Koen Sanchez selected in U18 Boys All-Australian Team

Four Western Australian players have been selected in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All-Australian Team.

WA defenders Daniel Curtin (Claremont) Riley Hardeman (Swan Districts), midfielder Clay Hall (Peel Thunder) and half forward Koen Sanchez (East Fremantle) were rewarded for strong performances during the U18s National Championships.

West Australian Football Commission State Talent Manager Adam Jones commended the players.
“This is a great outcome for the boys,” Jones said.

“All four players showed resilience and great skillset throughout the Championships and have shown they are among the best of the best in this country.”

Curtin’s outstanding performance during the Championships made him an automatic selection into the All-Australian team, having claimed the MVP for WA during the Championships.

The left-footer was impressive across defence and in the midfield, averaging 23.5 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency and 6.5 marks. He finished fourth in the Larke Medal for the fairest and best player overall.

As captain of WA, Hardeman led his team in defence. His speed and aerial strength proved invaluable in setting up his team from halfback.  

Hall, the in-and-under midfielder, was a force to be reckoned with at the stoppages. He consistently dominated possession and displayed incredible ball-winning abilities. Averaging 27.2 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six clearances and five tackles and was among WA’s best performers.

Sanchez, the extremely smart player, made a lasting impression on selectors during the Championships. His ability to read the game, combined with his agility through traffic, made him a formidable presence on the field. A true threat around goals, Sanchez averaged 17.8 disposals, 9.2 contested possessions and 1.5 goals per match.

The 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys All-Australian Team was selected by a panel comprising Kevin Sheehan (AFL Talent Ambassador – Chair), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy Coach/Manager) and AFL recruiters Adrian Caruso (GWS GIANTS), Kade Nanscawen (Gold Coast SUNS), David McMullin (Fremantle) and Stephen Wells (Geelong Cats).
  
The AFL National Championships – U18 Boys are the highest level of state and territory representative football featuring the country’s most talented under 18-Boys footballers.
  
The Championships were played across Australia throughout June and July, with the Allies claiming the title with a 4-0 record. Victoria Country and Victoria Metro each won two matches, while South Australia and Western Australia both claimed one win from their four matches.

Replays and results from all  2023 AFL National U18 Championships can be viewed here.

 The All-Australian Team