2024 Marsh AFL National Championships

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To wrap up the final game of the national championships.

Scouting Notes: 2024 AFL U18s – Vic Metro vs. Vic Country

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The on line edition of the Herald Sun has an article today by Chris Cavanagh which rates all of the players in the championships. He also nominates the stars and surprises from each team which I will put up on the following pages.

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ALLIES

THE STAR: LEO LOMBARD

The Gold Coast Suns Academy member was a joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best-performed player of the tournament.

A prolific ball-winning onballer who can also feature forward or back, Lombard works hard contest-to-contest, is incredibly clean with his hands and skills, brings great energy and can have an impact on the scoreboard.

He averaged 26.3 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 4.5 tackles and kicked four goals across his four games.

"He certainly caught the eye with his explosiveness and power and I think that's his main weapon, is his ability to be able to break through traffic and get on to double-up possessions through his hard work," Allies coach Mitch Hahn said of Lombard.

"He was able to win some clearances but more importantly was able to hit the scoreboard as well. He challenged the opposition defenders to say, well, if you don't go with me, I can hurt you on the scoreboard. He's going to be a really good prospect for the draft with those attributes that he's got."

THE SURPRISE: JOBE SHANAHAN

A 194cm forward who is mobile, presents well and can take a strong contested mark, Shanahan would have climbed up some draft boards with his performances during the championships.

His best game was his last against Vic Country, when he logged 16 disposals, nine marks (four contested) and kicked 3.1 for the Allies.

Shanahan has been a regular goalkicker for the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League this season, but played for the Allies given he resides in Moama just over the New South Wales border.

"From a tall perspective, he was someone who just continued to build and get better as the program went along," Hahn said of Shanahan.

"His marking ability and movement around the ground was something that really helped us in that last game against Vic Country, especially to be able to keep us as close as we were. His ability to be able to hit the scoreboard, to work out and bring others into it was important for us. He was a really solid contributor for us across the four games as well."

Supercoach Rankings

Name Position Games Ranking

N. Andreacchio Gen Def 3 76.0
D. Annable Mid 4 106.0
C. Bell Key Fwd 4 58.3
L. Carmichael Gen Def 4 81.5
N. Chamberlain Mid-Fwd 2 75.0
J. Cochran Key Def 4 65.8
W. Davey-Motlop Gen Fwd 1 32.0
O. Dean Ruck 1 34.0
J. Delana Mid 4 78.8
O. Depaoli-Kubank Mid-Fwd 4 72.8
L. Douglas Gen Fwd 3 45.0
T. Gallop Key Fwd 2 12.5
R. Gilder Gen Def 4 39.3
T. Gillett Ruck 1 57.0
J. Harrison Mid 3 44.0
L. Hogan Mid 2 71.5
B. Kennedy Gen Def 4 59.8
L. Lombard Mid 4 119.8
S. Marshall Mid 4 123.0
F. McFadyen Mid-Fwd 4 46.3
R. Mentha Gen Fwd 2 25.5
Z. Millane Gen Def 2 42.0
J. Murphy Key Fwd 4 64.5
B. Richardson Ruck 3 58.3
J. Shanahan Key Fwd 4 77.0
L. Smith Ruck 4 80.0
T. Stanley Mid 2 80.0
N. Sulzberger Mid 4 44.3
Z. Uwland Mid 4 106.0
K. White Key Def 1 39.0

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

THE STAR: BEN CAMPOREALE

Carlton fans have plenty to be excited about after father-son prospect Ben Camporeale produced an impressive under-18 national championships campaign for South Australia.

Camporeale was named the side's MVP after averaging 26.8 disposals, 5.3 marks and 4.5 clearances across a very consistent four games.

The son of Blues premiership player Scott, Camporeale is clean in the contest, has a good balance between his inside and outside game, brings elite workrate and is creative going forward.

"He played as an inside mid for us in all four games. Totally different role," South Australia coach Tony Bamford said.

"He was able to impact in contest and stoppage really, really well. Kicking's still a work in progress in terms of his connection with forwards going inside 50, but most midfielders need to work on that. But his leadership, his contest, his energy and drive and his ability to set us up around the contest was really important as an inside mid."

THE SURPRISE: CHARLIE NICHOLLS

He might not have been South Australia's best or most consistent player of the championships, but Nicholls showed more than a few exciting glimpses.

