Adelaide Footy League Division Two top 50 players of 2023 ranked
Who are the emerging stars in Division Two of the Adelaide Footy League? We’ve ranked the competition’s top 50 players this season.
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Division two of the Adelaide Footy League has featured some of the SA’s top local footy talent for many years and 2023 has been no exception.
Based on this season’s form, we’ve ranked division two’s top 50 players of 2023.
League leader Golden Grove had seven players listed, while Athelstone, Payneham Norwood Union, PHOS Camden and Salisbury North were also well-represented.
Players who have made less than six appearances were ruled ineligible.
50. PATRICK HILLARD
(Henley)
The former Central District player has been a positive for the Sharks so far this season.
Relentless in the contest and composed under pressure, Hillard has been among Henley’s best six times this season.
Also has three goals from the middle in his 13 games.
49. BRETT ANCELL
(Payneham Norwood Union)
A major threat up front and through the middle for the Falcons.
Ancell provides endless run through four quarters each week and uses the ball efficiently to either create for himself or teammates.
Has 14 goals and six best player mentions in 13 games.
48. MARK ROWE
(North Haven)
North Haven’s captain remains one of the best in division two despite a challenging year for his club.
Rowe leads vocally and through his attack at the contest for the Magpies, winning plenty of contested footy and dealing to teammates efficiently.
Has four goals and three best player nods in nine games.
47. STEVEN WELLINGTON
(Salisbury North)
] Wellington’s influence has been on display for Salisbury North yet again this year.
A target forward for the Hawks, Wellington has the ability to take a game over up front.
Has 20 goals and four best player nods in 14 games.
46. LINDSAY THOMAS
(North Haven)
The former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide star joined North Haven from Portland in the pre-season and has been one of his side’s standouts despite a slow start to the season.
A skilled and exciting forward with the ability to take big marks and kick goals from anywhere.
Thomas has 12 majors and two best player nods in seven games.
45. ALEX DAVIES
(Athelstone)
An important player for Athelstone up front and around the ground.
Davies is always active for the Raggies, applying strong pressure to opponents and winning the ball to either deal to teammates or hit the scoreboard.
Has 21 goals and five best player nods in his 12 games.
44. JAMIE JONES
(Salisbury North)
An important player for Central District at reserves level last year, Jones has been a boost for Salisbury North this season.
Jones can have an impact at the back or in the contest, using his strong attack on the footy and consistent distribution to damage sides.
Has five best player nods in his nine games so far.
43. MATT TUCK
(Edwardstown)
Arriving from Blackwood in the pre-season, Tuck has provided some impressive footy through the middle.
One of the hardest runners in the competition and a reliable distributor under pressure.
Tuck has five best player appearances and seven goals in 12 games.
42. DYLAN WALL
(Golden Grove)
A young gun for Golden Grove who has performed consistently against some of the division’s best sides.
Wall is a versatile player who can slit in across the forwardline or do important work in the contest.
The former Central District player has four best player performances and seven goals in 14 games.
41. BEN ADAMS
(Adelaide Uni)
Adams returned to the Blacks from Blackwood in the pre-season and has taken on the vice captaincy this year.
The former club best and fairest is a hard runner and courageous mid with great skills on either side of his body.
Has three best player appearances in eight games so far.
40. JAKE WILLIAMS
(North Haven)
North Haven’s standout player so far this season, Williams has been important in the contest for the Magpies.
A tireless worker who loves competing for the footy and applying pressure.
Has nine best player nods and three goals in 14 games.
39. TOM MCCORMACK
(Rostrevor OC)
A consistent and creative forward for Rostrevor, McCormack has hit form at just the right time this year.
Skilled around goal and able to set up teammates with clever disposal, McCormack has been among his side’s best five times, and three times in the last three weeks.
Has 30 goals in 14 games, booting four against Golden Grove just last week.
38. LUCA STEPIC
(Athelstone)
Stepic has backed up his strong 2022 season for Athelstone with another standout year in 2023.
The Raggies forward currently sits second in the competition for goals, beating defenders with smart leads and safe hands.
