Local SA footy’s top 50 young guns of 2023 revealed
Local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions are packed with young talent so we’ve listed the top 50 gun prodigies aged 22 and under of season 2023. See who made the cut.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Local SA footy’s country and suburban competitions are packed with up and coming young talent and season 2023 was no exception.
After a thrilling year of action, we’ve drawn from a number of competitions across the state to list our top 50 players aged 22 and below of the season.
Here is our list in no particular order.
COOPER O’LEARY
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
A rising young star for Broadview in division one, O’Leary’s ability to impact the game on the ball or along the wing has been important for the Tigers.
The younger brother of club captain Jay O’Leary, 20-year-old Cooper is a great user of the ball and can also burn opponents with pace.
Had six best player nods and 13 goals in 18 games and was also tagged by multiple teams.
JOEL PARKER-BOERS
(Hahndorf, Hills Football League)
A star across halfback and in the middle, Parker-Boers has continued his development into one of Hahndorf’s starring players.
Calm and efficient with ball in hand, the 21-year-old Magpies star always finds time and space in possession and damages teams with his carry and his ability to hit the scoreboard.
Had nine best player nods and eight goals in 20 games this year.
HARRY TUNKIN
(Millicent, Western Border Football League)
A former young star with Prince Alfred College and Glenelg’s U18s side, Tunkin has been a standout since returning to his hometown club of Millicent.
A strong-bodied midfielder who loves doing the dirty work for his side, Tunkin can break a game open with his ability to win the contested footy and distribute to teammates.
Was best on ground for the Saints in this year’s WBFL grand final and had 10 best player mentions in his 13 games.
LACHIE THOMAS
(Jervois, River Murray Football League)
A versatile player who can play all over the ground, Thomas typically plays his best in midfielder/wing and half-forward roles, dominating with his elite distribution and accurate finishing for goal.
The youngster was one of the standouts for Jervois throughout the 2023 season as the club claimed another River Murray FL premiership.
Had 10 best player nods and 34 goals in 19 games and was the competition’s young player of the year.
TOM BUYN
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
A rising 19-year-old talent at Glenunga, Tom Buyn made his mark in one of the state’s top local sides this season.
Playing as a versatile forward and midfielder, Buyn booted 19 goals in 19 games and was named among the Rams’ best players three times.
ARCHER PERTZEL
(Marble Range, Port Lincoln Football League)
The winner of the Port Lincoln FL U17.5 medal last season, midfielder Archer Pertzel produced another promising year with Marble Range.
A skilled player with high potential through the middle, Pertzel played association footy this season and also for Norwood’s U18s.
Had three best player nods and nine goals for the Magpies.
CODY TAPE
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
A 20-year-old emerging talent out of Norwood’s youth program, Tape featured regularly for the Gullies’ senior side this year.
The damaging forward who can also play along the wing impressed throughout the season for TTG, tallying three best player nods and nine goals in his 19 games.
He was one of his side’s best in the losing preliminary final against Prince Alfred OC.
COOPER PROMNITZ
(Proprietary/Risdon, Spencer Gulf Football League)
One of the most promising young stars in the Spencer Gulf, Promnitz was a major part of Proprietary/Risdon’s premiership this year.
A great distributor of the footy, Promnitz is an agile player who brings a reliable field kick to the side and makes quick decisions.
The 20-year-old had 12 best player appearances and four goals in 19 games.
HENRY MCAULIFFE
(Sacred Heart OC, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented small forward and mid in his early 20s, McAuliffe was a standout for Hearts in division two last season and had an impact in division one this year.
Booted 13 goals in 18 games this year and held down a regular spot in the club’s side for finals.
MITCHELL SIMS
(South Gambier, Western Border Football League)
A clever forward who can also rotate through the middle, Sims has been one of the best young goal sneaks and distributors in the WBFL.
Booted 15 majors in 14 games this season.
The 20-year-old was also named among South Gambier’s best 12 times.
DANIEL MARR
(McLaren, Great Southern Football League)
A fast-rising star in his early 20s, Marr was dominant alongside GSFL champion Brett Ellis in McLaren’s midfield this season.
He performed consistently through the middle and also rotated up front to kick nine goals and tally five best player performances in 17 games, including a standout display in the grand final win over Willunga.
AIDAN MUDGE
(Kapunda, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA)
A versatile asset who can dominate a game across the backline or through the middle.
Mudge is only 20 years old but has the ability to impact a game in a number of ways and has become one of Kapunda’s top prospects.
Had 12 best player nods in 16 games for his side.