A 197cm key forward who leads well and can take strong contested marks, Nicholls particularly impressed in the side's second game against Vic Country when he racked up 11 disposals, nine marks (four contested) and kicked 1.3.

"He played as a key forward in the first three games and then we put him to a key back position for game four," Bamford said.

"He runs great patterns. He was clearly a smart forward in terms of knowing where to go and when to go. He clearly likes to run. He's getting up the ground and it gives him an ability to showcase his running power as opposed to staying deep.

"He's really elevated himself this year and we're really pleased for him. He's a kid from the Barossa so he's had to travel an hour and a half each way to get the training during the last three months. So he's really committed."

Supercoach Rankings

Name Position Games Ranking

N. Atkinson Gen Fwd 1 31.0
H. Barker Gen Def 3 50.3
B. Barrett Mid 2 67.0
R. Borlace Ruck 1 57.0
N. Bowman Gen Fwd 4 44.5
E. Bradley Gen Fwd 4 51.8
R. Burgoyne Gen Def 1 58.0
B. Camporeale Mid 4 116.5
L. Camporeale Mid 4 90.3
A. Clarke Key Def 4 92.5
S. Cumming Mid 2 76.5
T. Delmenico Key Def 3 36.7
H. Dodd Mid 1 54.0
A. Dodson Ruck 3 114.0
S. Draper Mid 4 77.5
P. Hargrave Mid 4 88.5
J. Hasting Mid 4 52.8
K. Herbert Mid 4 53.8
N. Howes Key Fwd 2 68.5
T. McKay Key Fwd 4 51.3
L. Montgomery Gen Def 4 59.0
J. Newton Mid 4 72.8
C. Nicholls Key Fwd 4 60.8
J. Phillipou Mid 1 23.0
H. Ramm Ruck 3 28.7
T. Rosenzweig Key Fwd 2 28.5
D. Sharp Mid 4 109.5
J. Sheean Key Def 4 57.8
D. Sterzl Mid 1 36.0
T. Welsh Key Fwd 4 50.8
C. West Key Fwd 2 88.5

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VIC COUNTRY

THE STAR: HARVEY LANGFORD

A powerful midfielder from the Dandenong Stingrays, Langford finished the tournament not only as Vic Country's MVP but also as a joint winner of the Larke Medal.

A hardworking contest star, Langford also has a booming kick when he finds space on the outside and can take a strong mark.

He averaged 25.5 disposals, 6.3 clearances and 7.5 score involvements across his four games for Vic Country.

"He was superb from the first game against SA,"

Vic Country coach Paul Corrigan said.

"He just carried that form through for us. He pretty much played the whole time in the middle. He was exceptional around stoppages and clearances.

"He also found a lot of ball on the outside, but also proved on the weekend he's got that aerial prowess to go forward and mark the footy and hit the scoreboard as well. I just thought his whole campaign was super consistent and really impressive for us."

THE SURPRISE: JOE BERRY

While he didn't necessarily surprise after a strong start to the season with the Murray Bushrangers, Berry's stocks did rise during the championships.

The clever 180cm forward from Wangaratta who can hurt opposition sides in multiple ways, Berry booted nine goals across his four matches during the tournament including a 14 disposal and three-goal game against Vic Metro last weekend.

"I thought his carnival as well was exceptional as a small forward," Corrigan said.

"He's just so lively. He's one of those players that can play deep one-on-one, he can come up the ground. His defensive acts were really good.

He's got really good speed and power. He hits the scoreboard, too. The other thing that we liked about him too was we injected him through the midfield at times and he just gave us a different spark at times and that ability to change up what was in there."

Supercoach Rankings

Name Position Games Average

J. Alger Gen Fwd 4 60.0
R. Andrew Mid 1 47.0
J. Barrat Key Fwd 3 60.3
J. Berry Gen Fwd 4 85.3
F. Burmeister Ruck 4 44.0
H. Charleson Mid 4 73.3
A. Day-Wicks Gen Fwd 3 65.0
J. Doherty Ruck 1 34.0
W. Duursma Key Def 3 68.3
J. Faull Key Fwd 3 59.0
O. Hannaford Mid 3 56.3
N. Hibbins-Hargreaves Gen Fwd 1 65.0
C. Hynes Mid 4 90.0
X. Ivisic Mid 4 103.8
L. Jaques Gen Def 4 90.3
S. Lalor Mid 3 80.7
H. Langford Mid 4 129
X. Lindsay Mid 3 116.7
M. Lloyd Key Def 2 70.0
F. O'Sullivan Mid 2 56.0
R. Onley Mid 3 63.7
J. Ough Mid 4 68.8
C. Paul   Mid 1 20.0
F. Penry Ruck 1 39.0
R. Stevens Mid-Fwd 2 75.0
A. Tauru Key Def 3 42.0
T. Travaglia Mid 4 112.0
R. Unwin Gen Fwd 2 36.5

