The Eyre Peninsula’s top 50 footballers of 2023 ranked
The Eyre Peninsula is stacked with star country footy talent so we’ve drawn from the region’s four main leagues to rank the top 50 players of 2023. See who made the cut.
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The Eyre Peninsula has been filled with elite country footballers for decades and season 2023 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 2023.
Here are our rankings from no. 50 to 1.
50. DION WOOLFORD
(Kimba)
The 2023 season has been another challenge for Kimba but Woolford’s impressive campaign out of the back half sees him place inside the top 50.
The versatile star can pick off any delivery in the air at the back and begin attacking moves for his side with elite disposal, or also push up the ground or through the middle and distribute to teammates or hit the scoreboard.
Has eight goals and five best player mentions in eight games.
49. ALI JOHNCOCK
(Ceduna)
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 24 goals in seven games to go along with two best player mentions.
48. DUSTIN HARRIS
(Ranges)
A hardworking midfielder who can also drop behind the play for extra security, Harris has been a standout for Ranges in the EEFL.
Boasts brilliant skill by hand and foot and has been a big reason behind his side’s success so far this year.
Has six best player nods in nine games and also played association.
47. SHAUN MILLER
(Koonibba)
An extremely talented defender, Miller has stood strong at the back despite a tough 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 11 best player appearances in 11 games for Koonibba.
46. BRAD KEAST
(Boston)
Boston’s playing-coach has had an exceptional season, helping his side to two wins so far after three winless years.
A star onballer who can also move up front or play across the backline if needed, Keast’s athleticism and skill with ball in hand makes him extremely damaging.
Has eight best player nods in 10 games as well as two majors.
45. WILL HAARSMA
(Cummins Rambler)
Dominant for Cummins Rambler so far this season, Haarsma has been a standout in a challenging year for his club.
An explosive and strong midfielder who remains composed in the contest and can find any teammate with reliable disposal.
Has seven goals and nine best player appearances in 10 games.
44. BILLY BYASS
(Marble Range)
A versatile player with the ability to take over a game, Byass has been a standout for Marble Range.
The PLFL gun can play a role up front if needed with strong marking ability and spatial awareness, or dominate through the middle.
Has 14 goals and four best player nods in 10 games.
43. TOM LAAS
(Ports)
A dangerous forward/midfielder utility for Ports this season.
Laas works hard through four quarters to provide an option for his teammates and can also create opportunities for himself and his side with an accurate leg.
Has five best player nods and 14 goals in eight games.
42. PRICE MARSHALL
(Marble Range)
One of the standout defenders in Eyre Peninsula footy, Marshall has been a big part of Marble Range’s strong season so far.
The former 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 FL and disrupt forward 50 entries.
Has three best-player nominations in 1o games for his club and was also an important player for Lincoln Districts in interleague.
41. BROADIE CHANDLER
(Ceduna)
A top performer for Ceduna this season, Chandler takes a well-deserved spot in the top 50.
Chandler is a skilled midfielder who remains composed under pressure to find teammates and can also impact the scoreboard.
Has seven best player appearances and five goals in 11 games and also played interleague this season.
40. FLYNN PAECH
(Ports)
One of his side’s most consistent players this year, Paech has been one of the EEFL’s best.
A hard worker in the contest who wins his fair share of the footy and deals to teammates with ease, Paech is one of Ports’ best distributors.
Has seven best player nods in nine games and also played association footy this year.
39. AARON BEARD
(Lock)
A star forward for Lock this season, Beard has been close to his best in the GFFL.
Beard is a relentless player up front, applying consistent pressure and booting goals from anywhere in and around the 50.
Has 24 goals and four best player nods in 10 games so far.
38. JED BURTON
(Ranges)
A star midfielder for Eastern Ranges this season, Burton remains one of his side’s most impactful players.
Burton is a hard runner who provides a reliable option for his teammates and always makes good decisions.
Has six best player nods in nine games and has kicked three majors so far.
Was also one of the best players in this season’s interleague games.
