The Eyre Peninsula’s top 50 footballers of 2022 ranked
The Eyre Peninsula is a breeding ground for some of SA country footy’s best players. We’ve drawn from the region’s four main leagues to rank the top players of 2022.
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The Eyre Peninsula has been filled with top drawer country footballers for decades and season 2022 has been no exception.
Based on this season’s form and with the help of the region’s four major leagues – the Eastern Eyre Football League (EEFL), Western Eyre Football League (WEFL), the Port Lincoln Football League (PLFL) and the Great Flinders Football League (GFFL) – we’ve ranked the top 50 players for 2022.
Players who had less than six league appearances were ruled ineligible.
Here are our rankings from 50 to 1.
50. JOSH SLADE
(Marble Range)
The first of many Marble Range players on this list, Slade has been a star since joining the Magpies in the offseason.
A gun 21-year-old midfielder, Slade is a tireless worker on the inside and often leads the way in contested possessions.
He can also hit the scoreboard effectively, booting 11 goals to go with his seven best-player appearances so far this season in the PLFL.
49. SAM HEINJUS
(Wayback)
A versatile big man who can play up front or in the ruck, Heinjus has been a star for Wayback for multiple seasons now.
A strong player who moves well with and without the ball, Heinjus can also create a contest in the air consistently.
Has an impressive 11 best player appearances in 13 games this season and has also kicked seven goals.
48. TOM DAVEY
(Ports)
Tom Davey has been one of the standouts in a talent-filled Ports side this season.
One of the Eastern Eyre’s gun forwards, Davey can have an impact up front with the nose for goal and a strong mark, or he can slot in through the middle and put his disposal skills to further use.
Has 25 goals in 12 games for Ports this year to go along with five best-player nominations.
47. LACHIE SHAMBROOK
(Eastern Ranges)
A damaging player through the middle and along the wing, Shambrook has been a top performer for Ranges in the EEFL this season.
With multiple Mortlock Shield games to his name this year, Shambrook’s ability to hit teammates with pinpoint accuracy and provide run and carry all day has put him among the league’s best.
Has three goals and five performances among Ranges’ best in 13 games.
46. TOM GIBSON
(Elliston Districts)
Gibson remains a fantastic forward and a key part of Elliston Districts’ side as the club prepares for a premiership push in the coming weeks in the GFFL.
The Mortlock Shield player’s ability to take strong marks out in front and also crash the contest comes as an added bonus to his goalkicking prowess.
Has 37 goals and five best-player nominations in 13 games for the Roosters.
45. MAX MACMILLAN
(Ceduna Blues)
Part of the Western Eyre’s Mortlock Shield team this season, Macmillan’s performances as an inside midfielder have been a catalyst for the Blues’ strong run.
Formerly a North Hobart and Western Storm player in Tasmania, Macmillan’s ability to win the ball inside and deal to teammates with precision puts him among the best players in the Eyre Peninsula.
Has eight goals and 12 best-player appearances through 15 games.
44. SAM JONAS
(Ceduna Blues)
The former Sturt premiership player moved to Ceduna this year and has had a consistent season as a key defender for the Blues.
One of the standout defenders in the Western Eyre, Jonas has immaculate skills and the ability to defend key players and hold them well.
Gifted with one of the longest kicks in the league, Jonas has nine best-player mentions in 13 games.
43. LACHIE TRELOAR
(Cummins Ramblers)
Treloar is one of the best ruckmen in Eyre Peninsula footy and has been a standout for Cummins Ramblers in the GFFL this season.
The big man is strong in any aerial contest, utilises brilliant tap-work to get the ball to his midfielders, and also covers the ground superbly for a tall.
Has eight best-player appearances in his 14 games for Ramblers.
42. ALI JOHNCOCK
(Ceduna Blues)
The son of former Mail medallist Roger Johncock, Ali has been a fantastic forward/midfielder for Ceduna this year.
A Mortlock Shield player for Western Eyre, Johncock is an explosive and strong player with great overhead skills and the ability to either create for teammates with efficient disposal or finish himself.