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VIC METRO

THE STAR: MURPHY REID

All the buzz about Vic Metro's midfield heading into the championships surrounded Josh Smillie, Levi Ashcroft and Jagga Smith.

However, it was Murphy Reid that upstaged that trio to take out the side's MVP award.

The Sandringham Dragons midfielder was clean, composed and consistent across his four matches as he averaged 24.5 disposals, 7.3 score involvements and one goals.

"He's a top-end talent in his own right," Vic Metro coach Rob Harding said of Reid.

"The first game in the wet against the Allies, he was the cleanest player on the ground by a mile.

He had 30-something and kicked three goals in one of the games (against South Australia). He just kept playing well consistently through this tournament. The thing I love about Murph is every time he gets challenged with another level, he meets it really quickly. He hasn't found a level that has been too hard for him."

THE SURPRISE: HARRY ARMSTRONG 

If there's one game where you want to star during the national championships, it is the clash between Vic Metro and Vic Country at Marvel Stadium which was attended by almost every recruiter in the land.

Harry Armstrong did just that.

A 195cm forward from the Sandringham Dragons, Armstrong put his strong contested marking ability and accurate goalkicking on show in a nine-disposal, five-mark and five-goal performance.

He also booted three goals in Vic Metro's third match against South Australia.

"He's played really good school football, but that's at a lower level than Coates League or a national championship," Harding said.

"He's just adapted really well through the year.

He keeps building and developing his game. I watched him on Sunday, strong hands, big, strong contested marks - which is the strength that he has - and he's a beautiful set shot at goal. On a day when we weren't kicking very straight, he's the one that kicks five straight, and he gives us an opportunity to be in that game to win it."

Supercoach Rankings

Name Position Games Average

H. Armstrong Key Fwd 3 100.0
L. Ashcroft Mid 4 99.8
A. Cole Key Def 3 55.3
J. Dattoli Mid 4 77.8
J. Dolan Gen Fwd 3 66.3
L. Emmett Ruck 2 45.5
L. Grego Mid 4 79.5
T.  Gross Mid 4 101.0
L. Hofmann Gen Def 3 55.7
D. Hollow Mid 3 59.3
L. Impey Ruck 3 77.7
Z. Johnson Mid 3 59.7
I. Kako Gen Fwd 4 93.3
N. King Mid 3 67.3
A. Ludowyke Key Fwd 1 41.0
B. McKenzie Key Fwd 2 39.5
C. Moraes Mid 4 93.5
J. Nguyen Gen Def 3 57.3
H. O'Farrell Key Def 2 20.0
H. Oliver Gen Def 4 77.3
M. Reid Mid 4 130.8
P. Retschko Mid 3 67.7
C. Richardson Key Fwd 2 57.0
T. Sims Key Fwd 4 62.5
J. Smillie Mid 4 96.3
J. Smith Mid 4 134.8
G. Stumpf Key Fwd 2 41.5
L. Tovey Key Def 1 58.0
L. Trainor Key Def 4 90.8

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

THE STAR: BO ALLAN

A standout top draft prospect from Western Australia, Allan missed the first game of the championships with a back injury but impressed with his power and speed through the midfield across the final three matches.

The side's captain, the combative left-footer averaged 20 disposals, 3.7 clearances, 6.3 score involvements and six tackles.

He also booted two classy goals in the team's third match against Vic Metro.

Allan - a Peel Thunder product who has also been part of the AFL Academy this year - had primarily played across halfback in previous years.

"He's an absolute beauty, Bo," WA talent manager Adam Jones said.

"Just his competitiveness and willingness to crack in and lead the way. There's a huge amount of upside with him. He's only played less than 10 games on ball in his career, so for him to battle out against the best in the country was great to see. He's only going to get better and better."

