This weekend the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships begin.

The MCG as the venue is fitting for the showdown or local derby between the two Victorian teams from Metro and Country in what again promises to be an exciting showcase of our games most promising talent.

Joining the two Victorian teams will be long-term traditional rivals in Western Australia and South Australia with the Allies included for the fourth time in what is now a five team Championship. South Australia are the title holders having won their fifth trophy in the 23 years of Under-18 Championships. Matches are set to be played over the next five weeks in Perth, Launceston, Adelaide, Geelong and Melbourne as players are exposed to the nuisances of interstate travel and playing on different surfaces in varying climatic conditions – not dissimilar from those experienced at AFL level.

Last year 65 players were drafted into the AFL through either the NAB AFL National or Rookie Drafts and are already on their AFL journey. By Round 10 the likes of Sam Walsh (Victoria Country/Geelong to Carlton) Xavier Duursma (Victoria Country/Gippsland to Port Adelaide ) Connor Rozee (South Australia to Port Adelaide) Bailey Smith (Victoria Metro/Sandringham to Western Bulldogs) and Bailey Scott (Allies to North Melbourne) have already debuted and had such an impact, they have been nominated as a NAB AFL Rising Star.

Once again, we’d expect that more than 150 players will be given the chance to experience the speed and intensity of division one football across the 10 matches in total. This week we look at who has caught the eye already of their coaches/talent managers on the eve of the championships.

Victoria Country – Brodie Kemp (Bendigo Pioneers): “Brodie is a natural leader who has transformed himself into a big-bodied midfielder after playing a lot as a key forward in his junior career- and also a key defender in one game for Victoria Country last year. He’s versatile and has a real strong skill set and we’re excited to see what he can bring to the championships." Leigh Brown (Victoria Country U18 Coach)

Victoria Metro- Matthew Rowell (Oakleigh Chargers): “Matt is not only a very talented player, he’s a real leader on and off the field by his actions – you couldn’t help but follow him if you were on his team. He can play in all areas of the ground and has a major impact no matter where he’s positioned. His work rate on the field is the closest to AFL standard that I’ve seen in a junior footballer." Brett Allison (Victoria Metro U18 coach)

Allies – Tom Green (GWS Giants Academy): “Hailing from the ACT, Tom is a strong bodied midfielder who can push forward and kick goals. His appetite for the contest is height lighted by his contested /clearance work and complemented by his positive ball use. He is a student of the game who applies himself to all tasks in the most professional manner." Darren Denneman (NSW/ACT Talent Manager)

South Australia- Will Gould (Glenelg): “Will is just as excited for these championships as he was last year as a bottom ager. He has been playing League Football for Glenelg as a defender and having a significant impact. We will be looking for him to show his leadership skills this year to help his teammates relax and enjoy the opportunities in front of them." Tony Bamford (SA U18 coach)

Western Australia – Luke Jackson (East Fremantle): “Luke is a National level basketballer who has a lot of upside with his football having only fully committed to the game as of late last year. He’s a natural hard worker and competitor who has elite endurance for his size. He has clean hands below his knees and follows up well from ruck contests." Adam Jones (WA Talent Manager)

Victoria Metro vs Victoria Country – 10.35am – MCG

Saturday June 1 - Live Fox footy