- Apr 11, 2015
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The way it's going they will be lucky if they are finished before the start of next year. Doesn't look good for the cricket club.
Premier Division 2021 Thread
- Thread starter Bobby Beecroft
- Start date
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- Apr 11, 2015
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Congratulation to Kyle Martin who has been named as the Herald Sun's number one player in their article on the 50 best footballers in Melbourne's suburban competitions.
Kyle Martin
Noble Park, EFL
Few will challenge the former Magpie’s standing at No.1. He’s won the best and fairest in 11 of his past 12 years of football, including two at Collingwood VFL and the past five with the Bulls. Consistency is at the core of the midfielder’s game. His running is relentless and his ball-winning ability is matchless.
Kyle Martin
Noble Park, EFL
Few will challenge the former Magpie’s standing at No.1. He’s won the best and fairest in 11 of his past 12 years of football, including two at Collingwood VFL and the past five with the Bulls. Consistency is at the core of the midfielder’s game. His running is relentless and his ball-winning ability is matchless.
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Totally accurate, he’s def the best player outside the VFL. Simply a bloke playing one and perhaps even two steps below his level. Reckon he’d still be playing AFL if he’d stuck with the Pies.
- Apr 11, 2015
- 4,151
- 5,011
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
- Other Teams
- Cill Chainnigh
Will give it a go, it's a big article
It’s been a long time coming, but local footy is nearing its return.
And in the lead-up, our football writers have taken on the tough task of ranking the top 50 players in Melbourne’s competitions.
But as is often the case when these exercises are done, the more pertinent question is — who didn’t make it?
Lucas Walmsley (Dingley, Southern league), Tim Jenkins (St Albans, Western Region), Chris Deluca (Port Melbourne Colts, Southern), Rennie Gilchrist (Caulfield Grammarians, VAFA), Mitch O’Donnell (Norwood, Eastern), Fabian Deluca (Greenvale, Essendon District), Justin White (Macleod, Northern), and Josh Toy (Aberfeldie, Essendon District) were among the many top-liners from the six metropolitan leagues (Eastern, VAFA, Essendon District, Northern, Western Region and Southern) who missed out.
To be frank, the task of squeezing it to 50 was a bit like trying to fit four elephants into a phone box.
There wasn’t room for everyone.
But, drum roll, please, this is who made the list:
1
Kyle Martin
Kyle Martin
Noble Park, EFL
Few will challenge the former Magpie’s standing at No.1. He’s won the best and fairest in 11 of his past 12 years of football, including two at Collingwood VFL and the past five with the Bulls. Consistency is at the core of the midfielder’s game. His running is relentless and his ball-winning ability is matchless.
2
Ayce Cordy
Ayce Cordy
University Blues, VAFA
The former Western Bulldogs big man has won the past two Woodrow medals as best and fairest in the strong VAFA Premier competition. Kicked 36 goals for Uni Blues last year and captained the side to a premiership.
3
Brett Eddy
Brett Eddy
Vermont, EFL
Gun forward who in his two years with the Eagles has figured in two premierships, had returns of 74 and 66 goals, and won the 2019 league medal. His hands are strong and his kicking is long. Played three AFL matches for Port Adelaide in 2017.
4
Viv Michie
Viv Michie
Collegians, VAFA
The midfielder joined Collegians in 2017 after playing 22 AFL games at Melbourne. Rarely out of the best players and has been named in the past two Premier teams of the year.
5
Mitch Honeychurch
Mitch Honeychurch
Vermont, EFL
The former Western Bulldogs midfielder returned to his junior club last year and was outstanding in a premiership team with stars on every line. Was runner-up in the best and fairest.
6
Tom Bell
Tom Bell
Greensborough, NFL
Arrived with plenty of fanfare and duly delivered in his first season in suburban football. The former Brisbane and Carlton midfielder claimed the NFL’s Frank Rosbrook Medal as the Division 1 league best-and-fairest and finished second in the Boro’s club champion count. Booted 23 goals in 19 games.
7
Jarrad Waite
Jarrad Waite
St Kevin’s, VAFA
The veteran former Carlton and North Melbourne forward arrived in the VAFA last year amid much hoopla and topped the competition goalkicking with 58 from 17 outings, including a bag of 11. Heads into the 2020 season at the age of 37 but still a daunting prospect for backmen.
8
Lachie Johns
Lachie Johns
Vermont, EFL
Captain of a powerhouse team and an onballer with the ability to kick match-turning goals. Had a VFL stint at Coburg and stepped up to the state league with aplomb.