Has 35 goals and three best player mentions in 14 games.
37. JOSH HOLYOAK
(Edwardstown)
A standout for Edwardstown through the 2023 season so far, Holyoak has emerged as one of division two’s best.
Holyoak is a star mid for Towns who hits the contest hard and has no problem finishing in front of goal when needed.
Has 10 goals and six best player nods in 13 games.
36. JAKE JOHANSEN
(Salisbury North)
With 32 goals to his name in 10 games so far, Johansen remains as important as ever for Salisbury North.
The Hawks frontman competes hard through four quarters in the forwardline, winning plenty of his own ball at ground level and taking big grabs.
Has three best player nods through his 10 games.
35. JACK O’LEARY
(Payneham Norwood Union)
O’Leary has developed seamlessly during his time at PNU and continues to impress in division two.
The key defender rarely gets beaten one-on-one and has done a job on some of the competition’s best forwards so far, using his ability to read the play to beat forwards.
Has four best player performances in his 12 games so far.
34. JAMES BUTTERWORTH
(Rostrevor OC)
A consistent player for ROC through a number of years, Butterworth is having his best season yet for the club.
The versatile mid and backman can slot in to a number of positions and hurt opposition with smart distribution and relentless attack at the footy.
Has nine best player mentions in his 12 games so far.
33. WILL PAPATOLIS
(PHOS Camden)
Brother of star Phantoms player Henry Papatolis, Will has also been one of his club’s most important players this year.
A consistent and athletic player who not only has an impact on the ball but has also been dangerous in front of goal.
Has 22 majors and five best player nods in 14 games.
32. JACK PILLION
(Henley)
One of Henley’s most impactful players this season, Pillion has put a fantastic run of games together through the past two months.
Among the Sharks’ best in six of his last seven games, Pillion remains an important and skilled presence in his side’s midfield and backline.
Has seven best player nods and a goal in 12 games.
31. HARRISON VINEY
(Payneham Norwood Union)
Playing in his second season back with PNU after arriving from Lobethal, Viney has established himself as a standout forward in the competition.
A skilled and smart player up front who presents a reliable option and creates well for others.
Has 25 goals and three best player nods in 14 games and is coming off of a standout six-goal display against Athelstone.
30. TOM PEARCE
(PHOS Camden)
One of PHOS Camden’s most dangerous players through 2023 so far.
A hard-running player along the flanks and through the middle, Pearce has no issue winning his own ball and delivering to teammates with great accuracy.
Has eight best player mentions and three goals in 12 games.
29. MICHAEL CAVALLARO
(Golden Grove)
Committing to Golden Grove at the end of last year after time with the Norwood reserves, Cavallaro’s impact in the contest and up front has been substantial.
A talented player who can slot in through the middle or move up front, Cavallaro damages opposition with smart and efficient ball use.
Has five best player nods and 18 goals in 14 games.
28. JACK WOOD
(Athelstone)
A hard worker for the Raggies who provides security behind and on the ball.
Wood brings a courageous approach to the game for Athelstone and runs all day, often setting forwards up with accurate disposal.
Has six best player mentions and six goals in 12 games.
27. CHARLES KEMP
(Rostrevor OC)
Kemp has been a major boost for ROC since arriving after time with the Norwood reserves in 2022.
A rising star for his club, Kemp is a consistent contributor through the middle and up front who boasts impressive hand and foot skills.
Has been in ROC’s best through eight straight weeks and also has 10 goals.
26. TOM PILLION
(Henley)
A star forward for the Sharks, Pillion has been a standout this season.
Pillion has a high work rate and is one of the best forwards to watch in division two with his ability to crash packs in the air or work cleanly off of the deck.
Has eight best player nods and 29 goals through his 14 games.
25. MITCHELL MARINI
(Adelaide Uni)
Adelaide Uni’s captain has been a standout yet again this season and should finish the year strong for the Blacks as they aim to avoid relegation.
A versatile player who can have an impact up front with smarts around the goal or influence the game in the contest.
Has 21 majors and six best player nods in 14 games.
