GIANTS Academy girls coach Georgia Walker says several of the Academy’s young stars showed their talent and potential while playing for the Allies in the recent Under 18 National Championships.

Winless until the final game of the carnival, the Allies ended their 2025 campaign with a bang by upsetting the previously undefeated Queensland by six points with a thrilling 8.9 (57) to 6.15 (51) win at Brighton Homes Arena. 

The campaign saw seven GIANTS Academy players pull on the Allies jumper, gaining elite exposure and showcasing their talents against the best across the country.

Four GIANTS Academy young guns featured in the big win over Queensland, with Majella Day (10 disposals, three goals), Isla Wiencke (16 disposals, four clearances), Zoe Curry (16 disposals, three clearances), and Morgan Stevens (14 disposals, nine rebound 50s) all performing strongly.

“It was brilliant for the girls to get a win over Queensland in their last game,” Walker said.

“They showed dominance across four quarters and were able to really come together as a team which is what you'd expect after a few games together.

“For the girls to come together, compete and give that performance is promising for not only the individuals – but how the Allies program is developing and being invested into.”

Walker was thrilled with the development of the GIANTS Academy cohort and their performances within the Allies side.

“It has been very exciting watching our Academy girls perform on the big stage and so consistently for the Allies,” she said.

“As individuals they grew with confidence and performed better each week. Allies can be challenging with the lack of connection and time spent together before the Nationals, with four different academies coming together, but you could really see them adjust after the first game and the coaching staff play a big role in that.”

The Allies faced Vic Country, Vic Metro, Western Australia, and Queensland across four matches in the carnival, with Walker highlighting the performances of several rising stars from the GIANTS Academy.

“Zoe Curry and Majella Day were key standouts across the games with their consistency and ability to impact the scoreboard which was exciting for them as bottom-agers.

“Isla [Wiencke] was dominant in the midfield as an 18-year-old, really showcasing her weapon and ability to win contested possession and clearance. Ella Randall went down in the third game with a hamstring injury unfortunately, but leading in showcased her ability to win the ball in space and take the game on.

“Morgan Stevens (bottom-ager) grew in confidence each week in her defensive role, and the last two games showed a lot more confidence being able to drive her legs, generate rebound 50's and take the game on.

“Matilda Elbourne played the first two games as full back and was composed and structured in her ability to win one on ones. And unfortunately for Yas Janscheck she only played the first game due to a broken finger in the VFLW – but was showing lots of growth in her role as the ruck and ability to cover the ground.”

Walker added that the Allies program provides an invaluable learning experience for all of its star young female footballers— especially mentally.

“You're playing against the best of the best and with the best of your state, so it’s going to be hard to adjust to different roles, pressure, expectations, but those that are able to stay composed, stay balanced mentally, and play to their weapon across the games are the ones that play better.

“Every player in the Allies is talented and deserve to be there. So, convincing the players they are worthy and believing in themselves at this level is the biggest learning. I will forever harp on about mindset, staying present and needing the ability to do that internally and not just relying on external factors.

“So, it is a great challenge for these girls to put those skills into practice – and again Monique Toal (coached the midfield) and Brent Trewin (runner), who were our Academy coaches within the Allies, were brilliant at guiding them and bringing that to the girls each game.”

In further positive news, two GIANTS Academy youngsters recently earned U15 All-Australian Schoolgirls honours, a reflection of their exciting potential.

“It’s fantastic to see Evana Butler (Western Sydney) and Elana Patton (ACT) recognised in this way. It’s great recognition for their talent and the exciting future they have,” Walker said.