9
Kwame McHarg
Kwame McHarg
Port Melbourne Colts, SFL
Dynamic midfielder and goalkicker who has crossed to Colts after seven honour-filled seasons with Deer Park in the Western Region league. Played in seven flags, won four best and fairests and one league medal with Deer Park. He'll dominate in the Southern league.
10
Kris Pendlebury
Kris Pendlebury
Balwyn, EFL
The Tigers have had some mighty players in the past decade but 'Kritter' probably stands as the best of them with his spectacular marking and dash out of defence. The former Collingwood VFL skipper is getting on in years but is still a formidable Eastern league player.
11
Mitch Brown
Mitch Brown
St Kevin’s, VAFA
VAFA watchers say it’s hard to remember the 94-game West Coast Eagle playing a bad game in his three years at St Kevin’s. Work restricted him to 10 games last year – 10 very good games – and prevented him from soaring to his 2018 heights, when he was the Coaches’ MVP and such an influential member of the premiership team.
12
Matt Jones
Matt Jones
South Croydon, EFL
One of the Eastern league’s best running players and he has been since returning to the Bulldogs in 2017 after playing 61 AFL games for Melbourne. Was a key figure in South’s stirring 2017 premiership. Getting on a bit – he’s 32. But he’s still getting to high standards.
13
Tom Schneider
Tom Schneider
Vermont, EFL
Part of the Eagles’ imposing midfield division, often getting Vermont going by winning the ball in close and pinging it out with a pickpocket’s hands. Took the medal as best-afield in last year’s grand final. Won a Box Hill Hawks best and fairest when he was on Hawthorn’s books.
14
Rohan Bewick
Rohan Bewick
Old Xaverians, VAFA
Joined Xavs last year and in 15 matches showed why he had played 103 AFL games for Brisbane. He had a lot of the ball, booted 26 goals and was named at half forward in the VAFA team of the year.
15
Cameron O’Shea
Cameron O’Shea
University Blues, VAFA
The former Port Adelaide and Carlton defender – he played 92 AFL matches – was an essential element to Blues’ rise to a premiership last year after switching from VFL club Northern Blues. A half back flanker in the 2019 VAFA Premier team of the year.
16
Chris Carey
Chris Carey
East Malvern, SFL
Playing more like a rover than a ruckman, the former Port Melbourne VFL big man polled a remarkable 39 votes to win the Southern league Division 1 medal last year. Will split his time between East and Sandringham VFL in 2020.
17
Sam Critchley
Sam Critchley
St Kevin’s, VAFA
Top-drawer defender highly rated for the way he reads the ball, swoops in for intercept marks and initiates attacks. A VAFA Premier team-of-the-year pick in 2017, ’18 and ’19.
18
Nick Wood
Nick Wood
St Kevin’s, VAFA
Highly skilled onballer with the fitness and strength to run as well in the fourth quarter as he did in the first. Captains the VAFA powerhouse and is the son of former league star Brian Wood.
19
Kane Barbuto
Kane Barbuto
Keilor, EDFL
The pre-eminent player in the strong Essendon District league captained Keilor to a premiership as part of an undefeated season in 2019, was best-afield in the decider and won the Reynolds Medal for the competition’s best-and-fairest player. The former Werribee-listed player is in his prime and attributes most of his success as a midfielder to coach Mick McGuane.
20
Gus Borthwick
Gus Borthwick
Old Melburnians, VAFA
Tough left-footer who would stick his head over the ball even if he ran the risk of having it lopped from his shoulders. After a worthy stint at Collingwood VFL he was a VAFA full-timer last year, won OM’s best and fairest from Tom Paule and was named in the centre in the team of the year.
21
Ahmed Saad
Ahmed Saad
West Preston-Lakeside, NFL
Spearheading the reigning back-to-back NFL Division 1 premier, Saad is one of the most dangerous forwards in suburban footy. The former Saint kicked 76 majors in 2019 to claim his second league goalkicking award in the last three years. Nigh on unstoppable on the lead and rarely misses.
22
Leigh Williams
Leigh Williams
Norwood, EFL
Supreme in the air and certain on the lead, the one-time Melbourne AFL rookie is one of suburban football’s great goalkickers and decorated players. His past six seasons have produced 408 goals. A champion of the EFL.
23
Charlie Haley
Charlie Haley
Balwyn, EFL
Small forward who with his bursts of brilliance can make a cold day at the football as warm and welcoming as an open fire. Kicked 61 goals from 20 games last year and was in the Eastern Premier team of the year.
