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)

Team-by-team preview

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Vic Country

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Xavier Ladbrook of the AFL National Academy kicks the ball during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at Ikon Park on April 18, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Xavier Ladbrook of the AFL National Academy kicks the ball during the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys match between Australia U18 and Richmond VFL at Ikon Park on April 18, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

All eyes will be on Carlton father-son and top-three prospect Cody Walker, who will lead Vic Country's midfield brigade.

He comes in with form behind him for the Blues' VFL side, while Geelong Falcons midfielder-half-back Noah Williams and Gippsland livewire Marlon Neocleous are other top 10 prospects in the side.

Tall utility Xavier Ladbrook will look to back up his showing in the second AFL Academy game where he was named best afield, but after showing plenty in defence, he was swung into the forward line in a Victorian trial match last week.

Wil Malady is the other AFL Academy member in the squad, while GWV Rebels midfielder Ethan Drever and Gippsland defender Clancy Snell are also rocketing towards the pointy end of draft calculations.

Dandenong defender Will Antrobus is the smokey who could offer impact with his left foot, while Cody Templeton is highly rated and could be a difference-maker.

Hawthorn fans will have a close eye on Next Generation Academy member Keenan Boi, a clean-skilled half forward with innate craft and goal sense.

Longtime Dandenong Stingrays coach Nick Cox will coach the side.

Fixture

Allies v Vic Country, Sunday 14 June, 12.45pm at Blacktown ISP

Vic Country v Western Australia, Friday July 3, 5.45pm at Marvel Stadium

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

Vic Country v Vic Metro, Sunday July 19, 11am at Mars Stadium, Ballarat

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