The 2024 U18 Girls Allies squad has wrapped commitments at the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships this month winning one of three matches. Nine QBE Sydney Swans Academy athletes were selected with Sydney Swans AFLW coach Tanya Hetherington named head coach. 

The Allies played their first match on June 29 in a tough contest against Vic Metro at Blacktown International Sportspark with the Academy's Imogen Brown and Emma Juneja named some of the team's best. 

QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Imogen Brown represents the Allies.

Two weeks later the squad - comprised of talent from NSW, Tasmania, ACT, and the Northern Territory - travelled to Queensland. A four-goal quarter in the third term was enough for the Allies to secure an upset of the home side with Emma Juneja kicking a major for her side. Ellie Veerhuis represented the Swans in the team's best, finishing the match with 15 disposals and three tackles. 

QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Emma Juneja represents the Allies.

The Allies finished their championship campaign in Adelaide on July 18. While South Australia kept the group to just three goals at the final siren, Veerhuis was a standout and voted best on ground for Game 3. 

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Tanya Hetherington praised the Academy defender. 

"Academy player Ellie Veerhuis was a standout, taking her opportunity for midfield minutes when we lost Imogen Brown, who was picked up as an injury replacement player by Richmond AFLW," the head coach said.

"Ellie’s ability to defend, in combination with her pressure and explosive speed through the contest generated a lot of our ball movement forward."

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QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Ellie Veerhuis represents the Allies in a match against Vic Metro.

The National Championship provides vital development opportunities for young and upcoming stars of the game as well as a preview of talent ahead of the 2024 AFL Draft in December. 

"I’m extremely proud of the girls who represented the Allies jumper, showcasing their talent with a competitive and high-pressure brand of footy," Hetherington shared.

"They came together quickly as a team, highlighted in their 15-point upset over a very strong Queensland team—a victory the girls will cherish throughout their footy careers.

GAME 1

Blacktown International Sportspark

ALLIES              0.1       2.4       2.6       2.7 (19)
VIC METRO       7.2       11.4     13.6     17.11 (113)

GOALS
Allies: Ash Patton, Emma Stark
BEST
Allies: Priya Bowering, Lucy Thompson, Imogen Brown, Mackenzie Williams, Emma Juneja

Game 2

Brighton Homes Arena, Ipswich

QUEENSLAND            0.2      1.2         3.4      5.6 (36)
ALLIES                       1.0     3.2        7.3         8.3 (51)

GOALS
Allies: Ava Read 2, Isla Wiencke, Amelie Prosser-Shaw, Lucy Thompson, Priya Bowering, Emma Juneja, Emma Stark
BEST
Allies: Isla Wiencke, Amelie Prosser-Shaw, Madeleine Quinn, Ellie Veerhuis, Mackenzie Williams

Game 3

Thebarton Oval, Adelaide

SOUTH AUSTRALIA         5.4      8.7     13.8     15.10  (100)
ALLIES                            0.2      2.3      2.3       3.4     (22)

GOALS
Allies: Emma Stark, Ava Read, Mischa Barwin
BEST
Allies: Ellie Veerhuis, Marika Carlton, Isla Wiencke, Mischa Barwin, Emma Juneja, Amelie Prosser-Shaw