24
Billy Kanakis
Billy Kanakis
St Kevin’s, VAFA
Classy mid-sized forward who attracted some AFL attention on the back of his outstanding 2018 season. Kicked 34 goals for Skobs last year and had seven appearances for the Footscray Bulldogs VFL side.
25
Sam Hibbins
Sam Hibbins
Collegians, VAFA
Tough 'inside' midfielder who has built a fine reputation for his contested ballwinning and non-stop running. Is also physically equipped to go forward and play as a tall target. Has made the past three teams of the year.
26
Adam Bentick
Adam Bentick
St Bernard’s, VAFA
The crafty midfielder joined the Snowdogs in 2013 after playing in the AFL (68 matches for Carlton) and VFL (for Port Melbourne). He’s won a slew of awards in the amateurs, including the 2015 Woodrow Medal. Bentick is 34, but was good enough last year to gain Premier team-of-the-year honours.
27
Chris Jones
Chris Jones
South Croydon, EFL
The ex-Box Hill Hawks big man played only 12 matches last year but was runner-up in his club’s best and fairest, behind Matt Jones, and was centre half back in the team of the year. His hands more swallow the ball than mark it.
28
Jake Williams
Jake Williams
De La Salle, VAFA
Dashing left-footer who counts as one of De La’s most decorated players, having won two Woodrow medals as the best player in VAFA Premier. Played worthy football in the VFL for Collingwood.
29
Anthony Brolic
Anthony Brolic
Rowville, EFL
Had a sterling VFL career at Box Hill Hawks, figuring in their 2018 premiership, and returned to Rowville last year. Superbly skilled, Brolic was ruck-rover in the EFL Premier team of the year after gaining 11 mentions in the best.
30
Lachie Ferguson
Lachie Ferguson
Collegians, VAFA
Speedy and dynamic small man who has been kicking goals and keeping the best Premier backman busy for a few years. Showed his quality by playing well for Collingwood’s VFL team before returning to the Lions in 2017.
31
Andrew Ainger
Andrew Ainger
Vermont, EFL
The former SANFL spearhead joins Brett Eddy and Jake Best in the best forward line in suburban football. Booted 39 goals last year and 45 in 2018, when he was best-afield in the grand final.
32
Jayden Post
Jayden Post
Altona, WRFL
Good judges rate the swingman the best player in the Western Region league. The 30-year-old returned to his junior club in 2013 after 30 AFL games over four seasons for Richmond and has caused myriad headaches for opposition teams in defence and attack.
33
Harry Hill
Harry Hill
Old Brighton, VAFA
VFL clubs regularly make contact with the quick and courageous midfielder, but his commitment is with the Tonners, where he is captain and leads by title and deed. Named in the 2018 and ’19 Premier teams of the year and highly respected on the amateur scene.
34
Matthew Dennis
Matthew Dennis
Bundoora, NFL
The three-time Frank Rosbrook Medallist is a force to be reckoned with and can lay claims to the title of premier ruckman in the NFL. Despite the Bulls winning just five games in 2019, he finished equal fifth in Rosbrook voting. He’s durable too, playing at least 14 games in all six of his seasons at Bundoora.
35
Dean Galea
Dean Galea
Keilor, EDFL
The prolific forward booted 101 goals for Keilor in 2016 and has booted 403 majors in 113 games for the Blues and Avondale Heights since calling time on his VFL career. Galea has been named in the competition’s Team of the Year for the past six seasons and been the leading goalkicker in Premier Division five times.
36
Jake Hammond
Jake Hammond
Blackburn, EFL
Another consistent goalkicker in a strong competition. Booted 54 goals last year, 59 in 2018 and 60 in 2017, helping the Burners into the top rungs of the ladder.
37
Adam Iacobucci
Adam Iacobucci
Strathmore, EDFL
Given Strathmore is a perennial finalist, the fact the star midfielder has won five club best-and-fairest awards underlines his consistency. The former Collingwood player seldom puts in a bad game and has earned Team-of-the-Year honours six times since joining the Mores in 2012.
38
Max Warren
Max Warren
South Croydon, EFL
The former North Melbourne player and 2017 Box Hill Hawks best and fairest crossed to the Bulldogs last year and was a standout player with his speed and snappy skills.
