South East football’s top 50 players of 2024 ranked
SA’s South East is packed with star country footy talent, so we’ve drawn from the region’s three main leagues to rank the top 50 players of 2024. See who made the cut.
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South Australia’s South East is arguably the state’s strongest region for local footy talent.
Based on this season’s form and with the help of the region’s three major leagues – the Mid South Eastern FL (MSEFL), Limestone Coast FL (LCFL) and the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL (KNTFL) – we’ve ranked the top 50 players for 2024.
Players who had played less than six games were ruled ineligible.
Here are our rankings from 50 to 1.
50. ALEX HENTSCHKE
(Glencoe)
Hentschke has been at his best for Glencoe this year as an imposing forward.
Works hard all day up front and has the ability to burn defenders on the lead or win the footy through pressure up front before slotting home impressive goals.
Has 37 goals and five best player nods in 11 games.
49. KADE VARCOE
(Millicent)
A rising young gun for Millicent, Varcoe has had a strong year so far for the Saints.
A member of the SA Country side last season, Varcoe is an impressive half-back who picks off multiple attacks each week and distributes well around the ground.
Has four majors and two best player performances in 11 games.
48. BILLY LAURIE
(Kybybolite)
Laurie has been a standout during what has been a major turnaround for the Tigers this year.
A workhorse up front who can also produce strong footy in the contest, Laurie has a big tank and provides a consistent and reliable option for his teammates.
Has 35 goals and five best player nods through 11 games so far.
47. DIARMID CLEARY
(Casterton Sandford)
A tough player in the centre who has been one of Casterton Sandford’s most consistent performers this season.
Cleary hits the contest hard for the Cats, doing the dirty work for his team and providing runners with the footy through elite disposal.
Has 10 best player nods and a goal in 12 games.
46. CHRIS DRAPER
(Kingston)
The former Gaza AdFL player has been a star for Kingston since joining in 2023 and has continued his strong performance this year.
An athletic and hardworking player, Draper hits the contest hard, takes big marks and damages opposition with his kicking accuracy.
Has nine best player mentions and four goals in 12 games.
45. NICK MCINERNEY
(North Gambier)
One of the standout leaders in the South East, the North Gambier captain remains a star through the middle and up front.
With the ability to either impact the contest with tackle pressure and distribution or move up the ground and hit the scoreboard, McInerney is one of the WBFL’s most damaging players.
Has a goal and three best player performances in 12 games.
44. MITCH SIMS
(South Gambier)
A consistent contributor through the midfield for South Gambier, Sims’ ability to have an impact up front or create for teammates has been important for his side.
Also a league representative, Sims covers ground well, wins the footy consistently and makes good decisions under pressure.
Has seven best player nods and 13 goals in 12 games so far.
43. DANNY JUCKERS
(Padthaway)
An emerging star of the KNTFL competition, Juckers has been one of Padthaway’s best players since joining from Willunga.
Does damage through the midfield and near the forward 50 with his strong footy IQ, goalkicking ability and positive decision making.
Has 19 goals and five best player nods in 12 games.
42. SAM MCMANUS
(Kalangadoo)
A deadly flankman and midfielder, McManus has played inspiring footy as one of Kalangadoo’s leaders this season.
Fast and reliable with ball in hand, the Magpies champion can either set up his side for damaging rebound attacks or cover ground and create goals for his teammates.
Has four majors and seven appearances in the team’s best players over 12 games.
41. NICK MOSEY
(Mundulla)
A star leader for Mundulla, Mosey has impressed yet again for his club and for the South East at the Country Championships.
Tireless in the contest and an efficient user of the footy, Mosey can take a game by the scruff of the neck for his side.
Has seven best player mentions and eight goals in 12 games.
40. MITCH PULMER
(Hatherleigh)
One of Hatherleigh’s most consistent contributors this season, Pulmer has impressed in the MSEFL and in the SA Country Championships.
The former Naracoorte player covers ground well and often comes up with key possessions for his club, damaging sides with his delivery.
Has six best player mentions and two goals in 10 games.
39. BROCK EGAN
(North Gambier)
Egan returned to the Tigers at the start of the season and has gone on to have a big impact.
A standout in the midfield for North Gambier, Egan is relentless in the contest and clean by hand and foot.
Has been named among his side’s best eight times and kicked eight goals in nine games.
38. EMERSON MARKS
(South Gambier)
A reliable player for his side throughout the season as they look to continue battling for a place in the top-two.
