2025 SA U18 and U16 Award Winners

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australian U18 captain Dyson Sharp has had his stunning 2025 AFL U18 National Championship campaign rewarded after receiving the John Halbert Medal.

The strongly-built Central District midfielder earned the SA U18 MVP award and the Larke Medal as the best player in Division 1 after playing a vital role in the Croweaters claiming their first crown since 2018.

This came on top of his selection as skipper of the U18 AFL All-Australian team, with SA U18 teammates Matt LeRay, Aidan Schubert, Sam Cumming, Sam Ainsworth, Harley Barker and Mitchell Marsh also chosen in the elite line-up.

SA U18 mentor Tony Bamford, claiming his second national title win after success in 2018, was selected as the All-Australian coach.

Joint vice-captain Sam Cumming and Norwood’s Balyn O’Brien were recognised for their selfless attitudes across the campaign, Cumming winning the Ron Coleman Best Team Man Award and O’Brien taking home the Players’ Player Team First trophy.

Central District ruck Hugo Semmler received the Norm Grimm Medal as the SA U16 team’s MVP while also being joined by joint vice-captain Taj Garrett in earning the Dr Henry Kneebone Achievement Award for displaying leadership and coachability.

SA U16 captain Harvey Chapman was awarded the Ron Coleman Best Team Man honour while also being joined by his Sturt teammate Taj Garrett, Kai Ivins and Zemes Pilot in being chosen in the U16 All-Australian team.

State Youth Match – May 17 at The Parade

SA U20 13.10 (88) d SA U18 11.8 (74)

Most Valuable Player

Dyson Sharp (Central District)

CARNIVAL AWARDS

Championship Game 1 – June 1 at Blacktown International Sportspark

South Australia 12.11 (83) d Allies 11.10 (76)

Most Valuable Player

Dyson Sharp (Central District)

Championship Game 2 – June 8 at Alberton Oval

South Australia 15.10 (100) d Victoria Metro 5.9 (39)

Most Valuable Player

Dyson Sharp (Central District)

Championship Game 3 – June 15 at Alberton Oval

South Australia 17.14 (116) d Western Australia 6.4 (40)

Most Valuable Player

Cameron Nairn (Central District)

Chanpionship Game 4 – June 29 at Marvel Stadium

South Australia 13.13 (91) d Victoria Country 8.9 (57)

Most Valuable Player

Mitchell Marsh (West Adelaide)

SANFL AWARDS

Ron Coleman Award – Best Team Man

Sam Cumming (North Adelaide)

Player’s Player Award – Team First

Balyn O’Brien (Norwood)

John Halbert Medal – Most Valuable Player Award

Dyson Sharp (Central District)

ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Dyson Sharp – Captain (Central District)
Matt LeRay (Central District)
Aidan Schubert (Central District)
Sam Cumming (North Adelaide)
Sam Ainsworth (Norwood)
Harley Barker (Sturt)
Mitchell Marsh (West Adelaide)

Tony Bamford (Coach)

LARKE MEDAL

Dyson Sharp (Central District)

CARNIVAL AWARDS

Game 1 – June 21 at HIF Insurance Oval, Perth

Western Australia 4.14 (38) d South Australia 3.8 (26)

Most Valuable Player

Harvey Chapman (Sturt)

Game 2 – July 15 at People First Stadium, Gold Coast

South Australia 11.15 (81) d Victoria Country 11.10 (76)

Most Valuable Player

Kai Ivins (Norwood)

Game 3 – July 18 at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport

Victoria Country 17.13 (115) d South Australia 8.10 (58)

Most Valuable Player

Hugo Semmler (Central District)

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Ron Coleman Award – Best Team Man

Harvey Chapman (Sturt)

Dr Henry Kneebone – Achievement Award

Taj Garrett (Sturt)
Hugo Semmler (Central District)

Norm Grimm Medal – Most Valuable Player

Hugo Semmler (Central District)

ALL-AUSTRALIANS

Kai Ivins (Norwood)

Zemes Pilot (South Adelaide)

Harvey Chapman (Sturt)

Taj Garrett (Sturt)