A handful of SUNS Academy prospects have made National Championships - U18 Boys history as part of the undefeated Allies squad.

The Allies secured its first ever title on Sunday defeating Victoria Country by 11 points in a thrilling contest to complete an unbeaten run through their four matches.

Five SUNS Academy players featured in the win at RSEA Park as the Allies withstood a late surge from Vic Country to win 12.9 (81) to 10.10 (70).

Talls Jed Walter and Ethan Read, both from Palm Beach Currumbin, were imposing, with Walter (two goals) an aerial threat throughout while Read had 23 touches, seven clearances, six marks and 13 hitouts. Fellow SUNS Academy prospect Jake Rogers, from Broadbeach, completed an outstanding championships with 22 possessions, eight inside 50s, six tackles and five clearances in the midfield while both Nick Williams and Will Graham were strong throughout.

Leo Lombard rounds out the group of six SUNS Academy players to have represented the Allies during the Championships.

A five-goal-to-one third term from the Allies was the difference in a high-intensity, skilful display from both sides played in windy conditions. Vic Country clawed their way back from 26 points down in the final term to get within five points before NT product Orlando Turner kicked the sealer with under five minutes remaining. 

Since the current format was introduced in 2016, which sees the Allies, South Australia, Vic Country, Vic Metro and Western Australia play each other once, the Allies have never previously won more than one of their four matches. 

The Larke Medal as the Best and Fairest player of the Championships and the All-Australian team will be announced at the conclusion of the 2023 AFL National Championships – U18 Boys.

2023 AFL National Championships - U18 Boys Ladder