The 2024 Marsh AFL National Development Championships for U16 Girls wrapped up late last month with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy winning one of two matches in Blacktown. Ashleigh Barlow was a standout for the side earning selection in the All Australian team.
A panel of experts were involved in selecting the side including Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Paul Hamilton (AFL National Talent Development & Competitions Manager), Jess Smith (AFL National Female Talent Manager) and AFLW club representatives Keegan Brooksby (Hawthorn), Flynn Loft (North Melbourne), Naomi Maidment (Port Adelaide) and Shae Sloane (Melbourne).
Hailing from the Figtree Kangaroos, Barlow was also named team MVP by the coaching staff of the Academy program. Head coach Bronwyn Gulden said Barlow has enjoyed a strong start to the year in all facets of her training.
"Throughout our benchmark trials and Academy season, Ash displayed a high level of skill and understanding of the game, along with an athleticism that lends itself to being a key position player," Gulden told Sydney Swans Media.
"Her excellent form continued in the Championships with dominance in defence, contest work and decision making with ball in hand showing why she was deserving of All-Australian selection and will be a player to watch over the coming years."
Championship Results
Sydney Swans Academy 13.9 (87) def Northern Territory 5.5 (35)
Sydney Swans Academy
Best: Ava Horneman, Charlotte Tidemann, Ashleigh Barlow, Camryn Harland, Annaliese Stackpool, Anika McCarthy
Goals: Ava Horneman 5, Paige Bauer, Mahlia Pollington 2, Elki Long, Charlotte Tidemann, Frances Walsh, Elizabeth Yates
Northern Territory
Best: Bonnie Brown, Gabriella Reisinger, Aaliyah Mukhlis, Kayla Ilett, Marika Carlton, Peggy Rock
Goals: Bonnie Brown, Marika Carlton, Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn, Kayla Ilett, Peggy Martin
Details: Friday, April 12 at Blacktown International Sportspark
Sydney Swans Academy 6.3 (39) def by Tasmania 7.12 (54)
Sydney Swans Academy
Best: Emma Haley, Aurelia Russell, Evie Bowie, Gabriela Waechter, Heidi de Saxe, Ashleigh Barlow
Goals: Evie Bowie, Jordan Davis 2, Madison Marsh, Aurelia Russell
Tasmania
Best: Matilda Lange, Leila-Jayne Atkins, Evie Bingham, Stevie-Lee Johns, Ella Moodie, Evie Ward
Goals: Stevie-Lee Johns 3, Alice Bowering 2, Ella Moodie, Evie Ward
Details: Monday, April 15 at Blacktown International Sportspark
The Sydney Swans Foundation are proud to provide funding to nurturing the pipeline of young athletes coming through the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, fostering on and off field success. If you too would like to show your support, consider donating today.
