THE 2024 AFL Under 18 All Australian team was announced yesterday, featuring 23 of this year’s best performed footballers from the National Championships. Title-winners Vic Metro lay claim to a high of eight members, including the captain and one of two back-to-back members. Get to know the squad.

>> Announced: 2024 AFL Under 18 All Australian team

Back Pocket: Zeke Uwland
Allies | 176cm | 24/04/2007

The sole bottom-age (2007-born) selection in this year’s team, Uwland will have the chance next year to join two 2024 contemporaries as a dual Under 18 All Australian. Playing either as a small defender or wingman, the Suns Academy product is a hard runner with penetrative left-foot kicking and a penchant for racking up possessions. The brother of Gold Coast defender, Bodhi averaged 23 disposals and 15 uncontested possessions across the four games.

Full Back: Luke Trainor
Vic Metro | 194cm | 10/04/2006

Trainor had the final say at this year’s National Championships with a goal after the siren which saw Vic Metro clinch the title in dramatic circumstances. He was swung forward in that moment but is regarded as the premier tall defender of the crop. At 194cm, he intercepts strongly and showed he could play lockdown roles, while also distributing the ball beautifully by foot. The grandson of legendary goalkicker Doug Wade, Trainor averaged a tick under 20 disposals and six marks per game.

Back Pocket: Harrison Oliver
Vic Metro | 181cm | 15/05/2006

Oliver rose in stocks on the back of an outstanding performance in Vic Metro’s opening win over the Allies. He’s a combative small defender who sets up the play, running at 83 per cent efficiency per his average 16.2 disposals. Above all, Oliver’s piercing left-foot kicking is his standout attribute and he has been described by Metro and Sandringham Dragons coach Rob Harding as his side’s “heartbeat”.

Half Back Flank: Tobie Travaglia
Vic Country | 187cm | 26/10/2006

Travaglia proved to be the ultimate utility for Vic Country, but arguably played his best football as a running half-back. The hard-working talent showcased his ability to break the lines with genuine speed and took the game on with vigour. At 187cm, he was also a capable interceptor and averaged 6.2 marks among his 21.8 disposals. He looks to be a real riser amongst the overall crop.

Centre Half Back: Clancy Dennis
Western Australia | 194cm | 28/12/2006

Somewhat of an unheralded member of the super even and competitive West Australian squad, Dennis slots into the second key position post. He was resolute across each game, proving competitive aerially and playing the percentages well to either intercept mark or spoil in one-on-one situations. The no frills defender averaged 5.2 marks per game and often opposed the most dangerous key forward.

Half Back Flank: Lachie Jaques
Vic Country | 184cm | 01/06/2006

Offering a good balance of offensive flair and intercept quality, Jaques produced a bunch of eye-catching moments throughout the National Championships. The Geelong Falcons co-captain averaged 4.8 marks per game and displayed a spring-heeled leap to soar above opponents for many of them. He also used the ball quite neatly by foot, relieving pressure with his 78.5 per cent disposal efficiency.

>> Recap: 2024 AFL Under 18 National Championships

Wing: Xavier Lindsay
Vic Country | 183cm | 03/08/2006

Among the few All Australians who missed one of four games, Lindsay returned with a stunning performance in the championship-decider. He racked up 30 disposals, 20 uncontested possessions, and 11 marks operating on both sides of midfield to be arguably best afield in Vic Country’s narrow loss. Lindsay showed great versatility throughout the carnival; tackling hard and proving clean at the contest, but also using his weaponous left-foot kicking and outside run on the attack.

Centre: Leo Lombard (Larke Medal)
Allies | 178cm | 05/10/2006

There are few better competitors than Lombard, who showcased enormous power and strength en route to tying for the Larke Medal. The Suns Academy star, who won a VFL premiership last year, also took out the Allies’ MVP award. He set high standards with his two-way work rate, averaging 26.2 disposals, 4.8 clearances, and 4.5 tackles per game. Lombard’s ability to connect with teammates and surge the ball in waves made for eye-catching passages, not to mention his fend-offs.