24. LUKE RANDER
(Athelstone)
Raggies skipper Luke Rander has been integral to his team’s success, leading from the front each week.
The former Redleg has kicked 21 goals from 12 games so far this year and is Athelstone’s inspirational leader, dominating in the air.
Also has three best player nods so far.
23. LUKE BARMBY
(Golden Grove)
Golden Grove’s playing-coach has been impactful for the Kookaburras yet again this season and continues to lead his side at the top of the ladder.
Barmby provides a veteran presence in the contest and has no problem getting his hands dirty for his teammates, often winning important possessions and dealing with precision.
Has three best player nods and two goals in seven games.
22. JACOB RUSSO
(Salisbury North)
The Hawks have been much improved this season and much of their success has been due to the performances of Russo in ruck.
A skilled big man with the ability to service his mids with strong tap-work and also take big marks and push forward.
Has four best player nods and a goal in nine games so far.
21. FINN BETTERMAN
(PHOS Camden)
PHOS Camden’s captain has been at the top of his game so far this season and has led his side on a strong finals charge.
An aggressive player who applies strong tackle pressure in the contest, Betterman does a lot of the dirty work for his side and often leads by example.
Has four best player mentions and six goals in nine games.
20. KANE NURTON
(Athelstone)
Nurton has improved significantly on his output for Athelstone last season and sits among division two’s best players as a result.
A hardworking player in the contest who makes great decisions under pressure and can also kick goals.
Has nine best player nods and six majors in 12 games.
19. TIM BROADBENT
(Henley)
In Broadbent, the Sharks have a skilful and reliable option out of the back half.
He has been in especially good form this season, damaging a number of sides with intercept marking ability and accurate distribution for teammates.
Has eight best player nods and a goal in his 13 games.
18. DECLAN GRANT
(PHOS Camden)
Division two’s top goalkicker so far in 2023, Grant remains integral to the Phantoms’ success.
A crafty player up front who leads well and can take multiple strong marks each week, Grant has been among PHOS Camden’s best six times in his 14 games.
Has 37 goals in the competition so far.
17. LIAM DAVIS
(Payneham Norwood Union)
One of the best key forwards in division two, Davis has had a major influence for PNU and is a big reason why the club looks set for a grand final push.
A powerful and athletic player who works hard off the ball and is strong and smart on the lead, Davis can either boot goals himself or free up other forwards for the Falcons.
Has 28 goals and five best player mentions in 13 games so far.
16. RYAN LYMN
(Rostrevor OC)
An important player for ROC last season, Lymn has taken his game to another level in 2023.
Lymn covers ground exceptionally well, always providing an option for defenders and forwards as a hard working midfielder.
Can also impact the scoreboard and create opportunities for teammates with strong distribution and has tallied seven goals and 10 best player nods so far this year.
15. MICHAEL VIRGIN
(PHOS Camden)
The Glenelg premiership player has had a significant impact at PHOS Camden since joining in the pre-season.
A skilled and versatile onballer who makes his presence felt for the Phantoms and is one of the most accurate kicks in the competition.
Has four best player performances through 11 games so far.
14. DOMENIC COSTANZO
(Salisbury North)
One of Salisbury North’s most impactful players this season, Costanzo will play an important part in the run home as the Hawks continue to fight for finals.
The former Central District player has been a key cog in his side’s midfield, fighting hard in the contest and dealing to teammates with precision.
Has nine goals and 11 best player nods in his 14 games so far.
13. STEFAN JANKEWICZ
(Adelaide Uni)
A star player through the Blacks across the backline and in the contest, Jankewicz has had another strong year in the Adelaide Footy League.
Jankewicz consistently wins contests in the air and at ground level for Adelaide Uni at the back and also provides important run and carry and excellent ball use.
Has been among the club’s best in 10 of his 12 games.
12. LEWIS JOHNSTON
(Golden Grove)
Capable of doing a job in multiple roles for Golden Grove, Johnston has been one of the standouts of div two this season.
The former Adelaide and Norwood player has a great feel for the game and a high footy IQ, often controlling games behind the ball and also slotting in through the middle.
