The Eyre Peninsula’s top 40 footballers of the 21st Century ranked
The Eyre Peninsula has been packed with star country footy talent throughout the 21st Century, so we’ve drawn from the region’s four leagues to rank the top 40 players of the past 25 years. See who made the cut.
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The Eyre Peninsula has been filled with elite country footballers for decades.
With the help of league insiders from the region’s four competitions – the Eastern Eyre Football League (EEFL), Western Eyre Football League (WEFL), Port Lincoln Football League (PLFL) and Great Flinders Football League (GFFL) – we’ve ranked our top 40 players of the past 25 years.
Footballing ability, achievements, awards and impact were taken into account when making selections.
Players with just one season in the competition were ruled ineligible.
Here is our list from 40 to 1.
40. ADAM BRAENDLER
(Wirrulla, Ceduna, Thevenard)
A dominant player at his best who won multiple premierships across the EP.
Braendler had the ability to play up front and lead the league in goalkicking or play as a mobile midfielder and dominate opposition with his distribution.
39. COOPER LLEWELYN
(Ports)
A Mail Medallist with Ports in 2022, Llewelyn has emerged as one of the top players in EP footy in recent years.
The Magpies star is a machine in the contest, attacking the footy relentlessly to win key possessions and deal to his teammates with ease.
Has also won multiple flags with Ports and will continue to dominate at the local level.
38. MALCOLM MILLER
(Eyre United, Boston, Mallee Park)
A force through the midfield and up front across multiple clubs.
Miller was one of the top players in the region throughout the 2010s, boasting top drawer hand and foot skills, a high footy IQ and the ability to hit the scoreboard with ease.
A multiple premiership player and a league leading goalkicker.
37. PAUL JENNER
(Eastern Ranges)
One of Eastern Ranges’ most reliable players.
A star leader who led by example in the contest, Jenner could find his own footy and either deal to teammates while under pressure or create goalkicking opportunities.
A multiple club best and fairest and premiership player.
36. MATT CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
A goalkicking machine for United Yeelanna.
Crettenden has the ability to do damage in the contest with his strong frame and high footy IQ and can also be a major threat up front, often burning defenders on the lead, taking strong marks and kicking big goals.
Has won a number of premierships with United Yeelanna and is no stranger to kicking double digits in single games.
35. WAYNE PIGGOTT
(Cowell)
A star Cowell stalwart, Piggott has been one of the best Cats players this century.
One of the club’s most versatile players, Piggott can fill any role that needs filling with his ability to read the play and find teammates with accuracy.
Has won multiple flags with the Cats and is a club best and fairest.
34. HARLEE CHANDLER
(Western United, Cummins Rambler)
A top young gun in EP footy, Chandler has emerged as one of the best young stars the region has seen for some time.
Relentless in the contest with the ability to find teammates anywhere on the ground and also finish for goal
Won the 2024 Mail Medal with Cummins Rambler, was a premiership star with Western United and has represented SA Country.
33. STEVEN WILDMAN
(Cowell)
An out-and-out champion for Cowell.
One of the top leaders in the EEFL, the Cats star could take a game by the scruff of the neck with his ability to win the contested footy and create for his teammates.
Wildman is one of the club’s most decorated players as a premiership player and Mail Medallist
32. DAVID WRIGHT
(Ceduna Blues)
One of the most consistent players on the EP.
Wright has starred as a key back and in a number of other roles, reading the play as well as anyone in the air and at ground level and disposing efficiently around the ground.
Won a Mail Medal in 2012, has been a longtime captain of the Blues, is a state player, multiple time best and fairest and premiership player.
31. MICHAEL CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
A star midfielder/forward for United Yeelanna.
One of his club’s greatest players and an inspirational leader, Crettenden wins contested footy, takes strong marks and also has a reliable nose for goal.
Has won nine premierships with United Yeelanna and a handful of best and fairests.
30. BRADLY DAWES
(Thevenard)
One of the top players in the competition during his time with Thevenard.
A hard worker around the ground who won plenty of his own footy and released teammates with efficient disposal.
Won two Mail Medals in 2003 and 2005.
29. ASERI RAIKIWASA
(Ports)
A star leader for Ports, Raikiwasa has been one of the EP’s best since returning from Port Adelaide.
The former SANFL big man can dominate in the contest and in key positions, using his frame and instincts to quell attacks and win important possessions.
Has been a key part of his club’s three premierships in the past four seasons, winning one as playing-coach.
28. BILLY HAEBICH
(Tasman)
One of the region’s top young players, Haebich has already etched his name among the EP’s footy greats.
Dominating for Tasman through the middle, Haebich’s attack on the footy, run and carry as well as composed ball use makes him one of the most dangerous players in the PLFL.
Has won two Mail Medals in 2022 and 2024 and is also a premiership player.
27. HARRY MILLER JR
(Mallee Park)
While the top individual award of a Mail Medal eluded Miller Jr, he remains one of the most skilled players in EP footy this century.
Moving back to Port Lincoln to join Mallee Park after time in the AFL with Hawthorn and the SANFL with Port Adelaide, Miller Jr often controlled games with his ability to find the footy in congestion, evade tacklers and hit teammates with crafty disposal.
