Seven South Australians in 2025 U18 All-Australian Team

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia’s dominance of the 2025 Marsh AFL U18 National Championships has been reflected in having seven players, plus coach Tony Bamford, selected in the All-Australian team. 

Croweaters skipper Dyson Sharp, who also was awarded the Larke Medal as player of the tournament, was named captain of the elite line-up.

Key forwards Aidan Schubert and Mitchell Marsh, vice-captain Sam Cumming, ruck Sam Ainsworth and wings Matt LeRay and Harley Barker were also recognised for their efforts in ensuring SA would remain undefeated en route to its fifth title since 1995.

Bamford, who guided the Croweaters to their crown in 2018, was fittingly named as the All-Australian coach as he instilled an unselfish brand of team-orientated football to the playing group.

It is the most SA players selected in the U18 AFL All-Australian team since six were chosen in 2018.

The heartbeat of the South Australian team, Dyson Sharp was on a mission throughout the AFL National Championships.

Led from the front as captain with his fearless approach and managed to also hit the scoreboard at pivotal times to ensure his team maintained its edge.

Averaged 27 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and four marks from his four matches while also kicking a total of five goals.

SA’s joint vice-captain went about his business with minimum fan fare but was extremely effective and consistent while making an impact through the midfield or as a medium forward.

Cumming, originally from Wentworth in NSW, displayed his ability to take a strong overhead mark for someone standing 186cm whilst also packing a punch with his ball-winning and penetration through the centre square.

Averaged 17 disposals, four marks and three tackles from his four appearances while also kicking a total of four goals.

The former basketballer caught the eye with his ability to fill the stats sheet in multiple roles for the Croweaters throughout the carnival. 

Whether it be as a mobile ruckman or a strong-marking key forward, Schubert had a positive impact for his team using his wingspan to regularly pluck overhead marks inside 50m.

Averaged 17 disposals, seven marks, seven hit outs and two clearances while also hitting the scoreboard with a total of 10 goals from his four games.

South Australia’s leading goal kicker for the Championships regularly impressed with his ability to score from different sources, whether it be marking on the lead, taking a contested mark or swooping on a loose ball at ground level. 

Boasting a lovely left-foot kick, Marsh has an uncanny knack of being able to keep his feet in the contest or after a marking attempt whilst also displaying his fine field kicking at various stages.

Averaged 8.5 disposals and six marks while booting a total of 12.7 on the scoreboard across his four outings.

A challenging match-up for opposition coaches, LeRay was particularly constructive with his disposals while providing plenty of drive from his wing.

Gained plenty of metres with his long-kicking whilst also competing strongly in the air when required, LeRay is benefiting from his decision to concentrate on football ahead of cricket.

Averaged 21 disposals, six marks and two tackles across his four appearances.

Barker provided plenty of headaches for his rivals on his wing, using his outstanding running power to provide a positive influence for the Croweaters.

Displaying his impressive skills, particularly by foot, Barker regularly laced out SA’s forwards on a lead while also being prepared to work hard defensively in his four games.

Averaged 16 disposals, five marks and two tackles while also making an impact on the scoreboard with four goals.

Thrown into the ruck despite forging his reputation as a key defender, Ainsworth impressed with his ability to compete at stoppages and around the ground.

Despite being under-sized for a ruck at 194cm, Ainsworth displayed impressive traits such as storming out of centre clearances with ball in hand and taking clean overhead marks around the ground.

Averaged 13 disposals, 15 hit outs, four clearances, three tackles and three marks from his four appearances.

A passionate advocate of the South Australian talent program and SANFL competition, Bamford instilled an unselfish brand of team-orientated football which was noticeable throughout the tournament.

Motivating the players to roll up their sleeves for their teammates, Bamford’s motto of ”you plus me equals we” was a key factor in remaining undefeated after four wins in succession.

Has now guided SA to AFL U18 National Championship titles in 2018 and 2025.