A host of Northern Knights AFL Draft prospects spearhead the Vic Metro squad for the 2026 Under-18s National Championships.
The Anthony Rocca-coached Knights are the most represented squad, reflecting a stunning start to the season, with the squad headlined by AFL Academy trio Harry Van Hattum, Lewis Houndsome and Tate Hodgson.
Forwards Sam Gayfer and Harrison Leeder have also emerged as players in first round contention, while Kai Parker, Max Downes, Toby Krasna and Harvie Cooke are also in the squad.
AFL Academy members Arki Butler, Harrison Chapman, likely top 10 pick Gus Teixeira and 2024 Under-16s Vic Metro MVP Lachie Hicks are other touted names among the squad.
Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect Khaled El Souki has been rewarded for his strong start to the season as a small forward with selection, while North Melbourne-tied Sam Harris and Essendon-tied Blake Justice are also in the squad.
Top 2027 AFL Draft prospect Jake Miller and Essendon-tied Koby Bewick are the only bottom-agers in the squad, while six of the 11 members of the training squad are bottom-agers.
Vic Metro kicks off its Under-18s National Championships against Western Australia on June 20.
Vic Metro squad
Blake Justice - Calder Cannons
Sam Harris - Calder Cannons
Koby Bewick - Calder Cannons
Nic Staropoli - Calder Cannons
Archie Spencer - Eastern Ranges
Harrison Chapman - Easter Ranges
Jordan Knapp - Eastern Ranges
Harry Van Hattum - Northern Knights
Lewis Houndsome - Northern Knights
Tate Hodgson - Northern Knights
Sam Gayfer - Northern Knights
Kai Parker - Northern Knights
Max Downes - Northern Knights
Harvie Cooke - Northern Knights
Toby Krasna - Northern Knights
Harrison Leeder - Northern Knights
Seb Marsic - Oakleigh Chargers
Flynn Woolhouse - Oakleigh Chargers
Arki Butler - Sandringham Dragons
Tyson Bradley - Sandringham Dragons
Gus Teixeira - Sandringham Dragons
George Dimer - Sandringham Dragons
Albert MacGowan - Sandringham Dragons
Lochie Burrows - Sandringham Dragons
Lachie Hicks - Western Jets
Khaled El Souki - Western Jets
Angus Tippett - Western Jets
Billy Wigmore - Western Jets
Jake Miller - Western Jets
Training squad
Tevita Rodan - Calder Cannons
Nate Jenkins - Calder Cannons
Zac Antonellos - Eastern Ranges
Baxter Sruk - Eastern Ranges
Sam Devers - Eastern Ranges
Jett Flower - Eastern Ranges
Archie Fogarty - Oakleigh Chargers
Harper McCullough - Oakleigh Chargers
Henry Thomas - Sandringham Dragons
Angus Brown - Sandringham Dragons
Macauli Buck - Western Jets