JAMES HIGGINS
(St Peter’s OC, Adelaide Footy League)
20-year-old midfielder who works hard in the contest and can hit the scoreboard, Higgins produced a big year at Saints after time with the reserves in 2022.
A former Norwood junior, Higgins gave SPOC fans a glimpse of what the future could hold for the club with a number of elite displays in the contest and with his ball delivery.
Had 11 best player mentions and 20 goals in 17 games.
MAX WAGNER
(Payneham Norwood Union, Adelaide Footy League)
A gun off of half-back for the Falcon this year.
Wagner’s ability to cut off a number of attacks and hurt opposition on the rebound through top drawer disposal makes him one of his club’s most dangerous young players.
Had four best player nods through 20 senior games this year.
ETHAN DORTMUNDT-SANSBURY
(CMS Crows, Yorke Peninsula Football League)
Teenager Dortmundt-Sansbury had an exceptional season for CMS Crows in 2022, taking out the Senior Colts medal after dominating at U17s and reserves level in the YPFL and followed it up this year with an even better display.
A talented midfielder who can also play up front, Dortmundt-Sansbury is clean by hand and foot and can also set up teammates or boot goals for himself.
Had seven best player appearances and 16 goals in 16 games.
BILLY HAEBICH
(Tasman, Port Lincoln Football League)
One of the most promising young players in local SA footy, Haebich won both the PLFL U19 award and Mail Medal last season and produced another brilliant campaign this year.
Haebich was brilliant through the middle – the club captain’s run and carry as well as composed ball use makes him one of the most dangerous players in the competition.
The 20-year-old, also one to watch for Norwood, was named the league’s best U21 player with nine best player nods in 17 games.
FLETCHER WISMAN
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
In his early 20s, the Glenunga forward can also play through the middle and was a consistent member of the club’s A Grade team this year.
Wisman had three best player nods and kicked 11 goals in 19 games for the Rams.
LACHLAN MAY
(Nairne Bremer, Hills Football League)
The 21-year-old defender emerged as a star for Nairne Bremer in its surprise premiership run this season.
May is a tall and strong backman who can take multiple big marks a game, distributes well and locks down some of the HFL’s top forwards.
Had 12 best player nods in 20 games for the Rams.
BLAKE MARSDEN
(Central Gawler, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA)
Last season’s BLG Rookie of the Year, Gawler Central’s Marsden proved to be a force in the middle and behind the ball again this year.
The teenager is consistently hard at the footy for the Tigers and does a lot of the gritty work on the ball.
Had five best player performances through his 17 games.
JARMAN SIGAL
(Brighton, Adelaide Footy League)
The 21-year-old defender has been dominant for Brighton for multiple years now and was a standout for the Bombers yet again this season.
One of the Bombers’ most consistent performers, Sigal is capable of doing a job on any forward and is a great user of the ball off of the backline.
Had six best player nods through 15 appearances for his club and also represented Adelaide in the SANFL finals.
JAKE SPINKS
(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern Football League)
Spinks won a club best and fairest at Myponga-Sellicks aged just 20 and has developed into one of the most reliable midfielder/forwards in the GSFL as a 22-year-old this year.
A skilful player on the ball who can move up front to take strong marks and kick goals, Spinks booted 40 goals and was among the Mudlarks’ best eight times in 20 games this season.
CHARLIE PRIDHAM
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented winger who has come through both the West Adelaide and Goodwood Saints systems, Pridham produced a strong 2023 campaign.
A tough player who wins his own footy, provides important run and carry and finds teammates in space.
Had four best player performances in 17 games for the Saints.
KANE FLANAGAN
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
Flanagan had an exceptional 2022 season for Broadview and produced another strong year for the Tigers in division one.
A young defender who can do a job on most forwards and is as strong as anyone in the air, Flanagan was one of the rocks at the back who nearly led the Tigers to an unlikely div one finals campaign.
Had three best player performances in 13 games and was Broadview’s most effective contested ball-winning player.
LACHIE ARNOLD
(South Gawler, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA)
A young ruckman making his way as one of the premier bigs in the BLG competition, Arnold was integral to the Lions’ premiership success this season.
A hard worker who takes big grabs and also sets midfielders up with consistent tap work.
Had 11 best player nods and 11 goals in 19 games for South Gawler.
BAILEY PILMORE
(Aldinga, Southern Football League)
The 19-year-old mid was the SFL’s standout youngster in season 2023 and also made Southern Districts’ SA Country Championships side.
A tireless worker in the contest who finds plenty of the footy and can either distribute or hit the scoreboard efficiently.