Won four premierships with Mallee Park, was best on ground in 2010 and also played for SA Country.
26. DILLON MONTGOMERIE
(West Coast Hawks, Lincoln South)
One of West Coast Hawks’ top players in club history, Montgomerie has undoubtedly been one of the top EP players this century.
A skilled midfielder who finds plenty of the footy and damages sides with efficient disposal, Montgomerie has also been known as a top leader.
Has won a Mail Medal and eight A Grade premierships, just missing out on a ninth with Lincoln South last season.
25. KANE SCHUBERT
(Eastern Ranges)
A star premiership player and leader for Eastern Ranges.
Schubert has been one of the hardest workers around the ground in the EEFL, competing well at ground level and in the air to win important footy for his side.
Has also won two EEFL Mail Medals.
24. SHAUN MAXFIELD
(Wayback, United Yeelanna)
One of the most consistent players across EP footy.
A big-bodied midfielder with exceptional hand and foot skills, Maxfield has the ability to break open a game by winning the contested footy and creating goalkicking opportunities.
Has won multiple club best and fairests, premierships and has been one of the region’s top interleague players.
23. DYLAN KELSH
(West Coast Hawks)
One of the top rucks in EP footy this century.
An agile player who can release his midfielders with great tapwork, Kelsh moves around the ground well and can dominate in the air while playing a number of other key position roles.
Has captained the Hawks to multiple premierships and also won the Mail Medal in 2017.
22. JAKE BRUCE
(Central Eyre)
One of the most decorated players on the EP in the past decade.
Has had no issue racking up high disposals each week as a tireless worker around the ground and giving his teammates silver service with his disposal.
Has won three Mail Medals and has also been a strong interleague and Country Championships player.
21. JESSE CHANDLER
(Western United, Tasman)
One of Western United’s greatest players this century.
Chandler has the ability to dominate a game up front or through the middle, using his footy smarts, strength and athleticism to damage opposition.
Has a Mail Medal and multiple flags with Western United and has also been an SA Country representative.
20. JACK BURTON
(Cowell, Marble Range, Cummins Kapinnie, West Coast Hawks)
Burton was undoubtedly a superstar of EP footy despite sustaining a number of injuries throughout his career.
A dominant inside midfielder and hard runner who finds plenty of the footy with his courageous attack in the contest and has been among the EP’s best distributors.
Won a Mail Medal with the West Coast Hawks, was best on ground in multiple grand finals and was a consistent star in interleague footy.
19. BRADLEY HAZELGROVE
(Cummins Kapinnie)
Hazelgrove is undoubtedly one of Cummins Kapinnie’s greatest players.
A skilled and hardworking player through the contest who has no trouble finding the footy through tags and creating for his teammates.
Has won six best and fairests with his club as well as the Mail Medal in 2012.
18. JOEL FITZGERALD
(Kimba)
One of the greatest forwards in EP footy history.
A strong and athletic player with impressive speed, Fitzgerald can dominate games with smart leads, strong hands and reliable kicking for goal from anywhere in and around the 50.
Has captained Kimba to three of his five premierships in the EEFL and has represented SA Country while amassing over 1000 goals in his career.
17. JESSE STRINGER
(Central Eyre)
The former Geelong player has been a superstar since returning home to CEU.
A tough midfielder who is a workhorse around the ground, Stringer wins plenty of contested footy and always makes good decisions with his disposal.
Won three consecutive premierships with the club from 2015-2017 and is a multiple time best and fairest while also being a dominant player at interleague level.
16. WES BILNEY
(Mallee Park, Marble Range, Cummins Rambler)
One of the Port Lincoln Football League’s most highly regarded players.
Bilney has dominated as a player and coach for Mallee Park and was also dangerous for Cummins Rambler, often tearing opposition apart with his skill and explosiveness in the contest as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard.
Claimed two Mail Medals for Mallee Park in 2006 and 2007.
15. JAKE WARMINGTON
(Western United)
A player who has recently etched his name among the EP’s greatest players.
A damaging inside midfielder, Warmington’s ability to win the ball and explode from the contest to either deliver to teammates or kick for goal is almost unmatched.
Has won multiple flags with Western United and recently claimed his third WEFL Mail Medal.
14. REECE FRANCIS
(Tasman, Marble Range)
A versatile and impactful player at his best, Francis has been one of the EP’s major standouts this century.
Skilled, athletic and explosive when in possession, Francis can damage opposition with his disposal and has been a strong leader.
Has won two Mail Medals, captained Tasman to multiple premierships and was selected in the SA Country team of the decade.
13. LAWRENCE BENBOLT
(Koonibba)
Benbolt remains one of the Western Eyre Football League’s biggest names.
An explosive midfielder throughout his Koonibba career, Benbolt has been a highly-skilled, fast-paced player who has the ability to dominate and win games off of his own boot.
Won Mail Medals in 2014 and 2017, which were also premiership years for his club.
