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New South Wales are the defending U18 champions.

They’re only two years removed from a dominant Gold Medal display at the Under 16s.

Can NSW go back-to-back?  Is it possible the largest baseball state in Australia wins them both?

We can’t wait to find out.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

U18 NEW SOUTH WALES: DEFENDING CHAMPS BRING BACK PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE

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New South Wales arrives at the Australian Youth Championships with a U18 group built on familiarity, trust, and an understanding of what the tournament demands.

They’re also the defending gold medalists.

A number of players return to the side that took home the title a year ago.

Coached by Phil Hemmer, this squad reflects years of continuity across the NSW pathway.

Many players have grown up playing with and against one another through state league, national championships, and international tours — and that shared history has shaped both culture and expectation.

“They’re all mates,” Hemmer said. “They’ve played together and against each other for a long time. They respect each other.”

NSW has trained fortnightly with sessions designed to replicate tournament conditions, often under fatigue, while players continue club commitments and development opportunities linked to the Sydney ABL environment.

“We’ve been training with the intent of playing and training under fatigue,” Hemmer said. “The idea is being educated and making smart decisions when you’re tired.”

That approach resonates with players across the roster.

“The biggest strength of our team is our unity,” said Tristan Crynes (Blacktown Workers). “We all support and push each other to improve every training.”

Culture has been a consistent theme throughout camp.

“Respectful of each other and the game. Hard workers. We trust each other,” Hemmer said.

That trust shows up in leadership, particularly from players already tested at senior levels.

“The leadership of the older senior-playing group has really stood out,” Hemmer said.

Shortstop Frank Clarke (Ryde Hawks), a multiple-time AYC champion, sees that leadership as action-based.

“I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk,” Clarke said. “I’ve got everyone’s back in our team.”

On the field, NSW has focused on decision-making under pressure — reading situations clearly and executing when the body is tired.

“We bond very well together,” said Kobe Cusbert, a former U16 MVP (Baulkham Hills). “That makes it easier to trust each other when things get tight.”

The depth across the roster means impact can come from anywhere.

On the mound, Harley Gibson (Manly Eagles) brings international tournament experience and resilience after returning from injury.

“I’ve played in Perfect Game tournaments in the US and Japan,” Gibson said. “Coming back from injury has made me appreciate every opportunity.”

Behind the plate, Riley Jones (Cronulla Sharks) adds calm and experience after catching at first-grade level and representing Australia.

“All players are on the same page as far as commitment and playing for each other,” Jones said.

In the outfield, Ryan Reekie (Ryde Hawks) brings athleticism and adaptability after transitioning from shortstop.

“Our fielding and hitting are big strengths,” Reekie said.

Around the infield, Tahlan Cavill (Blacktown Workers) and Jackson Griffiths (Cronulla Sharks / Greenway Giants) provide power, versatility, and big-game experience, while Ben Sawyer (Blacktown Workers) adds depth and consistency across the outfield.

Keep and eye on Ashton Kennedy to play a big role. The recent college commit was one on the Team of the Tournament at the recent U18 World Cup.

Sawyer believes the roster’s balance stands out.

“We have depth at all positions,” he said. “Everyone can contribute.”

For Hemmer, that collective depth is the point.

“We’ve got returning players, first-year players, and first-time representatives,” he said. “I’d be watching for big performances from everyone.”

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Leadership when fatigue hits

NSW has trained specifically for tired moments. Senior players setting standards late in games could be decisive.

2. Decision-making under pressure

Educated baseball has been a priority. Clean reads and smart execution will matter in close contests.

3. Depth everywhere

From the mound to the middle infield to the outfield, NSW has multiple players capable of stepping into big moments.

U16 PREVIEW: DEPTH AND DETERMINATION HIGHLIGHTS POWERHOUSE PROGRAM

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New South Wales arrives at the Australian Youth Championships with a U16 group shaped by depth, pitching variety, and a belief built on recent success.

Manager Matt O’Neill, affiliated locally with the Ryde Hawks, brings a résumé that reflects sustained winning at this level. He has been part of two U16 AYC gold medal teams, coached 10-plus national tournaments with the Ryde charter—including Senior League and Junior League national titles—and worked with the Australian U12 team. That experience has influenced both preparation and expectations.

Preparation, O’Neill says, has been exactly where it needs to be.

“Really good,” he said. “The team has come together really well. We’ve been doing two sessions a week and you can really see the change.”

The expectations are clear and unambiguous.

“We will be there at the end,” O’Neill said.

The foundation of that confidence is depth—particularly on the mound. NSW has assembled a staff with multiple looks, giving the team flexibility across a long tournament week.

“Depth,” O’Neill said when asked about the group’s biggest strength. “Pitching. We’ve got loads of arms who give you different looks.”

That pitching depth, paired with roster flexibility, was central to selection.

“Pitching depth and roster flexibility,” O’Neill said. “That’s what we prioritised.”

Culture has followed preparation. Training sessions have been purposeful and demanding, with players leaning into standards.