Had 10 best player nods and 13 goals in 16 games.
JAYDEN DAVIS
(Prince Alfred OC, Adelaide Footy League)
The star 20-year-old emerged as one of the top forwards in division one of the Adelaide Footy League this season.
A talented key target who can burn defenders with smart leads and finish well in front of goal, Davis booted 60 goals in 22 games to lead the competition during PAOC’s premiership season.
KEYNAN HARRADINE
(Rambler, River Murray Football League)
The winner of the 2022 RMFL best under 21 player award, Harradine had another strong season for Ramblers in 2023.
The explosive midfielder and forward can rip a game apart on his day with excellent skills and a cool head.
Tallied four best player nods and 12 goals in 12 games this year.
HARLEE CHANDLER
(Western United, Western Eyre Football League)
Following a strong season for Western United last year, Harlee Chandler took his game to another level in 2023.
One of the most promising young players in local SA footy, the 20-year-old is versatile enough to play in any line and boasts brilliant aerial ability.
Can also move up the ground and bag goals, with 41 majors to go along with eight best player performances in 14 games.
Was also a standout in the SA Country Championships and made the state country side which took on WA.
WILL RIDDLE
(Hope Valley, Adelaide Footy League)
A star ruck for Hope Valley in division three this season, Riddle was one of his side’s most important players through 2023.
Consistently gives the Demons first use out of the middle and can also have a big impact around the ground with strong marking ability and reliable distribution.
Had 10 best player nods in 14 games.
BLAKE NEWSHAM
(South Whyalla, Whyalla Football League)
The 20-year-old onballer was a standout in the WFL this season.
Newsham has the ability to hit the contest hard and win his own contested footy and also boasts consistent distribution around the ground.
Had 11 best player nods in 16 games.
TULLY KENNETT
(Glenunga, Adelaide Footy League)
Kennett played 20 games through the midfield for Glenunga this season as it came agonisingly close to claiming a division one flag.
A hard worker in the contest who covers ground well and uses the footy efficiently.
Had three best player performances and seven goals in 20 games.
ARYAN SAREEN
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
The 21-year-old half-back produced consistent footy through his first full year at Goodwood’s senior level.
Sareen showed explosiveness and efficiency off of half-back and through the midfield for the Saints and also kicked six goals.
Had three best player performances in 15 appearances.
CONNOR SAMPSON
(Myponga-Sellicks, Great Southern Football League)
The younger brother of South Adelaide gun Hayden Sampson, Connor Sampson has quickly established himself as a key youngster at Myponga-Sellicks.
A winger with electric pace and smart disposal, Sampson spent time with South Adelaide last season and took his game to another level for the Mudlarks in 2023 as a result.
Had eight goals and four best player nods in 18 games.
BLAKE DODSON
(Payneham Norwood Union, Adelaide Footy League)
A promising key defender prospect for PNU, Dodson had a strong season under coach Jeremy Cini.
The 21-year-old competes endlessly in the air and at ground level to shut down forwards and is composed under pressure at the back.
Had eight best player nods in 20 games this year.
CODY GILCHRIST
(South Gawler, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA)
An exciting tall forward for South Gawler, Gilchrist will be one to watch in the BLGFA for years to come.
Standing at six feet and six inches tall, Gilchrist has returned to the Lions after playing a couple years of underage footy at Central District in the SANFL.
A major marking threat and a reliable kick for goal, Gilchrist had 35 majors in 19 games as well as five best player nods.
JACK SULLIVAN
(Barmera Monash, Riverland Football League)
The 19-year-old midfielder was the best youngster in the RFL this season and a major factor in his side’s upset premiership over Renmark.
A tireless worker on the ball who finds plenty of the footy and distributes with ease under pressure to set up teammates.
Had 11 best player nods in 13 games and was a standout in the grand final.
RILEY VERRALL
(Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented defender who has come through Norwood’s reserves and U18s system, Verrall had a solid season with TTG in division one.
The 19-year-old was dominant for the Redlegs U18s last season and continued his momentum to be picked regularly in the Gullies’ A Grade side.
A strong and athletic player, Verrall stood up against some of the competition’s best players.
COOPER LLEWELYN
(Ports, Eastern Eyre Football League)
The 2022 EEFL Mail Medallist, Llewelyn was at his best again for Ports this season.
The 20-year-old midfielder is a machine in the contest, attacking the footy relentlessly to win key possessions and deal to his teammates with ease.
Also a natural leader on the field, Llewelyn can get his side out of a dangerous situation with composure and the ability to boot goals.
