2026 SA U16 Squad Released

By ZAC MILBANK

A 32-player SA U16 squad has been released ahead of the 2026 Marsh AFL National Championships starting in June.

To be coached by SANFL Coach and Player Developer Heath Younie, the Croweaters have included two bottom-age players – West’s Hugo Williams and Sturt’s Will Pike – in the line-up to compete in Division 1.

South Australia will begin its campaign at home, hosting Western Australia on Saturday June 27 before heading to Queensland for clashes against Victoria Country on Tuesday July 14 and Victoria Metro on Friday July 17.

Glenelg’s Jack Gallagher, the son of Adelaide and Norwood wingman James Gallagher, and Central District pair Levi Dudley and Harrison Schubert are among the familiar surnames to watch for SA.

Dudley, who is a Crows NGA prospect, is the younger brother of Fremantle Docker Isaiah Dudley while Schubert is the younger brother of Hawthorn key forward Aidan Schubert.

Glenelg’s Zane Rooney and Sturt’s Jacob Westley, the nephew of South Australian Football Hall of Famers Brett and Roger James, return from last year’s SA U16 squad after gaining valuable experience as bottom-age players in 2025.

Championship-winning SA U16 coach Julian Farkas returns as one of Younie’s assistant mentors, together with SANFL’s Academy Coaches Chris Trapp (Adelaide) and Mark Clayton (Port Adelaide).

Current AFL players Brayden Cook (Adelaide) and Logan Evans (Port Adelaide) will also be a part of the coaching team, together with former Crow Lachie Murphy.

Training will begin on Tuesday May 12 at SANFL’s High Performance Centre at West Lakes with trial matches scheduled for Thursday May 14 (v Norwood) at The Parade and Thursday June 11 (v West Adelaide) at Richmond Oval.