2026 AAMI SA U16 Boys Team – Game 1

By ZAC MILBANK

The AAMI SA U16 Team will begin its Marsh AFL National Championships campaign when it hosts Western Australia in Game 1 at Alberton Oval on Saturday.

Coached by SANFL Coach and Player Developer Heath Younie, the Croweaters will be captained by in-form Glenelg midfielder Zane Rooney with Sturt’s Jacob Westley and West’s Samuel DePalma acting as joint vice-captains for the three-game tournament.

Glenelg’s Jack Gallagher, the son of Adelaide and Norwood wingman James Gallagher, and Central District pair Levi Dudley and Harrison Schubert are among the familiar surnames to watch for SA.

Dudley, who is a Crows NGA prospect, is the younger brother of Fremantle Docker Isaiah Dudley while Schubert is the younger brother of Hawthorn key forward Aidan Schubert.

Championship-winning SA U16 coach Julian Farkas returns as one of Younie’s assistant mentors, together with SANFL’s Academy Coaches Chris Trapp (Adelaide) and Mark Clayton (Port Adelaide).

Current AFL players Brayden Cook (Adelaide) and Logan Evans (Port Adelaide) will also be a part of the coaching team, together with former Crow Lachie Murphy.

After hosting the Sandgropers on Saturday, the AAMI SA U16 Team will head to Queensland for clashes against Victoria Country on Tuesday July 14 in Game 2 and Victoria Metro on Friday July 17 in Game 3.

2026 Marsh AFL U16 National Championships – Game 1
Saturday June 27 at Alberton Oval from 11:30am (ACST)
South Australia v Western Australia 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

F: Zephyr Thompson (Norwood), Harrison Schubert (Central), Ryder Lindner (Glenelg)

HF: Jack Gallagher (Glenelg), Fergus Vogt (South), Kalani Fraser (Norwood)

C: Levi Dudley (Central), Zane Rooney (Glenelg), Josh Allan (Glenelg)

HB: Tyson Schultz (Central), Jacob Westley (Sturt), Charlie Doan (Sturt)

B: Josh Salievic (Glenelg), Liam Cooper (West), Jack Brooks (Sturt)

R: Cooper Jolly (North), Samuel DePalma (West), Logan Treverton (Central)

INT: Josh Munday (Central), Damien Wanganeen (Eagles), Tyler Hitch (Norwood), Liam Bell (South), Will Pike (Sturt)

EMERG: Harry Hobby (North)