What Is 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships

Overview

The 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships was a premier youth competition showcasing the best under-18 Australian rules football talent across the country. Organized by the Australian Football League (AFL), it served as a critical pathway for young players aiming to enter professional ranks.

Played over four weekends in June and July 2019, the tournament featured 11 regional and state-based teams divided into three divisions. Matches were held in various locations including Melbourne, South Australia, and Western Australia to maximize national exposure.

• Vic Metro won the Division 1 title after defeating South Australia in the final with a 14-point margin on July 7, 2019.
• The competition included 33 total matches, with each team playing four to five games depending on division placement and finals progression.
• Division 1 consisted of Vic Metro, Vic Country, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Allies, the top tier of competition.
• Division 2 included Tasmania, Northern Territory, and Queensland/NT Combined, while Division 3 featured NSW/ACT and the All Stars.
• Each match followed standard AFL rules with four 20-minute quarters and full-sized fields, allowing scouts to evaluate players in professional conditions.

How It Works

The championships functioned as a talent identification platform, with each state and region selecting players through state league and school trials. The structure allowed for tiered competition based on traditional performance levels.

• Selection Process: Players were chosen by state AFL bodies based on performances in local under-18 competitions and state trials during April and May 2019.
• Division Structure: Teams were grouped into three divisions based on historical performance, ensuring competitive balance and development opportunities for emerging regions.
• Game Schedule: Matches were played across four weekends, beginning June 14, with Division 1 playing in Melbourne and other divisions rotating across state capitals.
• Scouting Impact: Over 200 AFL recruiters attended games, with each club required to submit draft profiles on top-performing athletes.
• Player Eligibility: All participants were born between September 1, 2000, and August 31, 2001, meeting the under-18 age criteria for the 2019 draft cycle.
• Player Awards: The Larke Medal was awarded to the Division 1 MVP, won by Matthew Rowell of Vic Metro, who averaged 25 disposals per game.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships across divisions:

This tiered structure allowed less traditional football states to compete at appropriate levels while still being scouted. The data shows a direct correlation between Division 1 performance and draft selection rates, with Vic Metro producing the most first-round picks.

Why It Matters

The 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the AFL by identifying the next generation of elite players. Its outcomes directly influenced draft strategies and long-term team planning across all 18 clubs.

• Matthew Rowell was selected as the number 1 overall pick in the 2019 AFL Draft by Gold Coast Suns, validating the tournament’s scouting accuracy.
• Josh Rachele from South Australia was drafted at pick number 11, demonstrating the value of strong performances on the national stage.
• The competition led to 38 players being selected in the 2019 AFL Draft, underscoring its status as the premier talent pipeline.
• Clubs used player statistics from the championships to inform draft rankings, with disposal counts and pressure acts heavily weighted.
• Regional development programs in Queensland and the Northern Territory gained funding due to improved on-field results in Division 2.
• The tournament reinforced the AFL’s commitment to nationwide talent development, reducing reliance on Victoria-only recruitment.

By combining competitive football with national exposure, the 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships solidified its role as an indispensable event in Australian football’s annual calendar.