Has 20 goals in 11 games to go along with three best-player mentions.
41. LAWRENCE BENBOLT
(Koonibba)
A Mail medallist in 2014 and 2017, Benbolt is one of the most exciting players in the Western Eyre competition.
An electrifying midfielder with brilliant skills and speed to burn, the Koonibba champion has been a weapon during the club’s finals push this year.
Has three goals and six best-player mentions in 12 league games.
40. JOEL FITZGERALD
(Kimba)
One of the greatest forwards in Eyre Peninsula footy history, Fitzgerald has not struggled to put scores on the board despite a tough season for Kimba.
A strong forward with a safe pair of hands and a reliable leg, Fitzgerald has tallied 25 goals in just nine games this season.
The legendary full forward has kicked over 1000 goals through his career.
39. BEN MCKENNA
(Central Eyre United)
McKenna has been a versatile weapon for the Storm in the Eastern Eyre competition this year, doing damage along the flanks or in the middle.
A fantastic user and a tireless worker, McKenna has tallied six goals and nine best-player appearances in 12 games for his club.
Also a member of the Eastern Eyre’s Mortlock Shield side this year.
38. MITCH LAWRIE
(Tumby Bay)
The former GFFL Mail medallist continues to perform at a high level for Tumby Bay as the club aims for a premiership in 2022.
Lawrie is a skilful and reliable midfielder who tallies high clearance numbers each week and also has an impact on the scoreboard.
The 2022 Mortlock Shield member has 13 goals and 11 best player mentions in 14 games for Tumby Bay.
37. KODY ROSALIA
(Elliston Districts)
Rosalia remains one of the best target forwards in the Great Flinders Football League.
A Mortlock Shield competitor this year, Rosalia is strong in the contest and hard to beat one-on-one, possessing terrific marking ability.
Booting goals from all over the park this season, the Elliston Districts gun has 45 majors in 12 games.
36. JOHANN WAGNER
(Cummins Kappinie)
Wagner has been one of the most prolific forwards in Eyre Peninsula football and this year has been no exception.
Wagner has 25 goals in 11 games for a side which struggled against most opposition in the Great Flinders FL this season.
A smart key forward with strong leading patterns and the ability to finish off on either foot and in any position.
35. MITCHELL GUM
(Wirrulla)
The runner-up in last season’s Western Eyre Mail Medal count and a regular Mortlock Shield player, Gum has been the leading light in Wirrulla’s team through 2022.
Gum possesses elite skills and a cool head with the ball in hand, often taking time to assess his options and hitting teammates by foot or hand with ease.
Kicked five goals and had 11 best-player appearances in 12 games for Wirrulla during what was a testing season for the league’s bottom side.
34. KINGSLEY BILNEY JR
(Cummins Ramblers)
One of the Great Flinders FL’s best midfielders, Bilney Jr remains a big name in Eyre Peninsula footy.
Bilney Jr has a knack for burning opponents with blistering speed after winning the ball through the middle and often streams into the forward 50 to hit the scoreboard.
One of the first picked for Great Flinders’ Mortlock Shield side, he has 10 goals and seven best-player mentions in 10 games for Cummins Ramblers.
33. MATTHEW JOHNCOCK
(Mallee Park)
Formerly part of the Crows’ SANFL list, Matt Johncock has had a strong year for Mallee Park in the PLFL.
Playing across half-back, on the wing and through the middle for the Peckers, Johncock is a versatile player and a classy user of the ball.
Has five goals and eight best-player mentions in 13 games.
32. JAKE WARMINGTON
(Western United)
Western United’s vice captain remains one of the stars of the Eyre Peninsula after another strong year.
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 11 goals in 15 games for Western United to go along with 11 best-player appearances in the WEFL.
31. THOMAS PHELPS
(Cummins Kapinnie)
One of the Great Flinders FL’s biggest stars, Phelps would place higher on this list if he had more than six games under his belt.
A dominant player through the middle who can push forward and hit the scoreboard, Phelps possesses consistent foot skills and is a superb decision maker.
Took part in the SA Country Championships and has tallied six goals and two best-player mentions in six games for his club.
