">Xavier Ladbrook<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/wil-malady\/\">Wil Malady<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/marlon-neocleous\/\">Marlon Neocleous<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/jackson-phillips-2\/\">Jackson Phillips<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/will-antrobus\/\">Will Antrobus<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/jack-pickett\/\">Jack Pickett<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/arki-butler\/\">Arki Butler<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/gus-teixeira\/\">Gus Teixeira<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/harry-van-hattum\/\">Harry Van Hattum<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/lewis-houndsome\/\">Lewis Houndsome<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/sam-gayfer\/\">Sam Gayfer<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/harrison-leeder\/\">Harrison Leeder<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/flynn-woolhouse-2\/\">Flynn Woolhouse<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/sebastian-marsic\/\">Sebastian Marsic<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/blake-justice\/\">Blake Justice<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/jake-miller\/\">Jake Miller<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/koby-bewick\/\">Koby Bewick<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/baxter-sruk\/\">Baxter Sruk<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/heath-mellody\/\">Heath Mellody<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/leo-steed\/\">Leo Steed<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/lucas-robinson\/\">Lucas Robinson<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/george-gale\/\">George Gale<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/hudson-graham\/\">Hudson Graham<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/axel-walsh\/\">Axel Walsh<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"js-dropdown dropdown overflowed\"><button class=\"btn btn-icon-only\"><span class=\"icon btn-icon\">\n                    <!-- icon - plus circle - 20px-->\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n                        <path d=\"M15,9.28h-4.3V5h0A.72.72,0,1,0,9.28,5h0V9.28H5a.72.72,0,0,0,0,1.43H9.28V15a.72.72,0,0,0,1.43,0h0V10.71H15a.72.72,0,0,0,0-1.43Z\"\/>\n                        <path d=\"M10,0A10,10,0,1,0,20,10,10,10,0,0,0,10,0Zm0,18.57A8.57,8.57,0,0,1,10,1.43h0a8.57,8.57,0,0,1,0,17.14Z\"\/>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/span><\/button><div class=\"popover\"><div class=\"popover-content\"><ul class=\"popover-menu\"><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>THE 2026 AFL Under 18 National Championships are set to get underway tomorrow, as South Australia begins its title defence over in Western Australia. Before the action gets underway, get the lowdown on how each squad is shaping up, and which players you should be keeping a close eye on. &gt;&gt; NEED TO KNOW: 2026 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":198338,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18050,17,8,7232,3129,3132,3130,3133,3134,3131],"tags":[7789,21836,23003,22942,22270,21855,22919,21045,23256,20995,22027,21856,22238,22343,22410,22866,22356,23335,23223,21983,22712,23447,22100,23002,23065,23324,23214,22839,22791,22914,21005,21049,22418,20981,21954,20985,23108,22530,21776,23364,21829,23413,22098],"class_list":["post-216545","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-afl-draft","category-national-championships","category-news","category-northern-territory","category-nsw-act","category-queensland","category-south-australia","category-tasmania","category-victoria","category-western-australia","tag-anthony-long","tag-arki-butler","tag-axel-walsh","tag-baxter-sruk","tag-blake-justice","tag-caylen-murray","tag-clancy-snell","tag-cody-walker","tag-cooper-french","tag-dougie-cochrane","tag-ethan-drever","tag-ethan-herbert","tag-ethan-matthews","tag-flynn-woolhouse","tag-gabriel-patterson","tag-george-gale","tag-gus-teixeira","tag-harrison-leeder","tag-harry-franz","tag-harry-van-hattum","tag-heath-mellody","tag-hudson-graham","tag-jack-pickett","tag-jackson-bridge","tag-jackson-phillips","tag-jake-beams","tag-jake-medved","tag-jake-miller","tag-kale-matthews-hampton","tag-koby-bewick","tag-kodah-edwards","tag-leo-steed","tag-lewis-houndsome","tag-lucas-robinson","tag-marlon-neocleous","tag-mason-mcgroder","tag-mitchell-harris","tag-noah-williams","tag-sam-gayfer","tag-sebastian-marsic","tag-wil-malady","tag-will-antrobus","tag-xavier-ladbrook"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216545","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=216545"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216545\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":216572,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216545\/revisions\/216572"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/198338"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=216545"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=216545"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=216545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}