Five StreetSmarts SUNS Academy athletes have earned selection in the U16 Girls All Australian Team following a commanding campaign across the 2026 Marsh AFL National Development Championships.
Gold Coast talent features in all facets of the field with Lily Moana (rover), Pippa O’Grady (midfielder - interchange) Eliza Davenport (winger – interchange), Tigerlily Nixon (half back flank) and Ally McKenzie (forward) named in the esteemed 24-player team.
The quintet starred in the Gold Coast SUNS impressive wins over Tasmania and Vic Country over the last fortnight to finish undefeated alongside GWS Giants Academy and South Australia, and create history as the first StreetSmarts SUNS Academy U16 Girls side to be crowned champions.
Across two dominant performances, two-time All Australian and speedster Moana averaged 23.5 disposals, nine inside 50s and six clearances to poll 15 votes and comfortably win the Best and Fairest award for the 2026 Marsh AFL National Development Championships U16 Girls on top of the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy MVP.
The young SUNS follow in the footsteps of StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduates and 2026 AFLW SUNS draftees Ava Usher (2023 Marsh AFL National Development Championships B&F), Alannah Welsh (2023 StreetSmarts SUNS Academy MVP), Sunny Lappin, Georja Davies and Dekota Baron who were named in the 2023 U16 Girls All Australian Team.
StreetSmarts SUNS Academy Manager Kathleen Newman was thrilled to see yet another cohort of SUNS shine on the big stage and earn recognition.
“All Australian selection doesn’t happen in isolation, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work from the coaches and the whole squad,” Newman said.
“Having five players selected as All Australians shows the future is bright for the SUNS.”
RESULTS
StreetSmarts Suns Academy 21.16 (142) def Tasmania 0.2 (2)
Best: Ally Mckenzie, Harriet Howe, Pippa O'Grady, Stephanie Williams, Lily Moana, Eliza Davenport
Goals: Ally Mckenzie 5, Kirra Nunn 4, Siena Adamson, Brooke Edwards, Chance Spicer 2, Ella Ballantyne, Lacey Bell, Lani Minster, Lily Moana, Tigerlily Nixon, Stephanie Williams
Details: Thursday, April 9 at Blacktown International Sports Park
StreetSmarts Suns Academy 10.14 (74) def Victoria Country 2.4 (16)
Best: Lily Moana, Pippa O'Grady, Eliza Davenport, Harriet Howe, Shona Berkeley, Ally Mckenzie
Goals: Ella Ballantyne 4, Lani Minster 2, Brooke Edwards, Ally McKenzie, Lily Moana, Pippa O’Grady
Details: Thursday, April 16 at Shepley Oval
STANDINGS
TEAM WON LOST PTS
StreetSmarts Suns Academy 2 0 8
GWS Giants Academy 2 0 8
South Australia 2 0 8
Brisbane Lions Academy 1 1 4
Western Australia 1 1 4
Victoria Metro 1 1 4
Sydney Swans Academy 1 1 4
Northern Territory 0 2 0
Victoria Country 0 2 0
Tasmania 0 2 0