“Motivated. Driven,” O’Neill said, describing the group.

As camp progressed, the biggest improvement he’s seen has been between the ears.

“The ability to slow down and process the game,” he said.

That shift has been supported by a deliberate focus on fundamentals.

“Big focus on the fundamentals,” O’Neill said. “You can’t win if you can’t catch and throw the ball.”

Within a roster built for balance, there are a few players poised for strong tournaments.

Noah Nash is one.

“He’s a returner and a future star,” O’Neill said. “He can impact the game in so many ways.”
Another is Jett, a left-handed pitcher with experience in big moments.

“Jett’s a lefty who has big-game experience,” O’Neill said.

Zooming out, O’Neill believes New South Wales’ strength as a baseball state comes from understanding what works—and repeating it.

“Having been to a lot of tournaments, I think I’ve got a recipe that’s pretty successful,” he said. “Repeat that and put the kids in a position to do their part.”

With pitching depth, improving composure, and a group that expects to be playing late into the tournament, New South Wales enters the U16 Australian Youth Championships with confidence grounded in preparation—and a clear goal in mind.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching variety

NSW’s ability to throw different looks at hitters could be decisive across the week.

2. Game speed and composure

The group’s growth in slowing the game down will matter most in tight situations.

3. Late-tournament durability

Depth and flexibility give NSW the tools to still be strong when it counts most.

Queensland prepares for a national tournament like no other.

They go international.

From playing teams abroad in Taiwan, to welcoming international clubs to their home state, Queensland is tactfully exposing their players to all sorts of different styles of baseball.

READ ALL PREVIEWS AT THE TOURNAMENT HUB: 2026 Australian Youth Championships

They’ll hope it pays off at the upcoming national championships.

Let’s meet both sides.

U16 QUEENSLAND: BONDED, BATTLE-READY, TESTED AND CHASING A MEDAL

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Coached by Phil Overlack, this squad has been shaped through a demanding and thorough preparation phase.

Queensland has trained weekly since September, played a six-game series against a touring New Zealand U16 side, and completed multiple multi-day camps designed to test execution, resilience, and team defence.

“We’ve been training once a week since the start of September,” Overlack said. “Then we had camps where mornings were fundamentals and team defence, and afternoons were game play.”

The expectation is clear.

“Playing for a medal at the back end of the tournament,” Overlack said.

That belief is shared throughout the group. A defining feature of this Queensland team has been how quickly it has come together.

“This group has bonded really well,” Overlack said. “A lot of strike throwers and guys that just compete.”

Players feel that connection on and off the field.

“Our bond,” said Lewis Hill (Redlands Rays), when asked what stands out about the group.

“We are cohesive and all get along really well,” added Kai Flynn-Ballard (Redlands Rays).

Confidence has grown steadily through preparation.

“Confidence and belief in each other,” Overlack said, describing the biggest improvement he has seen since camp began.

That confidence is underpinned by significant big-game experience.

A large contingent of this Queensland squad previously represented Australia at the Junior League World Series with Brisbane North, giving the group first-hand exposure to international pressure, packed schedules, and win-or-go-home baseball. It’s experience that has shaped both belief and composure within the team.

Execution under pressure has been a major focus throughout camp.

“Making the routine play under pressure,” Overlack said. “And knowing all the team defence — bunt defence, first-and-thirds, everything.”

Several players echoed that mindset.

“Our fielding and pitching,” said Patrick Fogg (Narangba Demons), identifying the team’s foundation. Fogg is one of several Queenslanders who just returned from the U15 World Cup Qualifiers in Guam.

“Our team is extremely strong at picking each other up on and off the field,” said Zavier Leigh (Robina Braves). “We’re aggressive in all aspects of the game.”

Roster construction focused on balance and strike-throwing, giving Queensland flexibility across a long tournament.
“Just looking for a well-balanced squad,” Overlack said. “With a lot of strike throwers.”

That balance brings depth and multiple avenues to impact games.

Buzz Mechum (Surfers Paradise) returns for his second AYC as a left-handed centre fielder and pitcher, combining speed, strength, and consistency.

Will Bain (Pine Rivers Rapids) adds range and arm strength in the middle of the diamond.

Archer Peterson (Redcliffe Padres) arrives for his first AYC after starring at the U15 World Cup Qualifier, already recognised as one of the top athletes in the country for his age. He also represented Australia at the Junior League World Series.

Chase Crew (Redcliffe Padres), another World Series rep, returns after injury interrupted his pathway, bringing advanced game awareness and command.

Tyler Wilson (Pine Rivers Rapids) brings rare pedigree, having competed at Little League, Intermediate League, and Junior League World Series level.

Around them, Queensland’s depth continues.

Lachlan Pawsey (GBL) provides leadership behind the plate after international experience with Team Australia.

That exposure to big moments is something Overlack sees as a defining Queensland strength.

“A lot of these athletes have been to numerous World Series,” he said. “They’re competitive, good mates, and team-first.”

