Touch Football Australia Announce Alliance State Merit Teams to Elevate Youth Pathways

Touch Football Australia (TFA) is proud to announce the establishment of Alliance State Merit Teams, recognising the rising youth talent showcased at the 2025 DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC) across the Boys’ and Girls’ 16s and 18s divisions.

Each Merit Team, comprising fourteen players, has been carefully selected by Athelite Australian Emus Opens coaches Phil Gyemore, Renee Murphy, and Dave Nolan to represent the best talent from their respective age groups across the Alliance States. These teams will provide young athletes with enhanced competitive opportunities and greater visibility as they progress through the Touch Football pathway.

This milestone initiative emerged directly from extensive stakeholder engagement sessions by TFA Leadership during August and September – held across Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory – where pathway opportunities were consistently identified as a priority to ensure players are recognised and developed.

In addition to the Merit Teams, Alliance States also participated in designated Grand Finals at the 2025 NYC in the 16s and 18s divisions, with the highest-placed teams competing on the national stage at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour. The ACT Raiders secured two titles, overcoming the South Australia Heat in the 18s Girls and the Western Tigers in the 16s Boys, both with commanding scorelines. The Western Tigers struck back in the 16s Girls, defeating the Victoria Storm, while the 18s Boys clash saw opposite ends of the country represented – with the Tasmania Thunder prevailing over the Northern Territory Devils.

TFA is committed to articulating the talent pathway from the grassroots level through to elite representation. These two initiatives reflect this commitment, recognising the achievement of the next generation of Touch Football talent.

TFA General Manager, Growth & Innovation, James Sharp said:

"This is about listening to our community and creating the opportunities they've been asking for. We're thrilled to give these young athletes the recognition and pathways they deserve.

“The introduction of Merit Teams marks an exciting new chapter for youth Touch Football in the Alliance States, ensuring talented players have clear pathways to showcase their skills and reach their potential.”

Congratulations to all players selected.

18s Boys

• Samuela Alatini (NT)
• Brad Chenery (TAS)
• Emmett Gale (TAS)
• Tom Geappen (TAS)
• Lloyd Hurd (TAS)
• Max Matthews (TAS)
• Hunter McGee (TAS)
• Cameron McIntyre (WA)
• Dane Plakalovic (TAS)
• Jadkota Randall-Reid (NT)
• Aiden Reid (TAS)
• Tyrell Riddle (NT)
• Lachlan Riley (TAS)
• Coby Woolcock (TAS)

18s Girls

• Isabella Browning (SA)
• Aizure Clarke (SA)
• Daisy Craig (ACT)
• Anne Hassall (ACT)
• Abby Jones (ACT)
• Mia Kelly (ACT)
• Grace Milne (ACT)
• Charlotte Newton (ACT)
• Lily Quigley (ACT)
• Tamsyn Rogers (TAS)
• Meaghann Scott (ACT)
• Alice Taitoko (VIC)
• Emily Watkins (VIC)
• Grace Welldon (TAS)

16s Boys

• Brooklyn Bennett (WA)
• Travis Box (ACT)
• Harley Bugden (ACT)
• Nukutaimemeha Ezekiela (VIC)
• Chad Giles (WA)
• Logan Groves (TAS)
• Tomiets Kabilu (WA)
• Jack Morrison (TAS)
• Joe Petty (VIC)
• Seb Plakalovic (TAS)
• Ryley Power (ACT)
• Charlie Ravouvou (ACT)
• Harry Taylor (TAS)
• Ryan Wilson (ACT)

16s Girls

• Samantha Bowman (WA)
• Isabella Brown (WA)
• Mia Curtis (ACT)
• Sophia Dawe (ACT)
• Emily Evans (ACT)
• Grace Johnson (ACT)
• Mia Keen (ACT)
• Neve Luckie (ACT)
• Lilly Pickering (ACT)
• Pearl Potesio (VIC)
• Bridget Sherry (VIC)
• Izzy Slater (WA)
• Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa (WA)
• Giann Williamson (VIC)