WEST Australian midfielder Mia Russo has been named best and fairest in Pool A of the under-16 girls AFL National Development Championships, with Gold Coast Academy's Ava Usher topping pool B.

Russo, from West Perth and local side Wanneroo, turns 16 this year, and recorded 24 disposals against both South Australia and Vic Country. Her power from stoppages and tackle power were clear highlights.

Burleigh's Usher is also turning 16 this year and is a balanced midfielder with a good mix of contested and uncontested work. Usher averaged 25.5. disposals and six clearances a game, and was a strong linking player in her matches against Sydney Academy and Tasmania.

Each of the 10 sides had an MVP named – as chosen by the coaching staff of each program – while the overall best and fairests and combined All-Australian team of 23 was selected by the following panel: Kevin Sheehan (AFL talent ambassador, chair), Tarkyn Lockyer (AFL National Academy coach/manager), Tanya Hetherington (AFL talent development coach), Jess Smith (AFL national female talent manager) and AFLW club recruiters Phoebe Carter (Sydney), Jordan Loxley (West Coast Eagles), Trent Moseby (Richmond) and Anthony Tang (St Kilda).

South Australia took out Pool A after defeating Vic Metro by 32 points and Western Australia by 29, while Brisbane Lions Academy won Pool B, thumping GWS Academy by 110 and Northern Territory by 85.

Western Australia, Vic Country and Vic Metro rounded out Pool A, while the final standings for Pool B saw Gold Coast Academy, Tasmania, Sydney Academy, GWS Academy and Northern Territory follow the first-placed Lions.

Western Australia had six representatives in the All-Australian team, the most of any squad, while Gold Coast Academy and South Australia had five apiece. 

Sunny Lappin, the daughter of Carlton's Matthew, also made the All-Australian team.