Introducing your NSW/ACT boys Allies 2024

The 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships – U18 Boys is halfway through, with the Allies sitting at 1-1 following a narrow loss to SA and a tough win against WA.

There are 11 Allies from NSW/ACT for this campaign, with 10 of them playing both matches so far, and the other playing in the second match.

But who are these players? Where do they come from? And what drives them?

Read the profiles below.

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See details on the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships Boys here including selections and how to watch.

The Allies comprises the best U18 talent from NSW, ACT, NT, Queenland and Tasmania. The team takes on interstate rivals Vic Metro, Vic Country, Western Australia and South Australia at the National Championships each year. The team won the Championship in 2023 for the first time ever, with multiple players from the Allies taken at high picks in the 2023 AFL Draft.

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We wanted to get to know our next crop of local (and possibly AFL) superstars. See below for a brief overview of our dozen players ready to take the next step in their footy journey.

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Joshua Murphy

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Born: 28/11/2006

Club: Murray Bushrangers / North Albury Hoppers 

Height: 191cm 

Allies jumper number: 37

Nickname: Murph

Position: General forward

Model my game on: Callum Brown, Jake Stringer  

Mantra/motto: Leave better

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: To gain knowledge from the experience in the group and to forge relationships with people from across the country and, of course, win some footy.

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Joe Harrison

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Born: 20/07/2006

Club: Sydney Swans Academy / Warners Bay Bulldogs

Height: 182cm

Allies jumper number: 9

Nickname: Joey, Harro

Position: Midfield

Model my game on: Lachie Neale, Caleb Serong

Mantra/motto: Do something beneficial towards your goals everyday to achieve the best version of yourself.

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Make memories with all the boys, have fun, apply myself to the fullest against the best in the nation.

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Jobe Shanahan

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Born: 02/08/06

Club: Bendigo Pioneers / Moama Football Netball Club

Height: 194cm

Allies jumper number: 32

Nickname: Jobey, Yob

Position: Key half forward

Model my game on: Nick Riewoldt, Charlie Curnow

Motto/mantra: Control what you can control

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Become a tight group with all teammates and play a high standard of footy as a group.

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Noah Chamberlain

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Born: 21/03/2007

Club: Sydney Swans Academy / UNSW Bulldogs

Height: 192cm

Allies jumper number: 30

Nickname: Nozza, Chambo

Position: Wing/forward

Model my game on: Jeremy Cameron, Jordan Dawson

Mantra/motto: Grow through what you go through 

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: An experience of going against the best and beating the best.

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Nick Andreacchio

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Born: 03/10/2006

Club: Sydney Swans Academy / Sydney University

Height: 178cm

Allies jumper number: 1

Nickname: Nicky, Nicko

Position: Half back

Model my game on: Jake Lloyd, Ollie Florent, Errol Gulden

Mantra/motto: TBC!

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Hope to play for a winning Allies side, play good consistent footy, and hopefully get noticed for my skills and efforts.

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Josaia Delana

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Born: 1/07/2006

Club: GIANTS Academy / East Coast Eagles

Height: 176cm

Allies jumper number: 11

Nickname: Joey

Position: Midfield/small forward

Model my game on: Chad Warner, Izak Rankine

Mantra/motto: Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: I want to enjoy the experience to its fullest whilst also performing at my best amongst the best.

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Ben Kennedy

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Born: 02/07/2006

Club: Murray Bushrangers / Yarrawonga Pigeons

Height: 189cm

Allies jumper number: 36

Nickname: BK

Position: Medium defender

Model my game on: Lachie Ash, but I take aspects from many players

Mantra/motto: Whatever you do in life, enjoy it and have a smile on your face

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: To enjoy the experience of playing high-quality footy with a team full of good people and to further develop my skills to keep getting better.

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Lachy Carmichael

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Born: 27/08/2007

Club: Sydney Swans Academy / North Shore Bombers

Height: 185cm

Allies jumper number: 10

Nickname: Carmo

Position: Half back

Model my game on: Skills: Harry Sheezel. Approach: Joel Selwood

Mantra/motto: If we aren’t monsters we’re food

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Experience going into my top age year and a couple of wins as well.

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Cooper Bell

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Born: 30/11/2006

Club: GIANTS Academy / Belconnen Magpies

Height: 198cm

Allies jumper number: 41

Nickname: Belly

Position: Key back/forward

Model my game on: No players in particular but I am influenced by players like Harris Andrews and Jeremy Cameron

Mantra/motto: When you feel like stopping, think about why you started

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: I want to challenge myself against stronger opponents and put my front foot forward and really good shot for November. As a team I believe we can win the champs, have a good time, and make more mates along the way.

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Joel Cochran

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Born: 26/03/2006

Club: Sydney Swans Academy / UNSW Bulldogs

Height: 195cm

Allies jumper number: 28

Nickname: Joely

Position: Centre half back

Model my game on: Jordan Ridley, Nick Blakey, Tom McCartin

Matra/motto: Success is no accident

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: Learning new things each opportunity and having fun playing footy with people from around the country. 

Logan Smith

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Born: 24/09/2006

Club: GIANTS Academy / Queanbeyan Tigers

Height: 204cm

Allies jumper number: 40

Nickname: Nil

Position: Ruck

Model my game on: Rowan Marshall

What do you want to get out of the National Championships: To make a name for myself and play to the best of my ability. 

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