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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The back six is anchored by a pair of Vic Country stalwarts who stood tall under immense pressure. Scarlett Marsh<\/a> was steadfast in defence with 16 disposals and five tackles, providing crucial rebound alongside Georgia Garlick<\/a>, 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<\/a>, who clunked four marks and provided strong intercepting presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The half-back line features plenty of run and carry. Queensland’s Kya Wills-Rawlings<\/a> was outstanding upon her return, providing valuable drive with 22 disposals, four marks, and six tackles. She is flanked by teammate Stephanie Aguinaldo<\/a>, 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The engine room is headlined by a trio of ball-winners who took control of the stoppages. Queensland’s Molly Ferguson<\/a> 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<\/a>, 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<\/a> rounds out the inside group, having been a tireless worker around the ball with 21 disposals and a massive seven clearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the outside, Vic Metro’s Maddison Meagher<\/a> 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the ruck, Miyu Endersby<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The forward line balances dangerous marking targets with high-pressure link players. Vic Metro’s Scarlett Bown<\/a> 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<\/a> 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The deep forwardline features plenty of firepower. Queensland’s Indiana Scheffler<\/a> was the catalyst for her side’s dominant second term, booting two quick goals. She is joined by teammate Harlee McIlwain<\/a>, who clunked five marks and kicked a goal from 13 disposals. South Australian tall Ruby Lynch<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The interchange bench features a mix of inside grunt and outside class. Vic Country pair Lily Milner<\/a> (15 disposals, four clearances, one goal) and Carmela Perri<\/a> (19 disposals, seven tackles, three clearances) were huge around the coalface in a losing effort. Queensland’s Ameleia Murray<\/a> was a welcome inclusion, gathering 20 disposals and four clearances to provide valuable drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vic Metro trio Emily Rankin<\/a>, Addison West<\/a>, and Somer McCormack<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was a tight squeeze for the final squad, with Vic Country’s Ava Bilyk<\/a> (16 disposals, four clearances), South Australia’s Emma Charlton<\/a> (16 disposals, three tackles), and Queensland’s Freya Ross<\/a> (20 disposals, six tackles, four clearances) named as emergencies after strong performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2026 AFLW UNDER 18 CHAMPIONSHIPS: ROUND 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n B: <\/strong>Scarlett Marsh (Vic Country) \u2013 Gabrielle Mehrmann (Vic Country) \u2013 Georgia Garlick (Vic Country) EMG:<\/strong> Ava Bilyk (Vic Country) \u2013 Emma Charlton (South Australia) \u2013 Freya Ross (Queensland)<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nMIDFIELDERS:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FORWARDS:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
INTERCHANGE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
EMERGENCIES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HB: <\/strong>Kya Wills-Rawlings (Queensland) \u2013 Stephanie Aguinaldo (Queensland) \u2013 Emily Mableson (South Australia)
C:<\/strong> Maddison Meagher (Vic Metro) \u2013 Molly Ferguson (Queensland) \u2013 Lily Whiteman (South Australia)
HF: <\/strong>Lucy Moore (South Australia) \u2013 Scarlett Bown (Vic Metro) \u2013 Maia Freemantle (South Australia)
F: <\/strong>Indiana Scheffler (Queensland) \u2013 Ruby Lynch (South Australia) \u2013 Harlee McIlwain (Queensland)
R: <\/strong>Miyu Endersby (South Australia) \u2013 Lani Cocks (South Australia) \u2013 Isabella Mazzei (Vic Metro)
INT: <\/strong>Lily Milner (Vic Country) \u2013 Ameleia Murray (Queensland) \u2013 Carmela Perri (Vic Country) \u2013 Emily Rankin (Vic Metro) \u2013 Addison West (Vic Metro) \u2013 Somer McCormack (Vic Metro)<\/p>\n\n\n\n