AAMI SA U18 Girls claim 2026 Marsh AFL U18 Girls National Championships crown

11 July 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

South Australia has claimed the 2026 Marsh AFL National Championships – U18 Girls title after defeating Queensland by seven points in Game 4 at Shepley Oval in Victoria.

In windy conditions at Shepley Oval at Dandenong, the now undefeated AAMI U18 Girls proved a class above their Queensland counterparts, coming from 11 points behind in the final term to claim their third championship series victory in five years.

South Australian forward Polly Turner slotted the first major of the day, before Madeline Nuss capped off a great team effort with her first goal.

The SA defence was under siege early with 17 first quarter inside-50 entries from Queensland; however, under the backline leadership of Emily Mableson, the Croweaters were able to minimise the damage – SA heading into the first break four points down.

Emma Charlton was everywhere early for the Croweaters, notching up 13 disposals, three tackles and two clearances in the first quarter.

Kicking with the wind in the second quarter, the Croweaters’ third major came via the way of goal sneak Layla Vizgaudis late in the term, as SA went into the main break four points up.

Winger Lily Whiteman was impressive early, showing off her speed and marking abilities across the ground for the Croweaters.

It was a forgettable third term for SA, recording just the one behind as Queensland wrestled the lead back to head into the final break 11 points up – the biggest lead of the game so far.

Chelsea Newitt narrowed the margin to four points partway through the final term after receiving a free kick and going back and kicking truly to slowly bring the Croweaters back into the game.

Cometh the moment, cometh Nuss.

The exciting goal sneak put South Australia back in front with a huge goal from 35m out, swinging the momentum back in the Croweaters

After Queensland were pulled up for a density free, Mableson then came through with perhaps one of the longest goals of the national championships, slotting a massive major from the 50m line with nobody on the goal square to stop her.

It was enough to get the Croweaters over the line, who hung on to claim their fourth victory to remain undefeated in the 2026 series.

Lucy Moore was judged best afield for South Australia, collecting 26 disposals to go along with her seven tackles and five clearances.

Mableson was awarded the Most Valuable Player for South Australia post-match after her outstanding series, which included her 26 disposals, five clearances, five tackles, one goal display against Queensland.

Midfielder Lani Cocks was prolific for the champions with 24 disposals as well as providing plenty of run and speed throughout the game.

Olivia Leslie was solid down back and was well supported by Ruby Lynch, who also a rock down back for the Croweaters.

Julia Faulkner rounded out the best for South Australia with 15 disposals, four marks, and seven tackles.

South Australia  2.0  3.2  3.3  6.4 (40)

Queensland  2.4  2.4  4.8  4.9 (33) 

BEST – SA: Lucy Moore, Lani Cocks, Olivia Leslie, Emily Mableson, Ruby Lynch, Julia Faulkner

GOALS – SA: Madeline Nuss 2, Layla Vizgaudis, Polly Turner, Cheslea Newitt, Emily Mableson

At Shepley Oval, Dandenong (Victoria)