37. SAM CLEMENTS
(Kimba)
A superstar midfielder for Kimba, Clements has been a consistent star throughout season 2023.
Clements is one of the best distributors in the EEFL and also has no problem hitting the scoreboard if needed.
Has six goals and eight best player mentions in eight games.
36. SID MASTERS
(Ports)
Masters’ smaller tally of four league games prevents a higher placement in the top 50.
One of the most talented and iconic players in the region, the imposing forward boasts supreme athleticism for a big body, a strong mark and a booming boot.
Has 18 goals and a best player nod in his four games and also played SA Country Championships.
35. ALEX FRASER
(Ceduna)
A dominant player in the Western Eyre FL for a number of years, Fraser has produced some of his best footy in 2023.
The Ceduna star is a contested footy beast who wins plenty of the footy for the Blues each week and always provides a safe option around the ground.
Has six best player nods in 10 games and also played SA Country Championships.
34. JOSEPH MCINNIS
(Wirrulla)
A superstar for Wirrulla this season, McInnis has been at his best in the WEFL.
McInnis covers ground as well as anyone in the EP, winning plenty of the footy and either dealing to teammates with precision or booting goals.
Has 11 majors and eight best player nods in 10 games and was also among the league’s best in every association game he played.
33. JAXEN NORTON
(United Yeelanna)
A member of last season’s GFFL team of the year, Norton has been a star across halfback yet again in 2023.
Highly influential with his run and carry and precision by foot, Norton can lock down some of the competition’s best forwards and damage sides with rebound attacks.
Has five best player nods in nine games and also played SA Country Championships.
32. 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 2023.
Lawrie is a skilful and reliable midfielder who tallies high clearance numbers each week and also has an impact on the scoreboard.
Has 15 goals and five best player mentions in 11 games for his side.
31. MICHAEL CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
United Yeelanna’s captain remains one of the best and most damaging players on the Eyre Peninsula.
Crettenden possesses elite skills on either side of his body and is strong in the air.
He can boot goals up front or slide into the midfield and control the game with his disposal, tallying 20 goals and two best player nods through seven games this season.
30. MATTHEW WILLIAMS
(Elliston Districts)
The 2021 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 four goals for his club so far this year.
The SA Country Championships player also has four best player mentions in six league appearances.
29. IAN JERICHO
(Central Eyre United)
A damaging and versatile halfback 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 two goals and six best-player mentions in seven games for his club in the Eastern Eyre FL.
28. 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 halfback, on the wing and through the middle for the Peckers, Johncock is a versatile player and a classy user of the ball.
Has seven goals and six best player nods in 11 games.
27. CASEY BEARD
(Lock)
One of Lock’s most consistent players this season, Beard has excelled through the middle and behind the ball.
A strong and hardworking player, Beard’s ability to impact the contest with relentless attack on the footy and composed delivery makes him one of his side’s best.
Has six best player mentions and a goal in 10 games.
26. THOMAS PHELPS
(Cummins Kapinnie)
One of the Great Flinders FL’s biggest stars, Phelps has been a strong contributor for Cummins Kapinnie again in 2023.
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 four goals and five best-player mentions in 10 games for his club.
25. XAVIER WATSON
(United Yeelanna)
A premier midfielder in Eyre Peninsula football, Watson remains one of the best players in the region’s history and has produced another strong year so far.
One of the first selected for SA Country Championships and association footy, Watson is a tireless worker who covers ground with the best of them and can have an impact in any area.
The skilful onballer has tallied two best player performances for the Eagles this year and was among Lincoln District’s best four times in interleague.
24. TY GEORGE
(Lock)
Last season’s Great Flinders FL Mail Medallist, George’s performances in the middle have been outstanding for the Roos.
George’s ability to win the ball and dispose cleanly under duress is among the best in the Eyre Peninsula and he has also hit the scoreboard well this year.
Has five goals through his nine games so far and should be even more prolific during finals.