30. SHAUN MILLER
(Koonibba)
An extremely talented defender, Miller has stood strong at the back despite an inconsistent year for Koonibba.
Miller has been under consistent pressure this season but uses his spoiling and marking skills to great effect while also hitting teammates by foot seamlessly out of the backline.
Also a Mortlock Shield player for Western Eyre, Miller has 13 best player appearances in 14 games for Koonibba.
29. JACOB STOLL
(Tasman)
Stoll’s versatility has been a key to Tasman’s success this season in the Port Lincoln Football League.
Playing behind the ball and pushing up the ground when needed, the SA Country Championships member can impact a game in a variety of ways.
Has two goals and five best-player appearances in his 11 games for the Roosters.
28. SID MASTERS
(Ports)
Much like Phelps, Masters’ smaller tally of six league games prevents a higher placement in the top 50.
Masters is one of the most talented players in the region, the imposing forward boasting supreme athleticism, a strong mark and a booming boot.
A mainstay in the SA Country Championships and Mortlock Shield competitions, Masters has 29 goals and three-best player nods in his six appearances this season.
Was also the leading goalkicker at the Country Championships.
27. WAYLON MILLER
(Lincoln South)
A strong bodied midfielder-forward who has led Lincoln South to a finals appearance this season, Miller takes a deserved spot inside the top 30.
Miller is a running machine and can dispose or finish on either side of his body while also competing hard in aerial or ground contests.
Has 17 goals and six best-player appearances for Lincoln South in 16 games.
Also took part in the SA Country Championships.
26. STEPHEN CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
An exceptional forward who can also pinch-hit through the middle, Stephen Crettenden remains a key part of United Yeelanna’s success in 2022.
The SA Country Championships player is a smart mover across the forwardline, often burning defenders with his leads and creating for teammates as well as booting majors.
Has 28 goals in 11 games in the Great Flinders FL this season as well as two best-player nods.
25. TYNAN KEELEY
(Marble Range)
One of the top key forwards in the region, Keeley’s record for the Port Lincoln FL’s top side speaks for itself.
A tall and strong target, Keeley has booted 66 goals through 12 appearances this season, finishing off from outside and inside 50 consistently.
Also represented Lincoln in the Mortlock Shield this season.
24. DION WOOLFORD
(Kimba)
The 2022 season has been a challenge for Kimba but Woolford’s impressive campaign out of the back half sees him place inside the top 25.
The versatile defender can pick off any delivery in the air and begin attacking moves for his side with elite disposal, while also pushing up the ground to kick goals if needed.
Also a Mortlock Shield player this year, Woolford has eight goals and eight best-player appearances in 12 games for the Tigers.
23. PRICE MARSHALL
(Marble Range)
One of the standout defenders in Eyre Peninsula footy, Marshall has been a big part of Marble Range’s undefeated season so far.
The SA Country Championships member boasts excellent intercept abilities at the back and possesses the athleticism needed to stay with any forward in the Port Lincoln competition and disrupt forward 50 entries.
Has five best-player nominations in 13 games for his club.
22. MARK DOLLING
(West Coast Hawks)
Although Dolling is in his veteran stage of his career, he still remains one of the most dominant players in the Western Eyre FL.
The former Port Adelaide midfielder/forward has been a class above most this season, either winning the ball in the contest through the middle or bagging goals up front for the Hawks.
Booted 71 goals in 12 games last season and has still hit the scoreboard well this year with 16 goals in 12 games despite increased midfield responsibilities.
Also has seven best-player appearances.
21. JONTY SEAL
(Wayback)
Wayback’s vice captain has continued a top level of production up front in the Port Lincoln FL this season.
A terrific kick for goal, Seal gives opposing defenders headaches with his athleticism and strength in the air and his tireless work up the ground.
A SA Country Championships representative this season, Seal has 32 goals in 16 games this season as well as eight best-player appearances.
20. TRAVIS BEARD
(Lock)
Beard is a brilliant forward who can take high flying marks, finish in front of goal, or set up teammates with damaging disposal.
