SA U18 Girls defeat Victoria Country in Game 4

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia ensured it finished its 2025 Marsh AFL U18 Girls National Championships campaign on a high with a 20-point win against Victoria Country at Thomas Farms Oval. 

Despite missing key injured players such as captain Imogen Trengove, Sophie Eaton, Taya Maxwell and Charlee Brooksby, the Croweaters secured a 2-2 win-loss record by leading at every change in Game 4.

After setting the tone early with the first three goals of the game, Brad Snell’s side faced a challenge when Vic Country booted the next two to trim the margin to just six points at half-time.

But South Australia was quick to assert itself on the contest after the main change, booting four of the next five majors to establish a noteworthy 21-point lead at three quarter-time.

From there, the hosts cruised to victory with another three goals in the final term as tenacious Emma Charlton again led the way through the midfield with 22 disposals, four clearances, eight tackles, five marks and a goal.

Hard-running Monique Bessen collected 19 disposals and booted a goal while Lucy Waye impressed with 15 disposals, nine tackles and a major.

SA key forward Eloise Mackereth was her team’s only multiple goal kicker with two while Lily Baxter and Charli Hazelhurst were also strong contributors in the win with 16 possessions each.

SA’s Most Valuable Player of the Championships will be announced later this week.

South Australia  3.1  3.4  5.9  8.10 (58)

Victoria Country  0.3  2.6  2.6  5.8 (38)

BEST – SA: Emma Charlton, Monique Bessen, Lucy Waye, Charli Hazelhurst, Eloise Mackereth, Lily Baxter.

GOALS – SA: Eloise Mackereth 2, Polly Turner, Lucy Waye, Emma Charlton, Hope Taylor, Monique Bessen, Summer Ross.

At Thomas Farms Oval, Unley