Nathan Schulz, Michael Mazey among top 10 Southern Football League players for 2020
The Southern Football League’s top two sides will clash in the grand final this Saturday – but who are the best players in the SFL? We’ve tackled that tough question and named the top 10 from 2020.
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The 2020 Southern Football League grand final is just days away as this year’s top two sides – Flagstaff Hill and Noarlunga – get set to do battle.
With the decider looming, Messenger sport reporter Gordon Armstrong has listed his best 10 players this year.
The list was formulated with input from coaches and other SFL identities – but the final call was Armstrong’s.
Let us know what you think.
#1 NATHAN SCHULZ
(Noarlunga)
A key member of the Shoes for at least a decade, ultra-consistent Noarlunga big man Nathan Schulz has excelled again this year to help his side to a second-straight grand final appearance.
Schulz’s rock solid form has been a key factor in the Shoes’ season, doing a power of work in the ruck.
It is a testament to his ability and Noarlunga, which started a bit behind the eight-ball when the club originally decided not to field an A-grade team in the revamped competition before reversing its decision.
Schulz has stood up in the big games this season and will likely be a key factor in the grand final.
#2 MICHAEL MAZEY
(Christies Beach)
A Mail Medallist always deserves a high ranking and 2020 league best and fairest Michael Mazey is no exception.
In a team with plenty of depth, the Christies Beach gun has still managed to be a shining light and took out the individual honour on Monday night.
Mazey polled 10 votes top the count and kept opposition teams guessing with some outstanding team play this season.
The win was no surprise, given he was named in the Saints’ best players in 10 of 11 matches so far this season.
#3 JACOB CRATE
(Christies Beach)
After shedding co-coaching duties Jacob Crate has taken to his new position this season as just senior player with ease.
Playing a key part in the Saints’ good form Crate has excelled, providing plenty of experience to the younger players and steadying the ship when needed.
Rarely in the best players last season but as co-coach Crate had a big say in not putting his name forward much.
He was a vital cog in the Saints’ flag hopes, before their preliminary final loss.
#4 BRAD KIRK
(Flagstaff Hill)
Flagstaff Hill warrior Brad Kirk with undoubtedly be at the centre of his side’s aim of making it five flags in a row.
A cool head and a vital cog in the Falcons’ outstanding success the pass four years, Kirk consistently finds his way into his side’s best players in a team with plenty of depth.
Not always flashy but very effective, watch for Kirk this weekend when the heat comes on grand final day.
#5 DAVID KEARSLEY
(Flagstaff Hill)
Virtually a carbon copy of teammate Kirk’s assessment, Kearsley has been one of the most respected players at the Falcons and in the SFL for a long time.
No nonsense, sometimes unobtrusive Kearsley is the perfect teammate – getting the job done and with ease.
Another member of Flaggies’ four-time premiership teams Kearsley again will be there when the action hits this Saturday.
#6 MICHAEL GALLEY
(Cove)
Nothing appears to worry the ultra-competitive and consistent Michael Galley.
Battling in a team which is struggling to win a game, Galley has been a constant positive in the Cove line up, not just this season but in past years.
Galley has been a regular representative in SFL association matches in recent years since returning from a stint with Glenelg.
His experience and guidance in the Cobras’ line up has been exceptional again.
#7 TROY JOHNSON
(Noarlunga)
Noarlunga’s Troy Johnson has taken big strides in being recognised as one of the best players in the SFL.
His form this year, again with a restricted preparation due to the club’s indecision about committing to the 2020 program, has seen Johnson and a few mates take time to find their groove.
But what he has produced this year, although not hitting the scoreboard as much, has been consistent and was rewarded with third place in the Mail Medal count.
Also enjoyed a top season in 2019 when the Shoes powered on, losing their first game for the season in the grand final against Flagstaff Hill.
#8 CONNOR SAMPSON
(Port Noarlunga)
Port Noarlunga speedster Connor Sampson had a breakout season with the Cockledivers, featuring in the club’s best players on seven out of nine occasions.
With a nice turn of pace and an efficient ball user, Sampson has been one of his team’s major players in an ultra-consistent year.
He even doubled up on a Sunday to help South Adelaide’s reserves, which needed a player during the season.
#9 JACK LANGDON
(Morphett Vale)
Jack Langdon has been one of the key figures in the Emus’ gradual rise this season to becoming more competitive.
As the team has focused more on rebuilding in recent seasons, Langdon has taken on more of a leadership role.
His game against Reynella in the traditional Sunday stand-alone game was outstanding.
#10 DANIEL NOBES
(Christies Beach)
Dominant in attack Daniel Nobes excels wherever he goes.
Nobes, who returned to the Saints from Waikerie, has shown plenty of enthusiasm and was in ominous form in attack where he has paired with Blake Carter to produce possibly the competition’s best two-pronged attack.
Tough to man up on, Nobes has a long history of success as a dominating player with the Magpies in recent years before returning to Christies.
Capable of anything on his day.
Finished the minor round with a bang with 13 goals to hit the magic 50 goals.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Dylan Williams (Port Noarlunga), Tate Coleman (Happy Valley), Ben Charlesworth (Cove), Braydan Hartwig (Morphett Vale), Philip Brown (Port Noarlunga), Matthew Lillis (Happy Valley), Nicholas Steele (Port Noarlunga), Kyle Stoldt (Cove), Josh Frisby (Reynella), Dwayne Ruddock (Happy Valley), Sammual Miller (Noarlunga), Aidan Coakley (Christies Beach), Michael Smith (Morphett Vale), Steven Farrelly (Reynella), Aiden Baker (Morphett Vale), Damon Birbeck (Happy Valley), Bailey Marshman (Reynella).