South Australia and the Sydney Swans Academy secured title wins at the 2025 Marsh AFL National Development Championships – U16 Girls.
South Australia took out the Pool A title by winning both games in the round-robin series. They finished equal on points with Victoria Metro but claimed the title with a superior percentage.
The Pool B title was also decided on percentage, with the Sydney Swans Academy edging out last year’s title winner, the GWS Giants Academy, after both sides finished with 2-0 records.
BEST AND FAIREST AWARDS
South Australia utility Lani Cocks was named the Best and Fairest for Pool A, while Sydney Swans Academy midfielder Emily Hollingsworth was crowned the Best and Fairest in Pool B.
Bottom-ager Hollingsworth was a standout for the Swans in Pool B, averaging 19.5 disposals at 69 percent efficiency, as well as 7.5 tackles and five clearances. She also booted five goals across her two matches and showed an exceptional ability to read the play.
Hollingsworth won the Pool B best and fairest with 13 votes, finishing one vote ahead of Tasmania’s Matilda Lange. GWS Giants Academy teammates Billie Hamilton and Evie Henley were tied for third on 11 votes.
ALL AUSTRALIAN TEAM
Continue below to view the 2025 Marsh AFL National Development Championships – U16 Girls All Australian Team. See profiles on each NSW/ACT representative player, compiled by Kevin Sheehan, below.
Coach: Bron Gulden (Sydney Swans Academy)
NSW/ACT Player Profiles
Forward Pocket: Billie Hamilton (GWS Giants Academy/Queanbeyan)
Date of Birth: 14/11/2009
Height: 169cm
Left-footed Indigenous small forward who claimed victory for the GWS Giants with a brilliant running goal (her sixth) in the final moments of their game against. Kicked nine goals in the two matches to lead the goal kicking across the Championships. Also averaged 19 disposals, 5.5 marks and four tackles. Is strong in one-on-one duels, a powerful kick and was always the most dangerous player inside 50m. Was a member of the AFL’s Woomeras program last year.
Forward Pocket: Emily Hollingsworth (Sydney Swans Academy/Miranda Bombers)
Date of Birth: 11/04/2010
Height: 166cm
Smooth-moving Indigenous midfielder who reads the game exceptionally well and is a onetouch player. Only a bottom-ager, she was prominent in both games averaging 19.5 disposals at 69 percent efficiency, 7.5 tackles and five clearances as well as kicking five goals overall. Has excellent fundamental skills and with her high football IQ, she will be a player to watch going forward. Winner of the Pool B Best and Fairest award as recognition of her performances in both matches. Was a member of the AFL’s Woomeras program last year
Interchange: Isabella Evans (Sydney Swans Academy/Figtree)
Date of Birth: 06/03/2009
Height: 178cm
Athletic and versatile player who showed she could play multiple roles, including tall defence and ruck, with her powerful profile and skill set. Was among the Sydney Swans Academy’s best in both games, averaging 20.5 disposals, 5.5 tackles, 2.5 marks and 2.5 rebound 50s to help steer her team to the Pool B title.
Interchange: Evie Henley (GWS Giants Academy/North Albury)
Date of Birth: 13/07/2009
Height: 172cm
Midfielder who was outstanding around stoppages, using her reach, clean hands and vision to create for the GWS Giants Academy. Worked hard from contest to contest, averaging 28.5 disposals (19 contested) at 65 percent efficiency with 9.5 clearances and 5.5 tackles. A powerful type with a penetrating kick, she was rewarded for her outstanding performances winning the Giants’ MVP award.
Interchange: Emma McCallum (Sydney Swans Academy/Warners Bay Bulldogs)
Date of Birth: 13/03/2009
Height: 174cm
Ruck/tall defender who is mobile as well as versatile with very good fundamental skills. Among the Sydney Swans Academy’s best in both games against Tasmania and the Northern Territory. She averaged an impressive 20 disposals @ 68 percent efficiency and 12.5 hit outs to win the Swans Academy’s MVP award.