Also taking part in the Mortlock Shield this year, Beard’s performance in the GFFL has been key to Lock’s success.
Has slotted home 35 goals in 12 games this season while appearing in the Roos’ best players on five occasions.
19. MICHAEL CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
United Yeelanna’s captain remains one of the best and most damaging players in the Eyre Peninsula.
The SA Country Championships player possesses elite skills on either side of his body and is strong in the air.
Crettenden can boot goals up front or slide into the midfield and control the game with his disposal.
Has 19 goals and seven best-player mentions in 13 games for his club this season.
18. LUKE WILKINS
(Lincoln South)
A formidable midfield presence for the Eagles in the Port Lincoln FL, Wilkins takes a spot inside the top 20.
Adept on either side of his body, Wilkins uses the footy to high effect out of the middle and creates countless opportunities for his forwards.
Also an SA Country Championships player this year, he has nine best-player nominations and three goals in 13 appearances.
17. DANIEL MINNEY
(Marble Range)
The talented midfielder and forward has continued his high quality performance for Marble Range since arriving from Woodville-West Torrens in 2021.
The SA Country Championships member is a strong body who can outmuscle opponents in the contest and up front to either deal the ball to teammates or hit the scoreboard.
Has 13 goals and 11 best-player appearances in his 15 games this season.
16. DYLAN KELSH
(West Coast Hawks)
One of the best ruckmen in the Eyre Peninsula, Kelsh has a major impact on every game he plays for West Coast.
The former Mail medallist has been a catalyst for his club’s recent success, his brilliant tap work and big tank making him one of the toughest big men to match up on in the Western Eyre FL.
Has seven goals and 10 best-player appearances in 13 games.
15. DOM DENTON
(Thevenard)
Last season’s Western Eyre Mail medallist has picked up where he left off in 2021 for Thevenard despite struggling to stay on the field.
Denton is one of the most versatile players across the region, playing a role in the ruck as well as a key forward or key back.
He possesses high footy IQ and competes as well as anyone in the air.
Denton has kicked six goals to go along with eight best-player appearances in nine league games.
14. MATT WILLIAMS
(Elliston Districts)
Last season’s Great Flinders FL Mail medallist has put together another fantastic year in 2022.
The Roosters midfielder is a brilliant user of the football and also knows his way around the big sticks, booting eight goals for his club this year.
The SA Country Championships player also has five best-player mentions in 11 league appearances.
13. IAN JERICHO
(Central Eyre United)
A damaging and versatile half-back who gets up and down the ground with great effect, Jericho has had an exceptional year.
One of the standouts at the SA Country Championships, Jericho provides integral run and carry across the flanks and can also take strong intercept marks in the back half.
The CEU vice captain has tallied seven goals and 10 best-player mentions in 13 games for his club in the Eastern Eyre FL.
12. XAVIER WATSON
(United Yeelanna)
A premier midfielder in Eyre Peninsula football, Watson remains one of the greatest players in the region’s history and has produced another outstanding year.
One of the first selected for SA Country Championships and Mortlock Shield, Watson is a tireless worker who covers ground like no other and can have an impact in any area.
The skilful onballer has tallied 10 appearances in the Eagles’ best players this year as they aim for another Great Flinders FL flag.
11. JAXON BENNETT
(Marble Range)
Marble Range remains undefeated in season 2022 and Bennett’s form has been a big reason why.
A versatile player who earns his stripes in the middle and across the forward line on occasion, Bennett is a strong, speedy and skilful asset for his side.
Has 10 goals and three best-player nods in 11 appearances for his club, while also representing SA Country against WA.
10. TY GEORGE
(Lock)
This season’s Great Flinders FL Mail medallist, George’s performances in the middle have been outstanding for the Roos.
Also a Mortlock Shield player this year, George’s ability to win the ball and dispose cleanly under duress is among the best in the Eyre Peninsula.
He can also hit the scoreboard consistently, booting eight goals in his 14 games this season.
Starred in Lock’s semi-final upset of Tumby Bay over the weekend.