THE SURPRISE: JAXON ARTEMIS

A rebounding defender from South Fremantle, Artemis enhanced his draft prospects with a strong championships which led to him being named as Western Australia's MVP.

The 180cm speedster averaged 15.5 disposals, 5.3 rebound 50s, 4.3 intercept possessions and

369 metres gained across his four matches, providing plenty of drive forward for his side.

"Through the winter program, he just got better and better each week," Jones said.

"You could just see his confidence within himself growing and him going 'I can play at this level'.

His running and eagerness to get on the end of it just continued to grow. His skill and execution and awareness and composure with ball in hand is outstanding. Some guys that you hope can pop and he was one that did."

Supercoach Rankings

Name Position Games Average

B. Allan Mid 3 85.0
C. Angove Gen Fwd 4 72.3
J. Artemis Gen Def 4 69.3
C. Banfield Mid 4 60.5
M. Becker Mid-Fwd 1 30.0
T. Bell Key Def 1 45.0
H. Boxshall Mid 3 85.0
C. Burke Mid 4 95.0
M. Champion Gen Fwd 4 53.8
C. Curtin Key Def 4 49.8
H. Davis Gen Fwd 4 84.3
C. Dennis Key Def 4 68.3
J. Douglas Gen Def 4 78.3
K. Evans Gen Fwd 3 57.3
K. Gerreyn Ruck 4 80.3
A. Gulluni Gen Def 1 39.0
W. Hayes Mid-Fwd 4 75.3
T. Hiscock Key Def 3 44.0
B. Kelly Mid 3 75.7
L. Mactaggart Gen Def 3 96.0
D. Petersen Key Def 3 35.3
A. Riddle Ruck 4 80.8
J. Rigoll Mid 1 51.0
D. Roberts Mid 1 4.0
F. Rodriguez Mid 4 77.0
M. Rohr Ruck 4 50.3
L. Urquhart Mid 4 98.0
A. van der Struyf Mid 4 73.0
W. Walley Gen Fwd 1 56.0
T. Whan Mid 1 28.0

[SidVicious 130]

Based on recent experience, we're a monty to take the two from WA because firstly, they're from WA and secondly, they have such absurd first names.

[whatwhat say what 22,704]

3 minutes ago, SidVicious said:

Based on recent experience, we're a monty to take the two from WA because firstly, they're from WA and secondly, they have such absurd first names.

sadly bo allen won't be there with our pick 18...

[Freddy Fuschia 740]

2 minutes ago, whatwhat say what said:

sadly bo allen won't be there with our pick 18...

He still might be worth a peep.

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The 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys All Australian Team has been announced:-

[Demonstone 22,338]

Zeke Uwland is the younger brother of young Sun up and comer Bodhi.

@WalkingCivilWar will be pleased that he has an easy name to spell.  

 

[Whispering_Jack 29,826]

Vic Metro dominates Under 18 All Australian team

 

[Pennant St Dee 13,128]

On 15/07/2024 at 15:48, spirit of norm smith said:

WA wrap up 

A weaker WA under 18 squad this year. I think only 3-4 youngsters will get drafted in the main draft , perhaps with a few through the rookie draft where identified. 

⭐️Bo Allan. I only saw him in the game v  He just has a footy IQ to get the right space and position. Good skills and size for a midfielder. His energy and transition running will see him strongly considered. Expect him to go pick 19-22 as early 2nd round pick  

👏Luke Urquart. Big blonde bulldozer of a midfielder. Like a Cripps type, he goes into the contest and wins the footy. Skills were okay but let him down on occasion. He should be drafted but likely will be a pick in the 40s.  
 

✅Malakai Champion.  He’s exciting no doubt.  But I was expecting more and he’s not a top 50 player for me.  Late draft or rookie chances. 
 

✅Cody Angove.  Project type.  Exciting runner and pace on the footy.  Likely late draft pick as his skill is up to AFL quality which gives him a chance.   Could a side take a chance 

Urquarts kicking is way off although Hawks have watched him a few times 

Hamish Davis, Kayle Gerryn, Jason Artemis and I suspect Clancy Dennis will all get drafted. Along with those you mentioned 

Bourke and Peterson outside chances

Edited July 17 by Pennant St Dee

[Whispering_Jack 29,826]

If there was a surprise with the selection of the All-Australian team then the omission of Vic Metro midfielder Josh Smillie who is projected to be close to the No.1 pick in November's draft. He’s an impressive 195cm tall and recorded  16 disposals and eight clearances in the final match against Vic Metro. He also captained the Australian Academy team in two matches against VFL sides. His omission is probably for no other reason than the fact that there were so many mids in contention.