23. SAM JONAS
(Ceduna)
A dominant key defender who can move around the ground if needed, Jonas has starred for the Blues yet again this season.
The former Sturt gun has top level skills and the ability to defend key players and hold them well while also disposing efficiently out of the backline.
Has three best player performances in five games for Ceduna and was also a star at association level.
22. KY MILLER
(Tumby Bay)
A star for Tumby Bay this season, Miller is having one of his best years for his club so far.
Miller is an athletic and skilled midfielder who can win contested footy and explode from congestion to deal to teammates or boot goals.
Has seven best player mentions and eight goals in 10 games and was also exceptional in the SA Country Championships.
21. LATRELLAE SUMNER
(Tumby Bay)
One of the most promising young players in the Port Lincoln FL, 18-year-old Sumner has been a star for Tumby Bay while also competing for Norwood at U18 level.
A tireless and athletic midfielder who can also move up front and boot goals, Sumner boasts top drawer foot skills and also takes strong marks.
Has six best player nods and 16 majors in seven games and also played SA Country Championships.
20. JED WOOLFORD
(Marble Range)
One of the premier big men in regional football, Woolford has been a star as a ruck-utility in 2023.
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.
Has been named best-on-ground twice for Marble Range and kicked one goal in six appearances.
Was also a consistent contributor for Port Lincoln’s association side.
19. STEPHEN CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
An exceptional forward who can also pinch-hit through the middle, Stephen Crettenden has remained a key part of United Yeelanna’s success in 2023.
The SA Country Championships player is a smart mover across the forwardline and in the middle, often burning defenders with his leads and creating for teammates as well as booting majors.
Has 24 goals in nine games in the Great Flinders FL this season as well as seven best-player nods.
18. JAXON BENNETT
(Marble Range)
Marble Range remains a force to be reckoned with in the Port Lincoln FL 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 eight goals and five best-player nods in eight appearances for his club, while also standing out in the SA Country Championships.
17. DYLAN KELSH
(West Coast Hawks)
One of the best ruckmen in the Eyre Peninsula, Kelsh has a major impact in every game he plays for the West Coast Hawks.
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 nine goals and eight best-player appearances in nine games and also played SA Country Championships.
16. JACK KENNY
(Ranges)
While Kenny has not produced quite the same level of footy as he did last season when he was arguably the EP’s top player, his recent form suggests he is ready to step it up a gear with finals approaching.
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 with seven goals and three best player nods in eight games.
15. MICHAEL MAZEY
(Lincoln South)
A skilled and versatile player who can take over a game for Lincoln South, Mazey has been a standout since arriving from the Southern FL in the pre-season.
Mazey can have an impact in the middle as well as up front, dominating in the air and also hitting the contest hard as a big body mid.
Has five best player nods in five games as well as three goals and also stood out in the Country Championships.
14. JAKE WARMINGTON
(Western United)
Last season’s Western Eyre Mail Medallist, Warmington has continued his significant influence in the competition’s best side.
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 10 goals in 11 games for Western United to go along with 10 best-player appearances in the WEFL.
13. JONTY SEAL
(Wayback)
A force for Wayback yet again this year, Seal has put together a spectacular 2023 campaign so far.
Equal top scorer in the PLFL with Tasman’s Brent Harris, Seal’s performance as a standout forward and midfielder utility has seen him single-handedly keep his side in games this season.
The powerful and skilled player has 10 best player nods in 10 games as well as 20 goals and was also a star in the SA Country Championships this year.
12. JORDAN CLEMENTS
(Marble Range)
Port Lincoln FL’s 2021 Mail Medallist, Clements has continued to dominate the competition in season 2023.
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, the Marble Range champion has tallied five best player mentions and three goals in his eight league games.
11. DOM DENTON
(Thevenard)
The 2021 Western Eyre Mail Medallist has picked up where he left off last year for Thevenard, dominating throughout his appearances for his club.
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 nine goals to go along with eight best-player appearances in eight league games so far.
