Kodah Edwards selected as AAMI SA U18 captain

By ZAC MILBANK

South Adelaide midfielder Kodah Edwards will captain the AAMI SA U18 team for its 2026 Marsh AFL National Championships campaign beginning next month.

Edwards, who is the Panthers’ skipper in the AAMI Talent League, will head a five-player leadership group under the guidance of dual championship-winning mentor Tony Bamford.

A member of the AFL Academy, Edwards is primed for strong carnival with the Croweaters after posting averages of 21 disposals, four marks, four tackles, six clearances and two goals at SANFL U18 level this year.

”Kodah has been in our state pathway programs for three years and was the SA U16 captain back in 2024,” AAMI SA U18 coach Tony Bamford said.

”He has proven leadership skills at club and state level and has been a strong and influential voice in our program since November last year.”

The Croweaters will have four vice-captains supporting Edwards – Central District pair Dougie Cochrane and Jack Gordon, North Adelaide ruck Ethan Herbert and Panthers’ playmaker Cain Florance.

”Dougie and Jack both continue to accept leadership roles with their peer age groups following on from their leadership roles with the SA U16 team two years ago,” Bamford said.

”We welcome and congratulate two new emerging leaders into the group this year in Ethan Herbert and Cain Florance. Both players have not only progressed their leadership skills over the past 12 months, but have also been able to elevate their football performance at the same time.

”Ethan and Cain have arguably been the most consistent high performers on game day for their SANFL clubs in the first part of the season.

”Each of our leaders brings their own strengths and skill sets to the leadership group and will be a great support to each other during our Marsh AFL National Championship campaign.”

Preparing to tackle the SA U20 team in its annual clash on Saturday at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, the AAMI SA U18 team will also play a trial match against the NSW Academies the following weekend in Adelaide.

The Croweaters will then start their championship defence against Western Australia in Perth on Saturday June 13 at Mineral Resources Park before hosting the Allies at Alberton on Sunday June 21 and away clashes against Victoria Metro (Friday July 3) and Victoria Country (Wednesday July 8).