Had30 majors and seven best player performances in 14 games and was also an SA Country Championships player.
ASHER MILLER-PICKETT
(Mallee Park, Port Lincoln Football League)
Only 18 years old, Miller-Pickett won this season’s PLFL young player of the year after a strong campaign with Mallee Park.
A skilled and versatile player, the Port Lincoln young gun is a ball magnet, boasts damaging pace and uses the ball well.
BEN BELPERIO
(St Peter’s OC, Adelaide Footy League)
Originally a Walkerville junior who spent time in Norwood’s underage system, Belperio has started to make a name for himself in SPOC’s midfield.
A tough and tireless mid who is now entering his early 20s, Saints are excited by what Belperio can bring into the future for the club and he rewarded the club’s trust with a number of strong performances in the contest.
Had four best player nods through his 18 appearances.
JOEL HOLLOWAY
(Willaston, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA)
A young midfielder who arrived from Virginia in the pre-season, Holloway has emerged as one of the BLGFA’s most effective players.
Regularly finds plenty of the footy each week and either hits teammates in a better position or racks up clearances.
Holloway had 11 best player mentions in 15 games as well as nine goals.
JESSE LANDERS
(Hahndorf, Hills Football League)
Landers joined Hahndorf after a strong 2022 season with Uraidla Districts in which he tallied eight goals and four best player nods from the ruck.
The 22-year-old was an important asset for the Magpies as they went close to yet another premiership this season.
Had six best player mentions and 12 goals through 18 games.
SAM LAWRIE
(McLaren, Great Southern Football League)
A versatile tall who can play around the ground and have an impact, Lawrie was a standout for the Eagles yet again this season.
One of the competition’s most competitive rucks, Lawrie sets up McLaren’s stacked midfield with elite tap work and can also play up front or behind the footy.
Had 12 best player appearances in 20 games.
KADE VARCOE
(Millicent, Western Border Football League)
A rising young gun for Millicent, 20-year-old Varcoe has had one of his best years yet for the Saints.
A member of this season’s SA Country team, Varcoe covers ground as well as anyone and has the ability to finish with composure in front of goal.
Kicked 10 goals for Millicent and was among the side’s best five times in 13 games.
CHARLIE MCARTHUR
(Goodwood, Adelaide Footy League)
A versatile asset who can play up front or along the wing.
McArthur is a tireless worker who always provides a strong option with reliable marking ability, distribution and finishing in front of goal.
Had 24 goals and three best player performances in 20 games.
HARRY WUTKE
(Kapunda, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA)
One of the Bombers’ best this year, Wutke has shown his high potential at only 20 years old.
Consistently among Kapunda’s best players, Wutke can damage opposition as a speedy and hardworking winger or as a courageous mid.
Had 10 best player mentions in 16 games.
KALLAN BEVAN
(Mt Burr, Mid South Eastern FL)
The winner of the MSEFL’s young player of the year this season.
Bevan played seven games for Mt Burr’s A Grade at just 1y7 years old this season, tallying 17 goals and five best player nods in the process through brilliant aerial and finishing work up front.
Also played SA Country Championships.
BROCK THOMSON
(Paskeville, Yorke Peninsula FL)
Named as the YPFL’s best player under 21 this season, Thomson’s work through the middle for Paskeville made him a standout.
A strong and athletic player, Thomson is a ball magnet who distributes as well as anyone.
Had 10 best player nods in 13 games for his club and kicked six goals.
JAXZEN WILSON
(Broadview, Adelaide Footy League)
A talented half-back for the Tigers this season, Wilson has emerged as one of the Adelaide Footy League’s top prospects.
Capable of damaging opposition with run and carry and accurate distribution, while also taking big marks.
Had six best player mentions in 18 games.
TERRENCE WILFRED
(Nuriootpa, Barossa, Light and Gawler FA)
A star winger in his early 20s, Wilfred was a standout in the BLG yet again this season.
A young player with plenty of upside who is one of the competition’s quickest players and has a raking left boot.
Had 13 goals in 17 games as well as four best player nods.
Watch now: SANFL Girls Intrastate Carnival, Day 2
North will be looking to continue a dominant start as Sturt, West and the Eagles are also in action on day two of the SANFL Girls Intrastate Carnival. Watch LIVE from 10.30am Wednesday.
Read more
Revealed: Top SACA Premier Cricket players to watch in 2024/2025
From new recruits to rising stars and champions of the competition – we’ve picked the men’s and women’s players to watch this SACA Premier Cricket season. See who made the cut.
Read more