9. ASERI RAIKIWASA
(Ports)
One of the greats of Eyre Peninsula footy, Aseri Raikiwasa remains one of the outstanding key players in the Eastern Eyre FL.
The big man has dominated for top side Ports, using his big frame and strong instincts to quell attacks and also have an impact up front.
An SA Country Championships and SA Country state player this year, Raikiwasa has 11 goals and three best-player mentions in 10 league appearances.
8. HARLEE CHANDLER
(Western United)
One of the Western Eyre Football League’s best players for a number of years, Chandler has put together another top drawer season.
The former Norwood utility, and the son of Eyre Peninsula legend Milton, can have an impact up front or through the middle, possessing a big tank and slick skills.
Also performing at his best in the SA Country Championships and the Mortlock Shield, Chandler has 24 goals and nine best-player mentions in his 15 games this year for Western United.
7. AISEA RAIKIWASA
(Ports)
One of the most damaging players in country footy, Aisea Raikiwasa – brother of Aseri – remains a force across half-back and along the wing.
A key part of the Eastern Eyre Mortlock Shield team and the SA Country Championships, Raikiwasa uses his explosive speed and terrific ball use to set his teammates up and hurt opponents, and can also move up the ground to hit the scoreboard.
Has six goals and seven best-player nominations in 12 games.
Also named in SANFL’s SA Country team of the decade.
6. MATT CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
A household name in Eyre Peninsula footy, Crettenden – brother of Stephen and Michael – continues to produce for undefeated United Yeelanna in the Great Flinders FL.
A versatile and skilful forward, if Crettenden isn’t taking strong marks and kicking bags, he’s setting up teammates with smart distribution.
Represented SA Country against WA Country and has 47 foals and four best-player nominations in his 10 GFFL games.
5. JESSE CHANDLER
(Western United)
Returning to Western United as playing-coach after a stint with Norwood reserves in the SANFL, Jesse Chandler – brother of Harlee – has been a standout up front.
A key forward who can also spend time in the middle, Chandler’s skills by hand and foot as well as his athleticism and marking ability make him difficult for anyone to stop.
The former Mail medallist has booted 56 goals in 16 games in the Western Eyre FL and has been among Western United’s best on seven occasions.
Also played in the SA Country Championships and Mortlock Shield.
4. JED WOOLFORD
(Marble Range)
One of the premier big men in regional football, Woolford has been a colossus as a ruck-utility in 2022.
Woolford has dominated in the ruck and in key positions, his strength and athleticism allowing him to match up with the Port Lincoln FL’s best big men and run them around the ground.
Woolford was a key part of SA Country’s side which took on WA after performing at a top level in the country championships.
Has been named best-on-ground twice for Marble Range and kicked five goals in 11 appearances.
3. ZANE MONTGOMERIE
(Elliston Districts)
Montgomerie has been a superstar in Eyre Peninsula footy this season, the champion defender performing as consistently as anyone in the Great Flinders FL.
One of the major catalysts for Elliston Districts’ second-place finish and flag contention, Montgomerie has the ability to impact every contest on the ground and in the air to either spoil, take marks, or dispose perfectly to teammates.
The SA Country Championships and SA Country state team member has been among the Roosters’ best in all of his 11 appearances this season.
2. JORDAN CLEMENTS
(Marble Range)
The Port Lincoln FL’s 2021 Mail medallist, Clements has continued to dominate the competition in season 2022.
An explosive and tireless midfielder who accumulates the footy for fun and always makes smart decisions, Clements can completely take over a game.
A member of the SA Country Championships and the SA Country state side, the Marble Range champion has tallied 10 best player mentions and three goals in his 14 league games.
1. JACK KENNY
(Ranges)
A member of this season’s SA Country Championships side as well as the SA Country state side which defeated WA, Kenny has been an outstanding midfielder in 2022.
A strong and skilful player, Kenny consistently hits the contest hard and deals the ball to teammates with precision and efficiency.
With superb instincts around the contest and in front of goal, the former Glenelg gun can also hit the scoreboard.
Has seven goals and 10 appearances among Ranges’ best players in 11 Eastern Eyre Football League games.
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