What Is 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships was a national underage competition held from June 8 to July 2, 2018, featuring 12 regional teams and serving as a key talent pathway for the AFL Draft.

Key Facts

The 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships ran from June 8 to July 2, 2018
Twelve regional teams participated across three divisions: Division 1, Division 2, and the Futures League
Top performers included Will Kelly (Vic Metro) and Sam Flanders (South Australia)
The competition served as a major scouting event ahead of the 2018 AFL Draft
Matches were played at various regional and metropolitan venues across Australia

Overview

The 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships was an elite youth competition designed to identify and develop emerging Australian rules football talent. Organized by the Australian Football League (AFL), it featured male players under the age of 18 representing their home regions.

This annual tournament is a critical component of the AFL’s talent identification system, directly influencing selections in the national draft. The 2018 edition showcased future AFL stars and provided scouts with live performance data ahead of the 2018 AFL Draft.

Competition dates: The tournament officially ran from June 8 to July 2, 2018, with matches scheduled across multiple weekends to accommodate school and state commitments.
Participating teams: A total of 12 teams competed, divided into three divisions: Vic Country, Vic Metro, South Australia, Western Australia, NSW/ACT, Queensland, and others.
Structure: The competition used a round-robin format in Division 1, followed by a Grand Final between the top two teams to determine the champion.
Notable alumni: Players such as Sam Flanders (Gold Coast Suns) and Will Kelly (Collingwood) stood out and were later drafted in the top 20.
Venues: Games were hosted at regional and metropolitan grounds including Etihad Stadium, Blacktown International Sportspark, and various suburban ovals across Australia.

How It Works

The AFL Under 18 Championships operate as a structured scouting and development platform for aspiring AFL players. Each state and region selects its strongest under-18 squad based on school, club, and state-level performances.

Selection process: Players are chosen by state talent managers using data from school competitions, club football, and regional academies, ensuring only elite prospects participate.
Divisional tiers: Teams compete in Division 1, Division 2, or the Futures League, with promotion and relegation based on prior-year performance.
Player eligibility: All participants must be under 18 years of age as of December 31, 2018, and remain eligible for the upcoming AFL Draft.
Scouting integration:AFL recruiters attend every game, compiling reports and GPS data to assess player speed, endurance, and skill execution.
Game format: Matches consist of four 20-minute quarters with unlimited interchange, simulating the physical demands of senior AFL football.
Post-tournament impact: Performance in the championships heavily influences draft rankings, with over 60% of first-round picks having starred in the Under 18s.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top-performing teams in the 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships:

Team	Division	Wins	Key Player	Drafted Players
Vic Metro	Division 1	4	Will Kelly	6
South Australia	Division 1	3	Sam Flanders	5
Vic Country	Division 1	3	Jackson Hately	4
Western Australia	Division 1	2	Dylan Williams	3
NSW/ACT	Futures League	5	James Rowbottom	2

The table highlights the dominance of Vic Metro in Division 1, which finished with the best record and produced the most draftees. South Australia’s strong showing included standout performances from Sam Flanders, who later became a top-10 draft pick. The Futures League provided emerging talent from non-traditional regions a platform to compete, with NSW/ACT’s James Rowbottom earning All-Australian honors.

Why It Matters

The 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships is more than a youth tournament—it’s a foundational step in the professionalization of young athletes. Scouts, coaches, and analysts use the event to evaluate physical, technical, and mental readiness for elite football.

Draft pathway: Over 75% of players in the 2018 AFL Draft had participated in the Under 18 Championships, proving its importance as a talent pipeline.
National exposure: Regional players from Queensland and NSW gained visibility, helping expand the AFL’s geographic reach beyond traditional strongholds.
Performance analytics: Teams used GPS tracking and video analysis to measure player output, influencing future training methods at the AFL level.
Academy development: State academies use the tournament to assess progress and adjust long-term athlete development programs.
Media attention: The event received live streaming and media coverage, increasing public interest in junior football talent.
Pathway equity: The Futures League ensured players from developing regions had a chance to compete on a national stage, promoting inclusivity.

Ultimately, the 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of AFL stars, bridging the gap between grassroots football and professional careers.