Riley Hamilton during the Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Allies and Western Australia at Marvel Stadium, June 29, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

SYDNEY Academy star Max King held his nerve to kick a dramatic late winner as the Allies secured its first victory of the Marsh AFL National Under-18 Boys Championships on Sunday.

The athletic King kicked 2.3 in an impressive display up forward, including the winning set-shot with just a couple of minutes remaining, as an inaccurate Allies side overcame Western Australia to win 10.19 (79) to 11.8 (74) at Marvel Stadium.

ALLIES v WESTERN AUSTRALIA Full match coverage and stats

The sealing goal was set up by Gold Coast's Academy ace Dylan Patterson, who made a searing two-bounce run through the middle of the ground before keeping his composure to spot up an unmarked King inside-50.

Patterson (20 disposals, three marks) is viewed by recruiters as a likely top 10 pick and had been one of the Allies' standout performers, alongside his Suns Academy teammate Koby Coulson (27 disposals, six clearances).

Brisbane Academy jet Dan Annable (25 disposals, five clearances, five tackles, one goal) and fellow Sydney Academy gun Lachlan Carmichael (27 disposals, four tackles) had also impressed across the afternoon.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 07:23

    U18 Boys National Champs highlights: Allies v WA

    The Allies and Western Australia clash in the 2025 Marsh AFL Under-18 Boys Championships

    U18B
  • 00:27

    King the hero as sensational Patterson sets up the winner

    Dylan Patterson shows dash and poise to assist Max King for the match winner

    U18B
  • 00:20

    Allies hit back as Miller fires it home

    Jack Miller gets the fourth quarter underway with a brilliant finish on the run

    U18B
  • 00:24

    Whan gets one to go with sensational snap

    Toby Whan shows his class with a brilliant finish from distance

    U18B
  • 00:24

    King rises above all for insane pack grab

    Sydney Swans Academy prospect Max King shows his ability with a brilliant flying mark for the Allies

    U18B
  • 00:16

    Phillips turns on a dime for sensational early major

    Tom Phillips shows his class with a brilliant goal out of traffic for WA

    U18B
  • 2:20:20

    National Boys U18 Championships Match Replay: Allies v WA

    The Allies and WA clash in round four of the National U18 Boys Championship

    U18B

Western Australia had led for much of the match before conceding the late goal, with defensive pair Jacob Farrow (30 disposals, nine marks) and Dale Sutherland (19 disposals, four tackles) among the best.

Sam Swadling (23 disposals, one goal) and Matthew Becker (20 disposals, four marks) also continued their impressive carnivals, as Western Australia moved to 1-2 ahead of its final game against Vic Metro next week.

00:27

King the hero as sensational Patterson sets up the winner

Dylan Patterson shows dash and poise to assist Max King for the match winner

Luke Hallett (nine disposals, three goals) and West Coast Academy prospect Wes Walley (10 disposals, two goals) had also looked dangerous in attack throughout for an unfortunate Western Australia side.

The Allies, who moved to 1-1 ahead of successive fixtures against Vic Country and Vic Metro across the next fortnight, also found handy contributors in Brisbane Academy prospect Tyan Prindable (18 disposals, one goal) and Tasmanian youngster Avery Thomas (15 disposals, seven marks).

07:23

U18 Boys National Champs highlights: Allies v WA

The Allies and Western Australia clash in the 2025 Marsh AFL Under-18 Boys Championships

ALLIES                             3.7    5.10     8.13     10.19 (79)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA     4.1     7.3      11.5     11.8 (74)

GOALS
Allies: King 2, Wootton, White, Prindable, Miller, McMillan, Kane, Hamilton, Annable
Western Australia: Hallett 3, Walley 2, Williams, Whan, Swadling, Phillips, Luke, Kelly