10. BILLY HAEBICH
(Tasman)
The reigning Mail Medallist in the Port Lincoln FL, former Norwood youngster Haebich has been a standout on the EP yet again this year.
Dominating for third-placed Tasman through the middle, Haebich’s run and carry as well as composed ball use makes him one of the most dangerous players in the competition.
Has three best player performances through his 10 games and was one of the best association players this season, with four best player nods in his four games.
9. JESSE CHANDLER
(Western United)
A superstar leader for Western United, Chandler has been dominant for his hometown club after a stint with Norwood in the SANFL in 2021.
Brother of star teammate Harlee Chandler, Jesse is a powerful and athletic forward who can also spend time in the middle, his ability to deliver to teammates with accuracy off of either side or take big grabs making him a terror for opposition.
Has 35 goals and eight best player nods in 11 games and also played SA Country Championships.
8. ASERI RAIKIWASA
(Ports)
Playing-coach for Ports again this season, Raikiwasa remains one of the most dominant players on the Eyre Peninsula.
The former Port Adelaide big man has dominated for the Magpies, using his massive frame and elite instincts to quell attacks and also dominate in the contest.
An SA Country Championships player yet again this year, Raikiwasa has led by example through his five games and should be a force to be reckoned with during finals.
7. JOHANN WAGNER
(Lincoln South)
Arriving as playing-coach of Lincoln South this season, Wagner has helped transform the Eagles into a genuine premiership contender.
The former Port Adelaide player can perform as a strong and athletic forward or also play through the middle with the ability to win his own footy and distribute at a high efficiency.
Has 15 goals in his seven games and will be a major contributor come finals.
6. DANIEL MINNEY
(Marble Range)
The talented midfielder has continued his elite performances for Marble Range in the PLFL this season after arriving from Woodville-West Torrens in 2021.
The SA Country Championships player is a strong body who can outmuscle opponents in the contest and up front to either create for teammates with top drawer distribution around the ground or hit the scoreboard himself.
Has five best player nods and six goals in his eight games.
5. ZANE MONTGOMERIE
(Lincoln South)
Joining Wagner’s Lincoln South side from Elliston Districts in the pre-season, Montgomerie has become one of the EP’s best players in 2023.
A star player who can play across the backline or in the middle, Montgomerie has the ability to impact every contest on the ground and in the air to either spoil, take big marks or dispose efficiently to teammates.
The SA Country Championships and state country team member has been among his side’s best four times in eight games and has also managed two goals.
4. COOPER LLEWELYN
(Ports)
The reigning Eastern Eyre FL Mail Medallist, Llewelyn has been 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.
Has 13 majors and three best player performances in eight games and was also an SA Country Championships player.
3. MATT CRETTENDEN
(United Yeelanna)
The most prolific goalkicker in the Eyre Peninsula in recent seasons, Crettenden has put together a remarkable year for United Yeelanna in the Great Flinders FL so far.
Also a skilled forward for Sacred Heart OC in the Adelaide Footy League, Crettenden has only made five appearances, but still leads the competition in goalkicking.
A smart forward with damaging leading patterns, strong hands and the ability to finish from anywhere, Crettenden has kicked a huge 52 goals in just five appearances for his side this year.
This includes a 13-goal performance against Eyre United and a 12-goal day against Cummins Kapinnie.
2. HARLEE CHANDLER
(Western United)
Following a strong season for Western United last year, Harlee Chandler has taken his game to another level.
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 18 majors to go along with four best player performances in eight games.
Was also a standout in the SA Country Championships and made the state country side which took on WA over the weekend.
1. KORY BEARD
(Lock)
Returning to Lock after another top season with Marble Range, former Port Adelaide and Sturt player Kory Beard has taken the Great Flinders FL by storm.
An athletic and versatile player for the Roos, Beard can have an impact through the middle, behind the ball or up front, displaying brilliant skill by either foot or hand and the ability to find teammates when under pressure.
Has six best player nods and eight goals in his seven appearances so far and will be a major contender for the GFFL Mail Medal.
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