Checkside Chats with SANFL’s Robbie Neill and Bec McMahon

By ALEXANDRA BULL

The 2026 Marsh AFL National Championships – U18 Girls gets underway this weekend, with South Australia taking on Western Australia at Mineral Resources Park (Perth) tomorrow afternoon (2:30pm ACST).

Speaking on the Checkside Chats podcast, SANFL Talent Manager – Female Programs, Robbie Neill, and SANFL Talent Coordinator – Female Programs, Bek McMahon, provide an insight into the 2026 AAMI SA U18 Girls squad heading into the championships.

To be led by South Adelaide superstar Emma Charlton, the 2025 SA U18 MVP will be supported by Central District ruck Miyu Endersby as vice-captain.

Rounding out the leadership group is North Adelaide forward Polly Turner – daughter of former Rooster Peter Turner – South Adelaide premiership player Taya Maxwell and West Adelaide defender/midfielder Emily Mableson.

Neill and McMahon dive deep into the players who will be representing the Croweaters, including Central District’s Demi Holloway, Double Blues duo Lily Whiteman and Madeline Nuss, Norwood young gun Lani Cocks, South’s Layla Vizgaudis and talented Eagles’ onballer Maia Freemantle.

South Australia will also face the Allies at Alberton Oval (Sunday June 21), Vic Metro also at Alberton Oval (Saturday June 27), and Queensland at a TBC venue (Saturday July 11).