Has four best player performances and three goals through 12 games so far.
11. LOGAN HILL
(Edwardstown)
Joining Edwardstown in the pre-season after a strong career with West Adelaide during which he won a club best and fairest, Hill has been a star contributor for his new club.
A star midfielder who can win plenty of the footy in the contest or provide strong run and carry, Hill has missed some games this season but has returned in top form and should be important in the run home.
Has four best player nods in eight appearances.
10. JOSH SCHILLER
(Edwardstown)
Schiller has been a machine for Towns since joining from West Adelaide and just edges out teammate Logan Hill.
Can play anywhere around the ground and can occasionally have an impact up front with his ability to take big marks and finish in front of goal.
Schiller has eight best player mentions and seven goals in 14 games.
9. JAKE PITMAN
(Golden Grove)
Last year’s division three medallist, former Norwood gun Pitman has played at a high level yet again for the Kookaburras this season.
A ball magnet who is an efficient user and loves getting up the ground to hit the scoreboard for the Kookaburras.
Pitman has 15 majors and eight best player nods in 14 games so far this season.
8. JORDAN O’BRIEN
(Salisbury North)
Salisbury North captain Jordan O’Brien remains a standout inside player in division two.
The Hawks star and former Central District player is an athletic and skilled asset who covers ground as well as anyone in the competition and can find teammates anywhere around the ground with efficient disposal.
Nine best player nods and six goals in 14 games.
7. TOM WAGNER
(Payneham Norwood Union)
Arriving at PNU after time with Norwood, Wagner has played a significant part in the Falcons’ strong run this year.
Capable of playing up front or through the midfield, Wagner’s skill and versatility makes him one of the most dangerous players in division two.
Wagner has 10 best player nods and nine goals in 14 games.
6. AARON ANDERSON
(Edwardstown)
Playing his second year with Edwardstown, West Adelaide premiership player Anderson has been at his best for his newly-promoted side.
The powerful midfielder is one of the hardest to quell in the contest, attacking the footy relentlessly and exploding from congestion to find teammates and create goalscoring opportunities.
Has nine best player mentions and eight goals in 14 games.
5. CAM SHENTON
(Golden Grove)
A star during Golden Grove’s undefeated premiership run last season, Shenton has been at the forefront of the Kookaburras’ promotion push this year.
The former St Kilda and Norwood player can play a number of roles around the ground whether it is in the contest or behind the ball, dominating in the air and influencing each game with his disposal.
Has five best player performances and three goals in his 13 games.
4. JED SPENCE
(Payneham Norwood Union)
Joining PNU after playing for Norwood’s SANFL League side last season, Spence has been a major standout in the midfield.
Extremely skilled by hand and foot, Spence applies consistent tackle pressure in the contest and creates for his teammates effortlessly with ball in hand and has displayed his importance for PNU despite only playing eight games so far.
Can also hit the scoreboard with seven goals and five best player mentions.
3. MITCH GRIGG
(Athelstone)
Signing with his junior club after a starring season for Lobethal, the former Norwood star and Adelaide Crow has been a workhorse for the Raggies.
A tough inside player who covers the ground well and damages opposition with his accurate left boot, Grigg’s skills and leadership have helped to make Athelstone a contender in 2023.
Has eight best player nods and 11 goals in 14 games.
2. HENRY PAPATOLIS
(PHOS Camden)
A reigning dual Keith Sims OAM (division two) Medallist, Papatolis has been at his best again for PHOS Camden this year.
A hardworking and athletic midfielder who is relentless in the contest, Papatolis wins plenty of the ball for the Phantoms and distributes as well as anyone while also hitting the scoreboard consistently.
Has 10 best player appearances and 12 goals through 13 games so far.
1. JOSH GLENN
(Golden Grove)
The former Gold Coast and Norwood gun has been a star recruit for Golden Grove during another fantastic season for the club.
A strong and athletic player who can impact the game through the middle or play as a dangerous forward, Glenn’s ability to win aerial and ground contests and either deal to teammates or hit the scoreboard makes him an elite player.
Has 27 goals and seven best player nods through 14 games so far.
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