SA U18 Girls defeated by Queensland in Game 3

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia was unable to seal the deal as Queensland stole victory in a dramatic two-point finish in Game 3 of the 2025 Marsh AFL U18 Girls National Championships at Prospect Oval. 

The Croweaters were on the right path when they skipped out to a 15-point lead at the first change on the back of two goals to Eloise Mackereth and one to Hope Taylor.

But that’s when the scoring dried up for the hosts who found themselves fighting to curb Queensland’s running power through the middle of the ground.

After leading by just one point at half-time, SA’s Taylor made the most of a 50m penalty by converting from the goal square after marking on the lead.

But this major in the ninth minute of the third quarter would be SA’s last for the match as the visitors charged home with the aid of a breeze.

SA captain Imogen Trengove was forced from the field with a suspected ankle injury in the ninth minute of the fourth quarter.

Soon after, the Queenslanders seized their chances as Annabelle Foat floated a goal through from long range before Alannah Welsh put through her second to put her team in front with less then four minutes to play.

It would be enough to hold on for at least three minutes as SA’s Emily Mableson (20 disposals) led the charge to be selected as her team’s best performer.

Key defender Polly Turner repelled several attacks for SA with 15 disposals and four marks while the 2025 Hostplus SANFLW Best-on-Ground medallist, Emma Charlton, racked up 24 disposals and seven clearances.

Trengove was sprightly with her 22 disposals before she departed while Sophie Thredgold was rock solid in defence for SA.

Now with a 1-2 win-loss record, SA will have its final encounter against Victoria Country at Thomas Farms Oval, Unley on Sunday August 10 at 12pm.

All matches in the 2025 Marsh U18 AFL National Championships will be live streamed via the match centre on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App.

Queensland  1.1  3.4  3.4  5.4 (34)

South Australia  3.4  3.5  4.6  4.8 (32)

BEST – SA: Emily Mableson, Polly Turner, Emma Charlton, Miyu Endersby, Imogen Trengove, Sophie Thredgold.

GOALS – SA: Eloise Mackereth 2, Hope Taylor 2.

At Prospect Oval