39
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart
Deer Park, WRFL
The big man has been a member of a remarkable 10 senior premierships (seven with Deer Park, two with Maribyrnong Park and one at North Heidelberg). Given he also spends plenty of time in the ruck, the fact Stewart has 103 goals to his name in the past two seasons shows the level of threat he poses to opposition clubs.
40
Josh Freezer
Josh Freezer
Old Melburnians, VAFA
One of the best tall defenders in community football, equally comfortable negating or creating. Gained selection in the past three VAFA Premier teams of the years. Mixed VAFA with the VFL for a time, playing well for Essendon.
41
Jackson Sketcher
Jackson Sketcher
Noble Park, EFL
Right-footer who likes to take the ball and surge forward, gobbling up ground. Won a Morrish Medal for Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup and played in the VFL and WAFL. Outstanding leader at his club too.
42
Nick Pavlou
Nick Pavlou
Old Brighton, VAFA
The prolific possession winner for the bayside club edged out Harry Hill for the Tonners’ best and fairest last year. He was also equal fourth in the Woodrow Medal and a pick for the team of the year. Was credited with 54 touches against St Kevin’s.
43
Chris Annakis
Chris Annakis
Doncaster, EFL
The EFL great didn’t have his best year in 2019, but two Premier league best and fairests (2017 and '18) and another in the second division in 2015 tell all about his talent as an onballer.
44
Matthew Watson
Matthew Watson
Pascoe Vale, EDFL
The nephew of Essendon premiership player Steve Alessio has given the Panthers wonderful service over the past two seasons, bagging 125 goals and stamping his mark on the competition with 73 in 2018. Watson played 23 AFL games for Carlton between 2011-2015.
45
David Iaccarino
David Iaccarino
Spotswood, WRFL
Iaccarino has a case for the mantle of the No.1 midfielder in the WRFL and while he has not won a league best-and-fairest, he was voted the competition’s MVP by the coaches in 2019. The Spotswood champion also spent time on Footscray and Port Melbourne’s VFL list.
46
Sam Gilmore
Sam Gilmore
Heidelberg, NFL
The reigning Division 1 coaches’ MVP and Rosbrook Medal runner-up has been a star since leaving Williamstown and making the full-time move to the Tigers. One of the premier ruckmen in the competition.
47
Nick Riddle
Nick Riddle
Greensborough, NFL
Undoubtedly one of the best defenders outside the AFL/VFL ranks. Riddle has been named at full-back in five straight NFL Division 1 Teams of the Year and won his second interleague best-on-ground medal as the NFL rose to the No.1 league in the AFL Victoria Community Championships last year.
48
Jake Best
Jake Best
Vermont, EFL
The slippery forward has kicked goals consistently and classily since joining the Eagles from VFL Casey, where he showed enough ability to tempt Hawthorn into drafting him. Like his great mate Brett Eddy, hails from Foster in South Gippsland.
49
Steve Kennedy
Steve Kennedy
Altona, WRFL
The classy ball-winner is hard to stop and assigning a tagger often isn’t enough. Kennedy has won league best-and-fairest medals in two competitions — the WRFL and Ballarat league — has claimed the Vikings top individual award three times, was a member of the club’s 2012 flag and spent two seasons on Werribee’s VFL list.
50
Daniel King
Daniel King
South Croydon, EFL
The onballer has won a string of best and fairests with the Bulldogs, the most recent in 2018, and counts as one of the Eastern league’s most consistent players of the past decade. Collected the 2013 Chandler Medal too. Has anyone ever slipped one of his tackles?
And in the lead-up, our football writers have taken on the tough task of ranking the top 50 players in Melbourne’s competitions.
But as is often the case when these exercises are done, the more pertinent question is — who didn’t make it?
Lucas Walmsley (Dingley, Southern league), Tim Jenkins (St Albans, Western Region), Chris Deluca (Port Melbourne Colts, Southern), Rennie Gilchrist (Caulfield Grammarians, VAFA), Mitch O’Donnell (Norwood, Eastern), Fabian Deluca (Greenvale, Essendon District), Justin White (Macleod, Northern), and Josh Toy (Aberfeldie, Essendon District) were among the many top-liners from the six metropolitan leagues (Eastern, VAFA, Essendon District, Northern, Western Region and Southern) who missed out.
To be frank, the task of squeezing it to 50 was a bit like trying to fit four elephants into a phone box.
There wasn’t room for everyone.
But, drum roll, please, this is who made the list:
1
Kyle Martin
Kyle Martin
Noble Park, EFL
Few will challenge the former Magpie’s standing at No.1. He’s won the best and fairest in 11 of his past 12 years of football, including two at Collingwood VFL and the past five with the Bulls. Consistency is at the core of the midfielder’s game. His running is relentless and his ball-winning ability is matchless.
