Five South Australians in 2026 U18 All-Australian Team

By ZAC MILBANK

Five AAMI SA U18 players have been selected in the 2026 Marsh AFL U18 National Championship All-Australian team in a further boost to SANFL’s Talent Programs. 

Croweaters skipper Kodah Edwards, prolific goalkicker Jack Slattery, intercepting backman Mitchell Harris, dashing defender Jake Eime and athletic forward Anthony Long were all chosen after their exceptional performances at this year’s Carnival.

The AAMI SA U18 Team – coached by Tony Bamford – was placed second after posting a 2-2 win-loss record at this year’s tournament, securing wins against the Allies and Victoria Country.

South Australia’s MVP, who receives the John Halbert Medal, will be announced later in the year.

Western Australia’s Heath Mellody, the son of Glenelg best-and-fairest Heath Melloday, was awarded the Larke Medal as MVP of the Championships.

To be eligible for selection in the All Australian Team, a player had to play a minimum of three matches at the Championships.

The All Australian Team and Larke Medal voting panel comprised Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Paul Hamilton (AFL National Talent Development & Competitions Manager), Tarkyn Lockyer (Talent Pathways National Coaching and Performance Manager) and AFL club representatives Jacob Fuller (Hawthorn), Matt Lannan (Melbourne), Liam Shiels (North Melbourne) and Geoff Parker (Port Adelaide).

It was no surprise that the leading goal kicker of the Championships, Jack Slattery, was locked into full forward of the elite line-up. 

Hitting the scoreboard in all four of his outings, the Woodville-West Torrens forward finished with a total of 16 majors, including a game-breaking haul of six goals against the Allies.

Measuring in at 191cm, Slattery has drawn comparisons to Brisbane Lions forward Logan Morris, such is his fluent movement in the air and at ground level.

Acting as the perfect foil for Slattery throughout the tournament was the athletically-gifted Anthony Long, who booted eight goals for the Championships. 

Slotting majors in three of his four outings, including two hauls of three, the nephew of Essendon great displayed his speed and elusiveness.

A member of Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy, the West Adelaide product has upped his training schedule since moving to the city from Jervois, near Murray Bridge.

Strong form leading into the Championships paid dividends for key defender Mitchell Harris, who was a steadying presence in the Croweaters’ back six. 

Displaying his ability to peel off his opponent and snare an intercept mark, the Woodville-West Torrens backman also defends effectively in the air.

Measuring in at 194cm, Harris is now being viewed amongst the best emerging key backmen in the nation.

The AAMI SA U18 captain led from the front in the manner he attacked the Sherrin whilst also using it regularly in creative fashion.

The South Adelaide skipper was regularly amongst the Croweaters’ leading-disposal winners, racking up 26 possessions against Victoria Metro.

Edwards has the ability to be damaging in the midfield whilst also creating a spark across half-forward, as he did in his Hostplus SANFL League debut on Sunday.

A consistent presence across South Australia’s half-back line, Jake Eime certainly enhanced his reputation across the National Championships. 

Displaying his speed whilst rebounding out of the back half, the Central District utilities ball use by foot was a key feature of his game.

The leading disposal-winner on the ground in Game 3 against Victoria Metro, Eime collected 27 disposals whilst also racking up 558 metres gained.