Marks can play in a number of roles for the Demons with his ability to win the ball, take strong marks and damage opposition with his distribution by hand and foot.
Has eight best player nods and five goals in 12 games.
37. FRAZER BRADLEY
(Millicent)
A forward star for Millicent, Bradley has been impressive yet again in the South East.
A speedy player who can do damage along the wing, up front or in the middle, Bradley has put together some big performances for the LCFL’s top side ahead of the footy with his strong leads and finishing skill.
Has 44 goals to lead the league as well as five best player nods in 12 games.
36. MASON HEIN
(South Gambier)
A star ruck of the South East, Hein has continued his dominance for the Demons this year.
Hein is a strong and athletic big who rarely loses a battle, covering ground well and either winning taps for his midfielders or delivering well by foot after taking big grabs.
Has eight best player nods and three goals in 11 games.
35. NATHAN MCCARTHY
(Padthaway)
One of Padthaway’s best this season, McCarthy has been a force for the Lions around the ground.
Runs all day and wins plenty of the footy for his side while distributing with ease and also applying strong pressure to the opposition.
Has eight best player nods and eight goals in 10 games and also played in the Country Championships.
34. JOSH WOODALL
(Port MacDonnell)
Last season’s MSEFL medallist, Woodall has been strong for the Demons again this season.
Attacks the footy relentlessly in the contest to win possessions for his side and distributes efficiently around the ground, often damaging opposition by foot.
Can also hit the scoreboard, with eight goals and three best player nods in seven games.
33. DYLAN RIDLEY
(Mt Burr)
idley has picked up from where he left off for Mount Burr after a standout 2023 season, dominating through the middle and up front for the club again this year.
A hard runner who always provides an option for his teammates, Ridley is an excellent user and can kick spectacular goals.
Has 20 majors and eight best player nods in 12 games.
32. TOM LOGAN
(Lucindale)
A tough and skilled player around the ground who fills a number of roles for the Roos, former Port Adelaide gun Tom Logan has been at his best in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL.
Logan is a tireless worker who finds plenty of the ball and always makes the right decisions in possession, whether it is setting up his teammates or creating chances for himself.
Has seven goals and four best player nods in six games.
31. BRAD MITCHELL
(Hatherleigh)
One of the top forwards in the Mid South Eastern FL, Mitchell’s ability to boot bags and create for his teammates makes him one of the South East’s best.
A strong and athletic player who is skilled overhead and below his knees and makes smart leads up front.
Can also finish chances from anywhere with 34 goals and six best player nods in 12 games.
30. WILL SCHREIBER
(Keith)
A solid contributor for Keith in 2023, former North Adelaide player Schreiber has been close to his best this year.
The youngster covers ground well as a hard runner who accumulates high disposal counts each week and hits the scoreboard efficiently.
Has nine best player mentions and 17 goals in 12 KNTFL games.
29. BRAD BRYANT
(Penola)
A talented backman who plays off the flanks or through the middle and can do major damage by foot, Bryant has been a star for Penola in the KNTFL.
Bryant provides consistent run and carry and the ability to move up the ground and create for his teammates.
Has 10 best player mentions in 12 games as well as three goals.
28. LAWRENCE BRADLEY-BROWN
(West Gambier)
An important leader for West Gambier, Bradley-Brown has yet again led by example this season, producing on the ball when it has mattered most.
The tough LCFL competitor is a ruthless worker in the contest and always distributes the ball efficiently and with poise.
Has kicked seven goals this season to go with 10 mentions in the Kangaroos’ best players.
27. SAM WALLIS
(Mt Burr)
An integral part of Mt Burr’s success so far this season, Wallis has continued to dominate for the Mozzies.
Wallis is a superstar defender for his side who reads the footy well and competes relentlessly with forwards in the air and at ground level.
Has nine best player mentions and four goals in 10 games and was also a member of the SA Country Championships side.
26. COLBY MUNRO
(Port MacDonnell)
Munro has been a superstar across the forwardline and in the middle for Port MacDonnell this season.
The young gun has been a weapon since arriving at the Demons, the smooth moving asset displaying consistent skills and booting a number of big goals for his side.
Has 22 goals and eight best player mentions in his 11 games.
25. JAIDAN KAPPLER
(Bordertown)
Joining Bordertown after time with Adelaide in the SANFL, former Noarlunga star Kappler has been a force along the flanks for his new club.
