EUROA'S Under 18s have found their rhythm in 2025, sitting comfortably inside the top six as they head into a well earned bye.

Under the steady guidance of coach Matthew Mills, the young Magpies are building something special, brick by brick, week by week.

"It's a reflection of their training and improvement bit by bit over the course of the season and pre-season before that," Mills said.

“The boys are playing well, and they’re getting the rewards for their effort.”

The team's recent form includes a remarkable 140-point turnaround from their Round one loss to Kyabram, a side that had looked untouchable earlier in the year.

But Mills is quick to temper the hype.

“I wouldn’t call the win against Ky a catalyst for momentum, though it helps to keep positive momentum going, but more an outcome of their hard work at training and their growing understanding of how we want to play as a team,” he explained.

“They’re good listeners and keen to work together to achieve their goals.”

With a winnable match up against Shepparton United looming after the bye, the team isn’t taking its foot off the pedal.

“The bye gives our players a chance to breathe and recharge mentally before going into another set of tough games,” Mills said.

“We trained well on Thursday night and focused on areas we still need to improve.

"Shepp United will be a very difficult team to beat.”

What’s been most noticeable this season is the maturity and depth of the group.

Mills praised the blend of experienced second year players, fresh-faced first years, and even a few standout 15-year-olds.

“Last year, we had a very young and inexperienced group, and they showed great character, often playing with a limited bench," he said.

"This season has a similar feel, but the boys have taken real strides forward.

"I like to view it as a rolling group, with a lot of continuity between seasons.”

Unlike past seasons where many Under 18s were called up to senior footy early, 2025 has seen a more measured transition.

But there’s still plenty of talent pushing through the ranks.

“We’ve had at least one Under 18 in every game, bar the Mansfield match,” Mills said.

"Archie Wilson was playing well before his knee injury, and both Callen and Harrison have stepped up.

"We’ll see more boys get their chance as the year goes on."

The close coordination between the senior and Under 18 coaching groups has ensured balance and opportunity.

“Senior coach Dave Gleeson has been fantastic, keen to reward the young guys when they’ve earned it, while still keeping our Under 18s strong enough to compete each week.”

Those who've made the jump, like Archie, Harrison, and Callen are bringing that experience back into the Under 18 side with confidence and composure.

“Playing senior footy really helps their development.

"They return to the 18s more assured and with greater understanding of the game."

While no individual has completely shocked the coaching staff, Mills highlighted the consistent growth across the entire group.

He singled out captain Max Miller and emerging leaders Archie Wilson and Campbell Baker (both bottom-agers) as examples of players stepping up.

“This group has quite a few players who could become core senior players in years to come,” Mills said.

“That’s my main focus, to help develop them not just as footballers but as teammates and young men who want to keep playing at Euroa.”

When asked about his coaching plans for 2026, Mills remains focused on the present.

“I’m still concentrating on this season; I haven’t thought too much about next year, aside from keeping an eye on who’s coming through to senior footy from the juniors.”

Mills was also quick to acknowledge the off-field army that keeps the Under 18s ticking.

“We have fantastic support right through the club, from President Scott Watson and the committee to our assistant coach Brad Howell, team manager Kathryn Sutton, runner Jasent Miller, senior football manager Scott Walters, and all the parents who help every week,” he said.

“We’re really lucky at Euroa to have such great people involved.”

With momentum building and belief growing, the young Magpies are shaping as one of the season's most intriguing teams.

If they can continue to improve at their current rate, there’s no telling how far this group might go come finals time.

One thing’s clear - the future of Euroa's juniors is in good hands.