[spirit of norm smith 16,312]

5 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

If there was a surprise with the selection of the All-Australian team then the omission of Vic Metro midfielder Josh Smillie who is projected to be close to the No.1 pick in November's draft. He’s an impressive 195cm tall and recorded  16 disposals and eight clearances in the final match against Vic Metro. He also captained the Australian Academy team in two matches against VFL sides. His omission is probably for no other reason than the fact that there were so many mids in contention.

Yes he was slightly off v Vic country with some fumbles and miskicks.  But I’d definitely take Smillie at the Dees. Big sized mid. Alas he is likely to go pick 3 or 4 to the Saints or Eagles.    

[Demonland 71,640]

[ChaserJ 5,057]

Carlton (even though he’s Richmond NGA, won’t go there) have a beauty in Cody Walker and Cochrane looks a star as well.

Of interest to us, Marcus Prasad has been attached to our NGA program, quick and skilful small forward/mid.

[spirit of norm smith 16,312]

Marcus Prasad. Dromana. Demons NGA. 

[Nascent 9,144]

2008 birthday so his draft year will be 2026. Must be a talent if he's making state squad at u16s level.

Looked up the U16s state results via the Coates Talent League app.

He was named in the All Australian U16s team in the forward pocket.

Country played 3 games and he was named in the bests in all and kicked goals in each game including 3 against South Australia.

[Older demon 2,741]

I see K White was not ranked highly Def 1 39.0 points where the best rankings are in the 80 -90 range.

[Adam The God 30,142]

@Pennant St Dee, is that Mark Lecras son?

[Colm 2,104]

Here Bigfoot’s Davo’s top 30 for next year. Has Ah-Mu at 19
 

 

Top 30 update 2025

1. Archie Ludowyke - Sand - 195cm
2. Dyson Sharp - Cent Dist - 188cm
3. Oliver Greeves - Eastern - 191cm
4. Fred Rodriguez - Sth Freo - 185cm
5. Blake Kelly - Swan Dist - 182cm
6. Riley Onley - Murray - 194cm
7. Louis Emmett - Oakleigh - 198cm
8. Lachlan Dovaston - Eastern - 176cm
9. Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier - Nth Adel - 182cm
10. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves - Dand - 185cm
11. Basil Hart - Peel - 185cm
12. Zeke Uwland - Gold Coast A - 177cm
13. Cody Curtin - Clarem - 197cm
14. Daniel Annable - Brisbane A - 183cm
15. Thomas McGuane - Western - 177cm
16. Noah Roberts-Thompson - Sturt - 180cm
17. Jack Dalton - Sand - 177cm
18. Cooper Duff-Tytler - Cald - 199cm
19. Tairon Ah-Mu - Dand - 198cm
20. Willem Duursma - Gipps - 191cm
21. Marcus Cassidy - East Perth - 187cm
22. Xavier Bamert - Sand - 184cm
23. Dylan Patterson - Gold Coast A - 183cm
24. Jadd Hill - Perth - 178cm
25. Jobe Scapin - Gipps - 186cm
26. Sam Grij - Oakleigh - 182cm
27. Toby Whan - Sth Freo - 182cm
28. Zach O'Keefe - Gipps - 177cm
29. Raphael Geesu - Bris A - 175cm
30. Harry Morphett - Geel - 180cm

 

 

 

[Pennant St Dee 13,128]

14 hours ago, Binmans PA said:

@Pennant St Dee, is that Mark Lecras son?

Brett Lecras son, who is the older brother of Mark, drafted by North but only a handful of games. Koby is a decent player just not sure on his ceiling. Speed is a weak point but neither Mark or Brett had pace and they both went ok

[Adam The God 30,142]

42 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

Brett Lecras son, who is the older brother of Mark, drafted by North but only a handful of games. Koby is a decent player just not sure on his ceiling. Speed is a weak point but neither Mark or Brett had pace and they both went ok

Thanks mate.

Yep, if he has a goal sense and forward craft like his uncle he'll do alright.