A powerful and athletic player who wins plenty of the footy and does significant damage on the outside with his run and delivery.
Has seven best player nods and 12 goals in nine games.
24. CAMERON CRAIG
(Keith)
The former North Adelaide star has been a force for Keith at the back since joining the Crows alongside Roosters teammate Aaron Young.
A smart and athletic backman who reads the play as well as anyone in the KNTFL and distributes efficiently around the ground.
Craig has five best player nods and two majors in seven games.
23. BILLY SHANKS
(Millicent)
An impressive half-forward for the Saints this year, Shanks has been one of the South East’s best.
Doesn’t often hit the scoreboard but acts as a strong link between mids and forwards who wins the footy and deals to teammates brilliantly under pressure.
Has nine best player nods and a goal in 10 games.
22. BRAD AGNEW
(Lucindale)
The former Glenelg gun has been at his best yet again for Lucindale.
Agnew hits the contest with courage to win the ball for his side and is one of the hardest workers in the KNTFL who finds plenty of the footy and deals to teammates at a high efficiency.
Has eight bet player mentions and three goals in 11 games.
21. HENRY LAWRIE
(Robe)
Joining from Kingston in 2023, Lawrie has been a superstar for Robe during what has been a strong two years for the club.
The top performer for the Roosters this season, Lawrie fights hard in the contest and deals to teammates at a high efficiency.
Can also move up the ground to impact the scoreboard with 11 goals to go along with nine best player nods in 12 games.
20. TYE MCMANUS
(Kalangadoo)
An exceptional midfielder and winger, McManus can do it all for the Magpies.
The star competitor can win his own ball through the middle or find space on the outside, blitzing through opposition and creating opportunities for his team.
Has kicked 10 goals in 12 games for Kalangadoo this season and been named among the side’s best performers 11 times.
19. CAMPBELL WATTS
(Kingston)
One of the South East’s top performers in this year’s Country Championships, Kingston star Watts has been a standout in 2024.
A player who always competes hard and uses the footy effectively, Watts boasts excellent skills and remains composed under pressure.
Has kicked six majors and tallied seven mentions in Kingston’s best players in 12 games so far.
18. HARRY TUNKIN
(Millicent)
One of the best young players in SA country footy this season, Tunkin has emerged as a star for Millicent.
A tireless player through the middle who racks up high disposal counts each week and damages the opposition with his distribution around the ground.
Has nine best player mentions and eight goals in 11 games for the Saints and was a standout in the SA Country Championships.
17. DANIEL BIBBY
(Keith)
The reigning joint KNTFL Mail Medallist, Bibby has been strong yet again for the Crows this season.
The gun midfielder is creative around the ground and has some of the best distribution in the competition, making him a major asset in the middle or up front.
Has kicked five goals in his 11 games to go along with six best player nods and was also a standout in the SA Country Championships.
16. TROY BLACKWELL
(Bordertown)
A star wingman who can dominate around the ground, Blackwell has been a standout so far in 2024.
Blackwell wins the footy consistently in the air and at ground level, provides important run and carry and delivers to teammates efficiently.
Has seven best player nods in 12 games and is an SA Country member this year.
15. BRAYDEN KAIN
(South Gambier)
South Gambier’s playing-coach has yet again led from the front during what has been a challenging year for the club.
A member of this year’s SA Country Championships side, Kain is an athletic and clever forward utility who has no issue winning his own ball and either setting up a teammate or finishing himself.
Has 19 goals in 12 games for the Demons as well as four best player appearances.
14. TIM SULLIVAN
(Port MacDonnell)
The former Glenelg gun and MSEFL Mail Medallist has been a star for Port MacDonnell through 2024 so far.
Sullivan is an athletic and imposing player with a big tank and excellent skills who can either set up his mids with reliable distribution or have an impact up front with overhead and goalkicking ability.
Has 22 goals and five best player nods through eight games so far.
13. ELLIOT JAESCHKE
(Mundulla)
Mundulla’s standout player this season, Jaeschke has been key to his club’s success so far in 2024.
A consistent contributor around the ground for the Tigers, Jaeschke’s ability to find the ball and deliver to teammates under pressure makes him one of the KNTFL’s top players.
Has nine best player mentions and five goals in 12 games.
12. MATT WILLSON
(Naracoorte)
Naracoorte has struggled in the KNTFL this season after a player exodus but star leader Willson has remained a force regardless.
A versatile player who runs all day and wins plenty of the contested footy for the Demons, Willson d0es major damage with his efficiency around the ground.