Wing: Bo Allan
Western Australia | 191cm | 16/02/2006

Western Australia’s captain and leading prospect, Allan worked into the championships after missing game one with a back injury. He has cut his teeth as a defender but was utilised exclusively in midfield, displaying an exciting combination of speed and strength. Allan’s big frame allowed for competitive inside work, while his speed was useful when breaking forward. The left-footer averaged 20 disposals and six tackles per game, and has since returned to senior football with Peel Thunder.

Half Forward Flank: Tom Gross
Vic Metro | 181cm | 15/09/2006

Gross has become renowned for his explosive speed and crash-and-bash style through midfield, but arguably had his best game in the National Championships playing on the wing. He posted 27 disposals and nine marks in a terrific outing against South Australia. Either way, the utility’s work rate was on show and he was also able to impact when rotated forward, lighting up when in range of goal.

Centre Half Forward: Jobe Shanahan
Allies | 194cm | 02/08/2006

Shanahan showed glimpses throughout the first three games but truly broke out with 16 disposals, nine marks and three goals in his final outing against Vic Country. The Moama native provided an unrelenting outlet on the lead, presenting at the kicker outside attacking 50 to showcase his mobility and vice-like set of hands. Shanahan led the competition for contested marks, such is his aerial prowess.

Half Forward Flank: Murphy Reid (MVP)
Vic Metro | 180cm | 30/07/2006

Reid offered consistent quality across Vic Metro’s four games, taking out the champions’ MVP award ahead of very many star teammates. His poise and ball use by hand and foot are standout attributes, which he utilised while playing on-ball, out on the wing, and even up forward. Reid’s best game yielded 31 disposals, eight clearances and three goals against South Australia, boosting his average up to 24.5 touches per game. He looks every bit a top 10 prospect.

Forward Pocket: Isaac Kako
Vic Metro | 175cm | 07/03/2006

A true livewire inside 50, Kako helped Vic Metro clinch the title with three goals in the deciding game against Vic Country. His electric speed and creativity saw him hit the scoreboard and assist teammates to no end, proving a handful to contain. The energetic forward is part of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy and looms as a top 20 prospect who may end up in the red and black, after all.

Full Forward: Harry Armstrong
Vic Metro | 195cm | 14/06/2006

Armstrong was one of the heroes of Vic Metro’s title-winning game against Vic Country, booting five goals in an ominous display of contested marking and set shot conversion. The left-footed key forward also bagged three majors against South Australia and finished level as the carnival’s leading goalkicker with nine overall. His aerial ability, speed off the mark, and efficiency made him difficult to contain.

Forward Pocket: Joe Berry
Vic Country | 180cm | 18/04/2006

Along with Armstrong, Berry finished atop the goalkicking charts with nine across the four games. His best effort was saved for last, booting three against Vic Metro. The Murray Bushrangers product has a quick turn of speed and sharp skills – both in terms of ground level handling and left-foot kicking. For all his quality inside 50, Berry also provided a spark when rotated on-ball and is an emerging top 15 talent.

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Ruck: Alex Dodson
South Australia | 203cm | 15/06/2006

An Australian representative in basketball, Dodson missed game one through said commitments but made a mark thereafter. The 203cm ruckman showcased enormous athletic upside with his ability to cover ground. He was also clean around the contest and not afraid to take possession of the ball, averaging 17.3 disposals and 19.7 hitouts. He may have a decision to make between the two codes quite soon, but has proven what he can do with an extended run in the footballing pathway.

Ruck Rover: Harvey Langford (Larke Medal)
Vic Country | 190cm | 15/03/2006

Langford has rocketed up draft boards after a scintillating National Championships, which landed him both the Larke Medal (tied) and Vic Country MVP award. The big-bodied midfielder was robust on the inside with averages of 25.5 disposals and 6.2 clearances, but also ran hard on the spread to help launch his side inside 50. Langford’s penetrative left foot and ability to clunk contested marks up forward are even more traits which point towards him being the complete package.