There is also an edge driving this group.

“As the coach, I was very disappointed with how we performed last year,” Overlack said. “We will be better this year.”

With belief growing, execution drilled, and a roster built to thrive under pressure, Queensland’s U16 group enters the Australian Youth Championships determined to turn experience into results.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Strike throwing across the staff

Queensland’s depth of strike-throwers gives them a chance to control tempo and limit free bases.

2. Execution in pressure moments

Routine plays and situational defence have been drilled relentlessly — especially valuable late in games.

3. Big-game composure

International World Series experience means this group understands pressure and pace when it matters most.

U18 QUEENSLAND: DEPTH, DISCIPLINE, AND BELIEF

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Queensland enters the Australian Youth Championships with a U18 group built on preparation, experience, and a growing belief in what this team can become.

Led by head coach David Badke, Queensland’s program has been shaped through a structured and demanding lead-in.

In fact, it’s a preparation like no other. They have played all over the world.

The group emerged from a statewide showcase series, then tested itself internationally at the U18 Taiwan International Tournament in New Taipei City, followed by a six-game series against New Zealand in mid-December.

Half the team travelled to Taiwan, with the remainder competing in the New Zealand series. The squad regrouped on 27 December for a four-day training camp.

“Preparation has been good,” Badke said. “We gave players opportunities to showcase themselves, then tested the group in international environments before locking in our final work. These pre-AYC tournaments offer an excellent opportunity to identify key areas of focus ahead of final preparations.”

Players felt the value of that exposure.

“Got to travel to Taiwan before with people from the Queensland team,” said Max Stefanutto (Windsor Royals). “It helped us come together as one.”

The expectations are grounded in process rather than prediction.

“To be competitive in every game, be consistent with our processes, and execute when opportunities present,” Badke said. “If we can do this, the results will take care of themselves.”

That kind team-first of approach helped Queensland win a national championship in 2023.

It’s reflected throughout the roster.

Queensland’s biggest strength lies in its pitching depth, bolstered by experienced returners and arms that have already competed at national and international level.

“Our roster is pretty consistent,” Badke said. “The pitching depth, with several older players returning, will be a real benefit.”

Pitcher Kobi Wise (Surfers Paradise Baseball Club) sees that depth as a defining feature.

“Our pitching staff,” he said, when asked about the team’s biggest strength. “Staying consistent will be key.”
The culture within the group has also continued to strengthen.

From an offensive standpoint, producing three to five runs will be key to supporting Queensland’s pitching depth and keeping the squad in games for longer periods.

“The culture has been positive,” Badke said. “The group has worked hard and looks like they’re being good teammates to each other.”

That sense of connection is echoed by players across clubs and regions.

“We work as a team and persevere through tough times,” said Leo McKenna (Windsor Royals).

“Our whole team gets along very well,” added Paddy McLoughlin (Redcliffe Padres). “Pitching will be a big standout this year.”

Defensively, Queensland has prioritised reliability and repeatable execution.

“Defence and being consistent,” Badke said, describing the focus of training sessions.

Outfielder Alonzo Zaire Griffin (Redcliffe Padres), who has been to multiple World Series events, pointed to the same theme.

“We’ve got heart and work together as a team,” he said, reflecting on how the group handles pressure.

One player poised for a strong national campaign is Patrick Crotty, whose journey over the past year has been anything but linear. Crotty pitched for Australia at the U18 World Cup and features a fast-ball approaching 90mph.

“Patrick has had a great year on the mound,” Badke said. “He’s was selected in the U18 World Cup Team and is progressing very well.”

Crotty has already been identified by selectors as a potential signing by a professional club.

“Hard throwing right-hander with control and excellent breaking stuff,” McLoughlin said of Crotty.

Queensland’s depth means impact can come from many areas.

Thomas Calvert (Redlands Rays) brings experience and durability, having represented Queensland and Australia multiple times.

Leo McKenna (Windsor Royals) anchors the left side of the infield with arm strength and international experience from Japan.

Blake McPherson (Pine Hills Lightning) adds athleticism in the outfield after multiple national campaigns.

Tirrell Waiwai (Brisbane North program) gives Queensland another power arm with big-game experience from Little League and Junior League nationals.

Across the roster, the common thread is development through opportunity — a strength Badke sees as central to baseball in the state.

“The development and performance programs, with some great coaches and mentors,” he said.

With international preparation behind them, pitching depth throughout the roster, and a growing belief in their identity, Queensland enters the U18 Australian Youth Championships ready to compete every day.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Pitching depth across the tournament

Queensland has multiple arms capable of starting, relieving, and matching up late. Managing innings will be a major advantage.

2. Defence setting the baseline

Consistency in the field has been a priority. Clean defence will allow Queensland’s pitching to control games.

3. Breakout performances from a deep roster

From Crotty and Wise on the mound to McKenna, Calvert, and McPherson around the diamond, Queensland has no shortage of players ready to step into big moments.