12. WAYLON JOHNCOCK
(Mallee Park, Ceduna, Koonibba, West Coast Hawks)
Johncock has been a star football journeyman across the EP.
One of the most dynamic midfielders in country footy who boasts immaculate ball use, clean skills and is quick and explosive, Johncock has dominated wherever he has played.
Has won multiple premierships while claiming a Port Lincoln FL Mail Medal in 2005 and a Far West FL Mail Medal in 2008.
11. JORDAN CLEMENTS
(Marble Range, Kimba)
A superstar for both Kimba and Marble Range, Clements has established himself as one of the EP’s top players this century.
A tough player in the contest who wins plenty of his own footy and covers ground as well as anyone, Clements has the ability to break a game apart with his work through the middle.
Has won a Mail Medal and multiple premierships with Marble Range and has also tasted the ultimate success for Kimba.
10. SCOTT FELTUS
(Elliston Districts, Western Districts)
A four-time Mail Medal winner and five-time runner-up, Feltus has forged a sensational career in the Great Flinders Football League and the Far West.
A star through the midfield who can also push up front, Feltus boasts strength, explosiveness and elite hand and foot skills.
Won two premierships with Western Districts, is a 16-time Mortlock Shield rep, a nine-time Eyre Peninsula rep, a five-time state country representative and a state country best and fairest.
9. JACK KENNY
(Eastern Ranges)
Undoubtedly one of the top midfielders on the EP this century.
Kenny is a strong onballer who finds plenty of the footy, deals to teammates efficiently and also hits the scoreboard or sets up others for opportunities.
Has won two Mail Medals and multiple premierships with Eastern Ranges.
8. DOM DENTON
(Thevenard)
Denton has produced a dominant career for Thevenard in the Western Eyre Football League.
A standout big man in the Far West/Western Eyre for many years, Denton is a strong player who uses his size well, is nearly impossible to tackle and boasts great skills on the deck and in the air.
Has won three Mail Medals for the Magpies as well as two premierships.
7. JESSE KEMP
(Kimba, Tasman, Lincoln South)
One of the best big men in EP footy, Kemp has been a star for over a decade.
A reliable mark around the ground and an excellent ruck who boasts classy tap work and hand and foot skills.
Has won two Mail Medals, multiple premierships with Tasman and Kimba and has also been named in SA Country’s team of the decade.
6. JOHANN WAGNER
(Tasman, Lincoln South, Cummins Kapinnie)
Arguably the best big game player in SA Country footy, former Port Adelaide forward Wagner has been a star on the EP.
Explosive on the lead, strong in the contest and one of the best kicks for goal in the state, Wagner can tear apart the opposition for his side and also inspire his teams through standout leadership.
Won four premierships while dominating up front for Tasman in the PLFL and recently player-coached Lincoln South to its first flag in 20 years.
Has also represented SA Country, notably booting eight goals in the 2013 state game.
5. MATTHEW KEATLEY
(Wayback, Cummins Rambler)
Keatley was a superstar for both Wayback and Cummins Rambler.
A smooth midfielder with the ability to move through congestion and find teammates with efficient distribution while also resting forward to boot goals, Keatley will go down as one of EP footy’s greats.
Keatley won two Mail Medals and multiple flags with Wayback and also claimed a Mail Medal after joining Cummins Rambler as playing-coach.
4. KINGSLEY BILNEY JR
(Mallee Park, Koonibba)
One of the best midfielders on the EP for multiple years.
A smooth and skilled player in the contest, Bilney Jr racks up possessions with ease, distributes as well as anyone and can also do damage when resting forward.
Has won three combined Mail Medals for Mallee Park and Koonibba and has captained multiple premiership wins.
3. CHRIS PRIME
(Tumby Bay)
One of the biggest names in SA country footy history, Prime cemented his legacy in the 80s and 90s agt Port Neill and Tasman, but put together a sensational run for Tumby Bay through the early 2000s.
A powerhouse up front, Prime used his strength, leading smarts, overhead ability and reliable goalkicking to terrorise defences in the GFFL.
Prime won two Mail Medals in the GFFL, led the league in goalkicking from 2007 to 2013 and booted 150 goals in 2007 including 14 in the winning grand final for Tumby Bay.
2. KORY BEARD
(Lock, Marble Range)
A superstar for both Lock and Marble Range, former Sturt premiership gun Kory Beard has been a standout player in EP footy.
Beard is a dominant and usually unstoppable player who can play anywhere around the ground, impacting games through the middle, behind the ball or up front with his elite overhead, hand and foot skills.
Won the 2020 PLFL Mail Medal with Marble Range and also won two flags with the club before joining hometown outfit Lock as playing-coach.
1. XAVIER WATSON
(United Yeelanna, Wayback)
One of the most decorated players in EP footy history, Watson has been dominant in both the Port Lincoln FL and Great Flinders FL.
Watson is one of the best users of the footy in the local game and can perform in a number of roles with his ability to find the footy and distribute with poise and reliable decision making.
Watson has had a career best stretch since moving home to United Yeelanna, winning seven premierships and being named best on ground in four of them.
He has also won three Mail Medals.
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