Has five best player appearances and seven goals in 12 games and is also this season’s SA Country captain.
11. JAYDEN ELDRIDGE
(Penola)
The star Penola playing-coach has the ability to play anywhere on the park and brings a big presence at the back, through the middle and also up front.
An athletic and gritty player who racks up disposals with ease and uses the ball as well as anyone in the South East.
Eldridge has 10 best player nods and four goals in 12 games for Penola.
10. LEWIS HENDER
(Keith)
The former North Adelaide star has been a standout as playing-coach for Keith this season, leading from the front to make his side a premiership contender in the KNTFL yet again.
An exciting forward/midfield utility, Hender is as clean as anyone off of the deck and possesses the ability to either create for teammates with excellent disposal or finish for goal from anywhere.
Has 17 goals in his 11 games and will be a big factor come finals.
9. TOM HUTCHESSON
(Hatherleigh)
The former GWS and Millicent player has been a gun for Hatherleigh this year as a reliable forward who can also play through the middle.
One of the most athletic players in the MSEFL, Hutchesson can take huge grabs and is composed in front of goal.
Has 32 goals and six best player nods through 12 games so far for the competition’s top side.
8. JACOB EATS
(Bordertown)
Eats has remained one of the best players in the South East in 2024 after a strong 2023 season.
A tireless worker up front and at times in the contest, the Roosters star has the ability to control a game with his tackling pressure, marking ability and talent to finish in front of goal and can also create chances for teammates.
Has eight best player nods and 49 goals in 12 games to lead the KNTFL and is also an SA Country member this year.
7. DARON MCELROY
(West Gambier)
West Gambier’s playing-coach and the reigning LCFL Mail Medallist, McElroy remains one of the most effective players in the South East.
The big man can play a number of roles including as a dominant ruck who feeds midfielders with clean tap work or an imposing forward with excellent skills off of the deck and in the air.
Has six goals through his six games so far and will be integral for his side come finals.
6. ZAC RICHARDS
(Border Districts)
Reigning Mail Medallist along with Bibby in the KNTFL, Border Districts playing-coach Zac Richards is in the midst of another strong season.
A strong leader with a big tank who possesses reliable skills by hand or foot and can have an impact around the ground or in front of goal.
Has 16 goals in 12 games to go along with five best player nods.
5. CLINT GALLIO
(Mt Burr)
Former Millicent superstar Gallio has been at his best after joining MSEFL side Mt Burr as playing-coach.
A strong midfielder who covers ground exceptionally well and always rises to the occasion, Gallio wins a stack of contested possessions each week and can also hit the scoreboard.
Has 10 best player nods and 14 goals in his 11 games for the Mozzies this season and has his side sitting in third on the ladder.
4. WILL MACDONALD
(Port MacDonnell)
One of the biggest names in South East footy, MacDonald has put together another outstanding campaign for Port MacDonnell so far this year.
A dominant player in the contest and ruck who can also move up front to hit the scoreboard, MacDonald is an athletic player who provides his mids with elite tap-work and distribution by foot.
Has eight best player appearances and three goals in eight games.
3. AARON YOUNG
(Keith)
Former North Adelaide star and Magarey Medallist Aaron Young has been a star for Keith since joining the KNTFL after retiring from SANFL footy.
A machine in the midfield and up front who finds the ball and creates space for himself or others, Young’s ability to explode from stoppage and boot goals or set up chances for others makes him one o the South East’s best.
Has 21 majors and seven best player nods in 12 games.
2. JACK TRENGOVE
(Kybybolite)
The former Melbourne captain and Prince Alfred OC superstar made the decision to return to his hometown club after his second flag with the Old Reds, Trengove has starred in the KNTFL.
A workhorse on the ball who wins plenty of his own footy and provides damaging run and carry, Trengove is one of the best distributors in the South East and sets up teammates with a number of goalkicking opportunities.
Has seven best player nods and two goals in eight games.
1. ANDREW BRADLEY
(Kybybolite)
Joining Kybybolite alongside Trengove, Bradley has been a force for the Tigers so far in 2024.
The former Glenelg captain and premiership player has filled a number of roles on the ball, up and back for his hometown club and has been dominant through the midfield with his relentless attack on the footy and precise disposal.
Has 10 goals and 10 best player nods in 10 games and has been a major reason behind the club’s drastic turnaround from last in 2023 to top spot this year.
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