WITH the split round providing sparse pickings for footy fans wishing to attend live games, the next generation of AFL stars will be thrust into the spotlight as Melbourne hosts the final two rounds of the NAB AFL U18 Championships this week.

On Friday, June 25, Vic Metro, led by gun youngsters Ben Jacobs, Mitch Wallis and Andrew Gaff, will take on a Northern Territory team still seeking their first win in these championships.

This will be followed on Saturday, June 26, by a triple header featuring the rest of the sides in the championships to conclude round four.

The pick of the games looks to be the clash between NSW/ACT, which leads the Division Two standings, and Western Australia, which pushed Vic Country all the way in round three and count impressive midfielder Harley Bennell amongst their players.

The Under 18s titles then climax next week, when all the teams match up in a four-game extravaganza which will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and SEN radio.

Division One leaders Vic Country and South Australia will close the year’s proceedings and this may be the game that determines the eventual champions.

Vic Country is the only undefeated team remaining, while the talented South Australians are looking for their first Under 18s championship since 1995.

Entry to all games in the Under 18 Championships is free and presents footy fans with the perfect opportunity to see the AFL stars of the future, many of whom are certain to figure prominently in the NAB AFL Draft at the end of the season.

Under-18 Championships Round 4 Fixture - Visy Park