2
Ayce Cordy
Ayce Cordy
University Blues, VAFA
The former Western Bulldogs big man has won the past two Woodrow medals as best and fairest in the strong VAFA Premier competition. Kicked 36 goals for Uni Blues last year and captained the side to a premiership.
3
Brett Eddy
Brett Eddy
Vermont, EFL
Gun forward who in his two years with the Eagles has figured in two premierships, had returns of 74 and 66 goals, and won the 2019 league medal. His hands are strong and his kicking is long. Played three AFL matches for Port Adelaide in 2017.
4
Viv Michie
Viv Michie
Collegians, VAFA
The midfielder joined Collegians in 2017 after playing 22 AFL games at Melbourne. Rarely out of the best players and has been named in the past two Premier teams of the year.
5
Mitch Honeychurch
Mitch Honeychurch
Vermont, EFL
The former Western Bulldogs midfielder returned to his junior club last year and was outstanding in a premiership team with stars on every line. Was runner-up in the best and fairest.
6
Tom Bell
Tom Bell
Greensborough, NFL
Arrived with plenty of fanfare and duly delivered in his first season in suburban football. The former Brisbane and Carlton midfielder claimed the NFL’s Frank Rosbrook Medal as the Division 1 league best-and-fairest and finished second in the Boro’s club champion count. Booted 23 goals in 19 games.
7
Jarrad Waite
Jarrad Waite
St Kevin’s, VAFA
The veteran former Carlton and North Melbourne forward arrived in the VAFA last year amid much hoopla and topped the competition goalkicking with 58 from 17 outings, including a bag of 11. Heads into the 2020 season at the age of 37 but still a daunting prospect for backmen.
8
Lachie Johns
Lachie Johns
Vermont, EFL
Captain of a powerhouse team and an onballer with the ability to kick match-turning goals. Had a VFL stint at Coburg and stepped up to the state league with aplomb.
9
Kwame McHarg
Kwame McHarg
Port Melbourne Colts, SFL
Dynamic midfielder and goalkicker who has crossed to Colts after seven honour-filled seasons with Deer Park in the Western Region league. Played in seven flags, won four best and fairests and one league medal with Deer Park. He'll dominate in the Southern league.
10
Kris Pendlebury
Kris Pendlebury
Balwyn, EFL
The Tigers have had some mighty players in the past decade but 'Kritter' probably stands as the best of them with his spectacular marking and dash out of defence. The former Collingwood VFL skipper is getting on in years but is still a formidable Eastern league player.
11
Mitch Brown
Mitch Brown
St Kevin’s, VAFA
VAFA watchers say it’s hard to remember the 94-game West Coast Eagle playing a bad game in his three years at St Kevin’s. Work restricted him to 10 games last year – 10 very good games – and prevented him from soaring to his 2018 heights, when he was the Coaches’ MVP and such an influential member of the premiership team.
12
Matt Jones
Matt Jones
South Croydon, EFL
One of the Eastern league’s best running players and he has been since returning to the Bulldogs in 2017 after playing 61 AFL games for Melbourne. Was a key figure in South’s stirring 2017 premiership. Getting on a bit – he’s 32. But he’s still getting to high standards.
13
Tom Schneider
Tom Schneider
Vermont, EFL
Part of the Eagles’ imposing midfield division, often getting Vermont going by winning the ball in close and pinging it out with a pickpocket’s hands. Took the medal as best-afield in last year’s grand final. Won a Box Hill Hawks best and fairest when he was on Hawthorn’s books.
14
Rohan Bewick
Rohan Bewick
Old Xaverians, VAFA
Joined Xavs last year and in 15 matches showed why he had played 103 AFL games for Brisbane. He had a lot of the ball, booted 26 goals and was named at half forward in the VAFA team of the year.
15
Cameron O’Shea
Cameron O’Shea
University Blues, VAFA
The former Port Adelaide and Carlton defender – he played 92 AFL matches – was an essential element to Blues’ rise to a premiership last year after switching from VFL club Northern Blues. A half back flanker in the 2019 VAFA Premier team of the year.
16
Chris Carey
Chris Carey
East Malvern, SFL
Playing more like a rover than a ruckman, the former Port Melbourne VFL big man polled a remarkable 39 votes to win the Southern league Division 1 medal last year. Will split his time between East and Sandringham VFL in 2020.
