The Under-18s National Championships get underway on Saturday afternoon with Western Australia taking on South Australia.

Vic Metro, Vic Country, Western Australia, South Australia and the Allies, made up of Queensland, Northern Territory, NSW/ACT and Tasmania, each play four games across the next seven weeks.

It provides a critical opportunity for recruiters to get an insight to the top junior prospects against the best in the country. A significant portion of players selected at November's National and Rookie Drafts will play in the carnival.

Following Western Australia and South Australia's game, the Allies host Vic Country at Blacktown on Sunday.

Vic Metro starts its carnival next Saturday in Perth against Western Australia.

Vic Metro and South Australia are viewed as the two strongest squads entering the National Championships.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Arki Butler of Team Boak kicks during the Marsh AFL National Futures Boys match between Team Boak and Team Docherty at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Arki Butler of Team Boak kicks during the Marsh AFL National Futures Boys match between Team Boak and Team Docherty at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

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South Australia

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Kodah Edwards of South Australia kicks the ball during the Marsh AFL National Development Championships match between U16 Boys South Australia and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on June 22, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Maya Thompson/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Kodah Edwards of South Australia kicks the ball during the Marsh AFL National Development Championships match between U16 Boys South Australia and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on June 22, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Maya Thompson/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Tony Bamford-coached Croweaters are the reigning champions after going undefeated in 2025.

The state's top prospect, Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy prospect Dougie Cochrane, is currently sidelined with a knee injury, but the Croweaters bat deep.

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Top 10 prospects Kodah Edwards and Gabe Patterson, Central District midfielder Jack Gordon, North Adelaide ruck Ethan Herbert and Sturt interceptor Kale Matthews-Hampton are the AFL Academy members who lead the way in the squad.

Adelaide-tied Anthony Long is another player to keep an eye on.

Matthews-Hampton is the only squad member who got exposure at the level as a bottom-ager last year.

Edwards has been named captain and will be assisted by South Adelaide's Cain Florence and North Adelaide's Herbert.

Woodville-West Torrens defender Mitch Harris is the bolter of the squad, having stamped his credentials in a best afield performance in the South Australia U18s vs U20s game.

North Adelaide half-back Sam Tassone is another who has caught fire early in the year after a strong pre-season and could be a difference-maker.

Glenelg is the most represented Talent League side with seven players, while Sturt and West Adelaide have six each.

Fixture:
Western Australia v South Australia, 12.30pm, Saturday 13 June at Mineral Resources Park

South Australia v Allies, 1.30pm, Sunday 21 June at Alberton Oval

Vic Metro v South Australia, Friday 3 July, 3.15pm at Marvel Stadium

Vic Country v South Australia, Wednesday 8 July, 10.30am at Mars Stadium, Ballarat

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