Rover: Jagga Smith (Captain)
Vic Metro | 181cm | 28/01/2006

Captain of the All Australian side and title-winning Vic Metro outfit, Smith also placed third in the Larke Medal voting. The prolific midfielder averages 29.2 disposals and 6.8 clearances across the four games, proving incredibly difficult to lay a hand on. His clean skills and slick movement helped move the play from inside to the outer, before Smith hit targets by both hand and foot. Having dominated amongst his peers, Smith now looks set for a stint in Richmond’s VFL side before Coates Talent League finals.

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Interchange: Levi Ashcroft
Vic Metro | 179cm | 18/12/2006

One of two dual All Australians this year, Ashcroft’s resume is one of a serial winner. The Brisbane Lions father-son prospect (son of Marcus, brother of Will) averaged 25.5 disposals per game with a remarkably high level of consistency. He racked up possessions with a combination of clean inside work and connection on the outside, displaying high footy IQ to not only run hard, but also get to the right spots. Ashcroft was also able to hit the scoreboard at important times and thrived on the big moments.

Interchange: Ben Camporeale (MVP)
South Australia | 186cm | 21/07/2006

Crowned South Australia’s MVP, Camporeale hardly wavered in his output and was amongst the raft of prolific midfielders to show out across all four games. The Carlton father-son prospect is a chip off the old block in some ways, covering ground and accumulating possessions like his father, Scott. He’s also a competitor with good hands and a strong frame, making for useful inside-outside balance. Playing alongside twin brother Lucas, Camporeale averaged 26.8 disposals and 4.5 clearances.

Interchange: Sid Draper
South Australia | 182cm | 05/07/2006

Draper’s resume is already envious, and he can add two-time All Australian to his list of accolades. The 2023 state MVP captained South Australia this year and built back to his best form having returned from a shin stress fracture just before the carnival. His turn of speed and evasiveness to escape the contest were key features, as Draper averaged 21 disposals and a tick under four clearances per game. He is now back playing senior football with South Adelaide alongside big brother, Arlo.

Interchange: Sam Marshall
Allies | 185cm | 19/01/2006

Marshall gained exposure at last year’s championships and backed up to become an integral part of the Allies’ lineup in 2024. The Lions Academy member, who boards at school in Melbourne, averaged 27 disposals and four clearances playing both on-ball and out on the wing. His balance between both roles is backed by a terrific motor, with Marshall the type of player who can drive the ball forward and accumulate possessions on the overlap. His punchy kicking is an asset, too.

Interchange: Logan Smith
Allies | 204cm | 24/09/2006

The second ruck selected in this year’s All Australian side, Smith often got first hand to the ball. He led the competition for hitouts to advantage and was useful fold on the follow-up, averaging 10.5 possessions (seven contested) and 21.5 hitouts overall. The Giants Academy ruck was imposing at the contest and is well poised to continue his exposure at senior level, having already turned out in the VFL.

Coach: Rob Harding (Vic Metro)

Harding led Vic Metro to championship glory, going through the carnival undefeated with a 4-0 record. The Sandringham Dragons mentor saw a stack of his club stars play integral roles, but also did a fantastic job in galvanising a group of talented individuals. Many of Vic Metro’s role players were primary midfielders who were made to execute in secondary roles.

>> Throwback: 2023 AFL Under 18 All Australian team

BREAKDOWN

ALLIES (5):
Leo Lombard, Sam Marshall, Jobe Shanahan, Logan Smith, Zeke Uwland

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (3):
Ben Camporeale, Alex Dodson, Sid Draper

VIC COUNTRY (5):
Joe Berry, Lachie Jaques, Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay, Tobie Travaglia

VIC METRO (8):
Harry Armstrong, Levi Ashcroft, Tom Gross, Isaac Kako, Harrison Oliver, Murphy Reid, Jagga Smith, Luke Trainor

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (2):
Bo Allan, Clancy Dennis