17
Sam Critchley
Sam Critchley
St Kevin’s, VAFA
Top-drawer defender highly rated for the way he reads the ball, swoops in for intercept marks and initiates attacks. A VAFA Premier team-of-the-year pick in 2017, ’18 and ’19.
18
Nick Wood
Nick Wood
St Kevin’s, VAFA
Highly skilled onballer with the fitness and strength to run as well in the fourth quarter as he did in the first. Captains the VAFA powerhouse and is the son of former league star Brian Wood.
19
Kane Barbuto
Kane Barbuto
Keilor, EDFL
The pre-eminent player in the strong Essendon District league captained Keilor to a premiership as part of an undefeated season in 2019, was best-afield in the decider and won the Reynolds Medal for the competition’s best-and-fairest player. The former Werribee-listed player is in his prime and attributes most of his success as a midfielder to coach Mick McGuane.
20
Gus Borthwick
Gus Borthwick
Old Melburnians, VAFA
Tough left-footer who would stick his head over the ball even if he ran the risk of having it lopped from his shoulders. After a worthy stint at Collingwood VFL he was a VAFA full-timer last year, won OM’s best and fairest from Tom Paule and was named in the centre in the team of the year.
21
Ahmed Saad
Ahmed Saad
West Preston-Lakeside, NFL
Spearheading the reigning back-to-back NFL Division 1 premier, Saad is one of the most dangerous forwards in suburban footy. The former Saint kicked 76 majors in 2019 to claim his second league goalkicking award in the last three years. Nigh on unstoppable on the lead and rarely misses.
22
Leigh Williams
Leigh Williams
Norwood, EFL
Supreme in the air and certain on the lead, the one-time Melbourne AFL rookie is one of suburban football’s great goalkickers and decorated players. His past six seasons have produced 408 goals. A champion of the EFL.
23
Charlie Haley
Charlie Haley
Balwyn, EFL
Small forward who with his bursts of brilliance can make a cold day at the football as warm and welcoming as an open fire. Kicked 61 goals from 20 games last year and was in the Eastern Premier team of the year.
24
Billy Kanakis
Billy Kanakis
St Kevin’s, VAFA
Classy mid-sized forward who attracted some AFL attention on the back of his outstanding 2018 season. Kicked 34 goals for Skobs last year and had seven appearances for the Footscray Bulldogs VFL side.
25
Sam Hibbins
Sam Hibbins
Collegians, VAFA
Tough 'inside' midfielder who has built a fine reputation for his contested ballwinning and non-stop running. Is also physically equipped to go forward and play as a tall target. Has made the past three teams of the year.
26
Adam Bentick
Adam Bentick
St Bernard’s, VAFA
The crafty midfielder joined the Snowdogs in 2013 after playing in the AFL (68 matches for Carlton) and VFL (for Port Melbourne). He’s won a slew of awards in the amateurs, including the 2015 Woodrow Medal. Bentick is 34, but was good enough last year to gain Premier team-of-the-year honours.
27
Chris Jones
Chris Jones
South Croydon, EFL
The ex-Box Hill Hawks big man played only 12 matches last year but was runner-up in his club’s best and fairest, behind Matt Jones, and was centre half back in the team of the year. His hands more swallow the ball than mark it.
28
Jake Williams
Jake Williams
De La Salle, VAFA
Dashing left-footer who counts as one of De La’s most decorated players, having won two Woodrow medals as the best player in VAFA Premier. Played worthy football in the VFL for Collingwood.
29
Anthony Brolic
Anthony Brolic
Rowville, EFL
Had a sterling VFL career at Box Hill Hawks, figuring in their 2018 premiership, and returned to Rowville last year. Superbly skilled, Brolic was ruck-rover in the EFL Premier team of the year after gaining 11 mentions in the best.
30
Lachie Ferguson
Lachie Ferguson
Collegians, VAFA
Speedy and dynamic small man who has been kicking goals and keeping the best Premier backman busy for a few years. Showed his quality by playing well for Collingwood’s VFL team before returning to the Lions in 2017.
31
Andrew Ainger
Andrew Ainger
Vermont, EFL
The former SANFL spearhead joins Brett Eddy and Jake Best in the best forward line in suburban football. Booted 39 goals last year and 45 in 2018, when he was best-afield in the grand final.
32
Jayden Post
Jayden Post
Altona, WRFL
Good judges rate the swingman the best player in the Western Region league. The 30-year-old returned to his junior club in 2013 after 30 AFL games over four seasons for Richmond and has caused myriad headaches for opposition teams in defence and attack.
