AFLW U18 National Championships 2023: Future draft prospects put names on the map in Vic Country v Queensland clash

There were plenty of impressive performances from Vic Country’s loss to Queensland, including games from two 2025 draft prospects. Plus, all the stats and SuperCoach points.

All the top performers from Vic Country v Queensland.

Vic Country opened their AFLW U18 National Championships with a loss to a rampaging Queensland in the sunshine state, with two 2025 draft eligible players turning heads against older opposition.

Budding Gold Coast Academy duo Dekota Baron (16 years old) and Ava Usher (15) stole the show with starring roles in the win, while 2024 draft talents Ash Centra and Sara Howley stood tall for Vic Country.

Vic Country had a handful of Geelong Falcons representatives, with Falcons coach Mel Hickey leading the team from the sidelines.

We look at who impressed along with the full stats and ranking points.

Ashley Centra stood tall for Vic Country in the loss. Picture: Getty Images

VIC COUNTRY

Ash Centra (Gippsland Power Sale City)

The bottom-ager was Vic Country’s top ranked player in an eye-catching display up forward. The silky-skilled Centra booted two goals in the space of a minute before halftime to keep Country in the contest and finished with 10 disposals, four marks and 116 SuperCoach points. Does things that others can’t and looks a serious prospect for 2024.

Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons/Newtown & Chillwell)

Another 2024 draft eligible player, Howley continued her dominant Coates Talent League form. Trialled on a wing by coach Mel Hickey, the Newtown & Chillwell product was the leading ball-winner on the ground with 24 disposals, five clearances, five inside 50s, a goal and 105 SuperCoach points.

Mikayla Williamson (Dandenong Stingrays/Pines)

Was a serious weapon for Vic Country, providing her side with burst and attacking flare when she found the footy. Tallied 14 disposals, five tackles and four inside 50s in a promising showing.

Chloe Adams eyes the footy. Picture: Getty Images

Chloe Adams (Geelong Falcons/Grovedale)

Adams was a fierce competitor in the clinches, winning plenty of contested ball and then moved into defence after halftime, where her elite decision making stood out. The 167cm Falcon, who hails from Grovedale, also managed to hit the scoreboard, finishing with 13 disposals, five tackles, four rebound 50s and a goal.

Jo Sunderland (Geelong Falcons/Barwon Heads)

The Barwon Heads bottom-ager impressed with her intercepting and also laid six tackles to go with nine possessions, three rebound 50s and 96 SuperCoach points.

Dekota Baron was everywhere for Queensland. Picture: Getty Images

QUEENSLAND

Dekota Baron (Suns Academy/Broadbeach)

Best on ground at 16 in an U18 championships game, it is scary to think just how good Baron will be when the 2025 AFLW Draft rolls around. The key forward was unstoppable and her haul of 3.4 probably didn’t do her immense performance justice. A very bright future ahead for the Suns Academy product, who finished with 16 disposals, four marks and a game-high 166 SuperCoach points.

Havana Harris (Suns Academy/Burleigh)

Harris was a dominant force in the ruck, able to impact the play after ruck contests in congestion and also away from stoppage in open play. The Burleigh product was the second-ranked player on the ground behind Baron in a complete performance, finishing with 15 disposals, 14 hitouts, six inside 50s and 143 points.

Ava Usher (Suns Academy/Burleigh)

Usher is even younger then Baron, and her impact on the contest was almost as significant. Turning 16 this month, Usher gave an exciting glimpse into the future for Gold Coast Suns fans in a high-impact midfield display against girls two years her senior, racking up 20 disposals, 15 kicks, six inside 50s, a goal and 135 SuperCoach points.

Lara Roy (Lions Academy/Uni Qld)

The Lions Academy prospect won the ball on the inside and made her possessions count, with her 13 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and a goal making her the fourth-ranked player on the ground. The main highlight was a ripping snap goal in the third to extend the Queenslander’s lead further.

Josie McCabe (Suns Academy/Bond University)

The Queensland captain laid more tackles than many had possessions, finishing with 11 for the match to go with 14 disposals and five inside 50s. Got a goal from a 100m penalty which was just reward for a strong day in the clinches.

Originally published as AFLW U18 National Championships 2023: Future draft prospects put names on the map in Vic Country v Queensland clash