Football
2 June, 2026
Elliot and Whelan named to Vic Country squads
Archie Elliot and Chase Whelan will compete alongside the best junior footballers in the nation after both were selected in the Victoria Country squads to compete at the 2026 Marsh AFL National Championships.
Elliot will play in the under 18 side after a stellar start to the year playing for the Greater Western Victorian Rebels in the Talent League.
Having split his 2025 season between the Horsham Demons and the Rebels, the young forward has kicked 21 goals across seven games for the Rebels in 2026.
The Victoria Country under 18 team begins their campaign against an Allies team (comprising ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania) on Saturday, June 14 at Blacktown International Sportspark, before playing three additional games in Melbourne throughout July.
Laharum junior Chase Whelan will represent the Victoria Country side at the under 16 National Development Championships.
After a breakout 2025 season, where he was the most valuable player at the School Sport Australia under 15 National Football Championships, Whelan has impressed in his performances for Caulfield Grammar in the Associated Public Schools First XVIII competition, as well as Sandringham in the under 16s Talent League.
Whelan begins his campaign against Victoria Metro at the Kennedy Community Centre on Monday, June 8, before completing the championships at the Gold Coast from July 13-17.
The Marsh AFL National Championships for under 18 Boys and Girls will be broadcast via the AFL and AFLW apps, while the Marsh AFL National Development Championships for the under 16 boys will be live-streamed via the AFL Play YouTube channel.