33
Harry Hill
Harry Hill
Old Brighton, VAFA
VFL clubs regularly make contact with the quick and courageous midfielder, but his commitment is with the Tonners, where he is captain and leads by title and deed. Named in the 2018 and ’19 Premier teams of the year and highly respected on the amateur scene.
34
Matthew Dennis
Matthew Dennis
Bundoora, NFL
The three-time Frank Rosbrook Medallist is a force to be reckoned with and can lay claims to the title of premier ruckman in the NFL. Despite the Bulls winning just five games in 2019, he finished equal fifth in Rosbrook voting. He’s durable too, playing at least 14 games in all six of his seasons at Bundoora.
35
Dean Galea
Dean Galea
Keilor, EDFL
The prolific forward booted 101 goals for Keilor in 2016 and has booted 403 majors in 113 games for the Blues and Avondale Heights since calling time on his VFL career. Galea has been named in the competition’s Team of the Year for the past six seasons and been the leading goalkicker in Premier Division five times.
36
Jake Hammond
Jake Hammond
Blackburn, EFL
Another consistent goalkicker in a strong competition. Booted 54 goals last year, 59 in 2018 and 60 in 2017, helping the Burners into the top rungs of the ladder.
37
Adam Iacobucci
Adam Iacobucci
Strathmore, EDFL
Given Strathmore is a perennial finalist, the fact the star midfielder has won five club best-and-fairest awards underlines his consistency. The former Collingwood player seldom puts in a bad game and has earned Team-of-the-Year honours six times since joining the Mores in 2012.
38
Max Warren
Max Warren
South Croydon, EFL
The former North Melbourne player and 2017 Box Hill Hawks best and fairest crossed to the Bulldogs last year and was a standout player with his speed and snappy skills.
39
Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart
Deer Park, WRFL
The big man has been a member of a remarkable 10 senior premierships (seven with Deer Park, two with Maribyrnong Park and one at North Heidelberg). Given he also spends plenty of time in the ruck, the fact Stewart has 103 goals to his name in the past two seasons shows the level of threat he poses to opposition clubs.
40
Josh Freezer
Josh Freezer
Old Melburnians, VAFA
One of the best tall defenders in community football, equally comfortable negating or creating. Gained selection in the past three VAFA Premier teams of the years. Mixed VAFA with the VFL for a time, playing well for Essendon.
41
Jackson Sketcher
Jackson Sketcher
Noble Park, EFL
Right-footer who likes to take the ball and surge forward, gobbling up ground. Won a Morrish Medal for Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup and played in the VFL and WAFL. Outstanding leader at his club too.
42
Nick Pavlou
Nick Pavlou
Old Brighton, VAFA
The prolific possession winner for the bayside club edged out Harry Hill for the Tonners’ best and fairest last year. He was also equal fourth in the Woodrow Medal and a pick for the team of the year. Was credited with 54 touches against St Kevin’s.
43
Chris Annakis
Chris Annakis
Doncaster, EFL
The EFL great didn’t have his best year in 2019, but two Premier league best and fairests (2017 and '18) and another in the second division in 2015 tell all about his talent as an onballer.
44
Matthew Watson
Matthew Watson
Pascoe Vale, EDFL
The nephew of Essendon premiership player Steve Alessio has given the Panthers wonderful service over the past two seasons, bagging 125 goals and stamping his mark on the competition with 73 in 2018. Watson played 23 AFL games for Carlton between 2011-2015.
45
David Iaccarino
David Iaccarino
Spotswood, WRFL
Iaccarino has a case for the mantle of the No.1 midfielder in the WRFL and while he has not won a league best-and-fairest, he was voted the competition’s MVP by the coaches in 2019. The Spotswood champion also spent time on Footscray and Port Melbourne’s VFL list.
46
Sam Gilmore
Sam Gilmore
Heidelberg, NFL
The reigning Division 1 coaches’ MVP and Rosbrook Medal runner-up has been a star since leaving Williamstown and making the full-time move to the Tigers. One of the premier ruckmen in the competition.
47
Nick Riddle
Nick Riddle
Greensborough, NFL
Undoubtedly one of the best defenders outside the AFL/VFL ranks. Riddle has been named at full-back in five straight NFL Division 1 Teams of the Year and won his second interleague best-on-ground medal as the NFL rose to the No.1 league in the AFL Victoria Community Championships last year.
