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The ACT Roos arrive at the Australian Youth Championships playing in both divisions for the first time.

It’s building off of last year’s pilot project, which saw the Roos compete in the U16 division.

The Roos are a composite team, formed from the next-best available players nominated by each state after final selections are made. The core of the team still lies with players from Canberra.

It’s a pathway designed to ensure talented athletes who narrowly miss out on their home state squads still receive national-level opportunity.

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

They’re not here to make up numbers. They’re here to win some games.

They’ll have to gel quickly. Each player is currently training with their respective state program and will meet their teammates for the first time the day before the tournament begins!

Let’s meet the players across the two divisions.

U16 ACT ROOS: OPPORTUNITY, UNITY, AND NOTHING TO LOSE

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The ACT Roos arrive at the Australian Youth Championships representing something rare within the national pathway — opportunity.

The Roos are a composite team, made up of the next-best available players from across every state, nominated after state selections are finalised. It’s a model designed to ensure talented athletes who narrowly miss out on their home state squads still gain meaningful national-level experience.

For many in this group, it’s an opportunity they don’t take lightly.

“Two years ago, these kids would be sitting at home on the couch in January,” head coach Kai Meuronen said. “Instead now, they’re playing at AYCs.”

Preparation for the Roos has looked different by necessity. Players have remained embedded in their state programs, with virtual meetings used to introduce the group and align expectations. ACT-based players have trained locally with Meuronen and staff prior to travelling.

Like the Roos themselves, expectations are framed differently.

“Of course we want to win games,” Meuronen said. “But our biggest emphasis is on opportunity. Our expectation is that every player makes the most of it — because it’s not something they should take for granted.”

That shared mindset is already shaping the group.

“We love being the underdog,” said Archer Walsh (Goodwood Baseball Club, SA). “We know other teams will underestimate us, so we’re looking forward to springing a few surprises and causing some upsets.”

Unity is something Meuronen believes will quickly become the Roos’ greatest weapon.

“A big learning from the Roos last year was how fast this group turns into brothers,” he said. “They’re all here for the same reason. They value the same opportunity. And they all have something to prove.”

That feeling is echoed by players who haven’t even shared a field yet.

“Being a composite team, the desire to show up for each other is huge,” said Blake Brennan (Golden Grove Central District Dodgers, SA). “We want to prove ourselves together.”

Culture will form rapidly once the tournament begins, but its foundations are already clear. The Roos have aligned closely with the Team Australia Foundations Document, using it as their guiding framework.

“We may not be a Team Australia team,” Meuronen said. “But we wear the same logo. Our values and actions need to reflect that.”

One of the most unique elements of this roster is the clean slate it offers.

“I haven’t seen the players yet — at all,” Meuronen said. “And that’s the beauty of it. No bias. No preconceptions. Everyone comes in and earns their role.”

That mindset resonates across the roster.

“I’m hungry for success after missing state selection,” said Ethan Everett (Essendon Baseball Club, VIC). “We’ve got nothing to lose.”

Roles, not reputations, will define how the Roos operate across the week.

“Everyone is going to have a role,” Meuronen said. “And no role is bigger or smaller than another.”

As for breakout players?

“Our whole roster,” Meuronen said. “Twenty kids who were all snubbed. Twenty kids with a point to prove.”

That edge is exactly how the Roos want it.

“We are going to cause some chaos,” Meuronen said. “We’re the best of every state — and we have nothing to lose.”

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Unity that forms fast

History shows Roos teams bond quickly. Shared opportunity has a way of accelerating trust.

2. Roles over reputations

With no hierarchy carried in, execution within assigned roles will define the Roos’ success.

3. The chaos factor

A roster full of motivated, overlooked players is unpredictable and dangerous.

U18 ACT ROOS: OPPORTUNITY, ADAPTABILITY, AND A TEAM STILL TO BE DISCOVERED

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Chris Rickard can feel an air of excitement around the A.C.T. Roos.

“For me personally, I’m excited and pleased to be given the opportunity to lead this team,” head coach Chris Rickard said. “For the players, it’s a chance to come together, bond, and compete daily at the Championships.”

Preparation for the Roos looks different by design.

Players have remained embedded within their local state performance pathway programs, arriving tournament-ready despite not yet training together in person.

“They’ve been working with their state high-performance coaches to get to tournament readiness,” Rickard said.

That reality hasn’t dulled motivation.

“Everybody likes an underdog and all the boys will have something to prove,” said Flynn Starkey (Redlands Baseball, Queensland), a pitcher and first baseman bringing extensive national and international experience into the group
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Kai Harris (Forest Baseball Club / Manly Eagles, NSW) agrees.

“We’re underdogs, so hopefully we can upset some teams,” said Harris, a shortstop who has already competed at national level.

Rickard believes flexibility may become the Roos’ greatest on-field strength.

“We’ve got a lot of utility players,” he said. “That gives us options in the field and helps keep arms fresh through pitching rotations.”

It’s a dynamic that players understand and embrace.

“That we have no idea what anyone can do until we meet in Melbourne — it’s all new,” said Samuel Barden (Turramurra Kissing Point Angels / Manly State League, NSW). “That first session will be very interesting”
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Culture is still forming, but the excitement to compete is already clear.

“The team is excited to come together and compete,” Rickard said.

Several players echoed that anticipation.

“I won’t meet my team until the day before the tournament begins,” said William Matthews (Southern Districts Baseball Club, SA). “But that’s part of the challenge.”

For others, the Roos represent resilience and renewal.

“I’m hungry for success after missing state selection,” said Aiden Riddle (Greater Western Baseball, NSW). “I’ve got grit and motivation to win”

“Having talents from across Australia could really help us perform,” said Owen Hughes (Golden Grove Central Districts).

Behind the plate, Dominic Hamilton (Weston Creek Indians, ACT) brings leadership and national-level experience.

“There’s lots of knowledge and experience from multiple states,” Hamilton said. “That could be a real advantage.”

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. How fast chemistry forms

This group won’t have long to settle, but shared opportunity often accelerates connection.

2. Versatility across the diamond

Utility players give the Roos flexibility to adapt lineups, pitching roles, and matchups.

3. Underdog energy

A team full of overlooked players can be unpredictable — and dangerous.

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.