48
Jake Best
Jake Best
Vermont, EFL
The slippery forward has kicked goals consistently and classily since joining the Eagles from VFL Casey, where he showed enough ability to tempt Hawthorn into drafting him. Like his great mate Brett Eddy, hails from Foster in South Gippsland.
49
Steve Kennedy
Steve Kennedy
Altona, WRFL
The classy ball-winner is hard to stop and assigning a tagger often isn’t enough. Kennedy has won league best-and-fairest medals in two competitions — the WRFL and Ballarat league — has claimed the Vikings top individual award three times, was a member of the club’s 2012 flag and spent two seasons on Werribee’s VFL list.
50
Daniel King
Daniel King
South Croydon, EFL
The onballer has won a string of best and fairests with the Bulldogs, the most recent in 2018, and counts as one of the Eastern league’s most consistent players of the past decade. Collected the 2013 Chandler Medal too. Has anyone ever slipped one of his tackles?
For interests sake
6 Vermont
5 St Kevin’s
4 South Croydon
3 Collegians
2 Altona
2 Balwyn
2 Greensborough
2 Keilor
2 Noble Park
2 Old Brighton
2 Old Melburnians
2 University Blues
1 Blackburn
1 Bundoora
1 De La Salle
1 Deer Park
1 Doncaster
1 East Malvern
1 Heidelberg
1 Norwood
1 Old Xaverians
1 Pascoe Vale
1 Port Melbourne Colts
1 Rowville
1 Spotswood
1 St Bernard’s
1 Strathmore
1 West Preston-Lakeside
18 EFL
17 VAFA
5 NFL
4 EDFL
4 WRFL
2 SFL
6 Vermont
5 St Kevin’s
4 South Croydon
3 Collegians
2 Altona
2 Balwyn
2 Greensborough
2 Keilor
2 Noble Park
2 Old Brighton
2 Old Melburnians
2 University Blues
1 Blackburn
1 Bundoora
1 De La Salle
1 Deer Park
1 Doncaster
1 East Malvern
1 Heidelberg
1 Norwood
1 Old Xaverians
1 Pascoe Vale
1 Port Melbourne Colts
1 Rowville
1 Spotswood
1 St Bernard’s
1 Strathmore
1 West Preston-Lakeside
18 EFL
17 VAFA
5 NFL
4 EDFL
4 WRFL
2 SFL
- Apr 11, 2015
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- 5,011
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- Hawthorn
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- Cill Chainnigh
meat inspector
Senior List
does anyone know who the 3 Vermont players are that are supposedly playing for Corowa Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray if their season starts
- Apr 11, 2015
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No idea, haven't heard anything, but you would expect the 3 locals up there who are going to miss out will be very disappointed if it happens.
meat inspector
Senior List
exactly but the coach of that club couldn't give too hoots and he is spruiking they are playing for free the one player I did hear was Brett Eddy
- Apr 11, 2015
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I checked on the Big Footy OM season 2020 thread.
Plenty of rumours about Eddy from late last year saying he was going to Corowa Rutherglen, started by you strangely enough.
Plenty of rumours about Eddy from late last year saying he was going to Corowa Rutherglen, started by you strangely enough.
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meat inspector
Senior List
that was last year and it was good mail I was just wondering if he was on his way because efl is not playing
- Apr 11, 2015
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Why not try your impeccable source at Vermont again, he might be right this time.
- Apr 11, 2015
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No hope of him going to Corowa Rutherglen after last nights O&M vote.
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O&M, GV and Murray FL have all just cancelled officially.
- Apr 11, 2015
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Could be the Vermont coach!
Interesting he’s gone to Industrials. I would think a two-time Vermont premiership coach would attract very good offers.
Industrials took over a local pub and gaming venue last year so could be a club on the move.
Also, it looks like the whole WGFL is fairly keen to break away from AFL Gippsland due to ongoing issues. I believe AFL Outer East presented to the WGFL clubs recently with the clubs leaving very impressed.
Anyway, off topic!
Industrials took over a local pub and gaming venue last year so could be a club on the move.
Also, it looks like the whole WGFL is fairly keen to break away from AFL Gippsland due to ongoing issues. I believe AFL Outer East presented to the WGFL clubs recently with the clubs leaving very impressed.
Anyway, off topic!
Wear The Fox Hat
Senior List
Vermont are trying to lure former Gold Coast Suns assistant, and now Southport coach to the club.
Pretty successful where me he goes.
- Apr 12, 2006
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- Newcastle Utd, Miami Dolphins
