The Great Southern Football League’s top 35 players ranked for 2022
The Great Southern Football League is full of gun country footballers, so we’ve ranked the best players in the competition for season 2022. See who made the cut.
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The Great Southern Football League has been one of the standout competitions in local SA footy and remains packed with top quality talent.
Based on this season’s form and with the input of the league and clubs, we’ve ranked the top 35 players in the competition for 2022.
Top side McLaren and reigning premier Willunga both led representation with six players each.
Encounter Bay (five) and Myponga/Sellicks (four) also were well represented.
Players who had played less than seven games were ruled ineligible.
Here is our list from no. 35 to 1.
35. SAM BASHAM
(Victor Harbor)
Victor Harbor’s captain has been one of the GSFL’s best forwards this season, overpowering defenders up front to lead his side to fifth on the ladder.
Basham, also part of this year’s association game, leads the league in goalkicking, booting 49 goals in 15 games.
He also has made his side’s best players list three times.
34. ANGUS WEIR
(Yankalilla)
Yankalilla’s most dominant player so far this season, Weir has remained a big threat up front and in the middle.
The former Glenelg gun has been a star for the Tigers this year, using the ball at high efficiency and having an impact in front of goal.
Weir has eight goals and has made his side’s best players list 11 times in 15 games so far.
33. DANNY JUCKERS
(Willunga)
Juckers remains a consistent midfielder for the Demons in the GSFL.
Hard at it and clean in possession, he has featured seven times in his side’s best players list in 10 games.
Juckers also has eight goals so far this season, a strong effort from the middle.
32. NICK MARSHALL
(Encounter Bay)
A standout forward for Encounter Bay this season, Marshall was rightfully picked for this year’s association game.
Marshall has built a reputation as a reliable forward and, most importantly, finishes well in front of goal, booting 36 majors in 11 appearances to go along with four best-player nods.
31. TARAK REDIGOLO
(McLaren)
McLaren sits top of the ladder with a 15-0 record and Redigolo has played a significant part in his club’s success.
The veteran onballer covers ground with the best of them, consistently finding space in the contest and hitting teammates at an efficient rate.
Redigolo has been among the Eagles’ best on five separate occasions and also has eight goals in 11 games.
30. JAKE SPINKS
(Myponga/Sellicks)
The star midfielder for Myponga/Sellicks has improved by the game in season 2022.
A strong onballer with a penetrating kick who can move up the ground and hit the scoreboard when needed, Spinks has 13 goals in 15 games and has been selected among the Mudlarks’ best six times.
29. CALEB POWELL
(Langhorne Creek)
One of the most consistent players in the Great Southern Football League, Powell has been a weapon for Langhorne Creek up front.
A versatile player with a strong mark who is comfortable off either foot, Powell currently sits on 28 goals after 13 games played and also has seven best-player nods for the year.
28. JOB COLWELL
(Willunga)
Dominant for the Demons across half-back this season, Colwell’s run and carry has been key to his side’s 11-4 record.
Also a part of the association game this season, the talented defender packs a damaging leg and is a constant threat on the rebound for Willunga.
Colwell has been among the side’s best on six occasions and also has two goals so far.
27. LACHLAN MATTHEWS
(McLaren)
Predominantly playing half-back, Matthews has managed to have a major impact for the Eagles at either end of the ground.
In seven games for the league’s top side, he has kicked seven goals and has been named in his side’s best players list four times.
The talented defender has been a headache for opposition and if he can remain fit and on the park, McLaren will be hard to stop come finals.
26. COBY HELYAR
(Langhorne Creek)
Another talented Langhorne Creek forward and a member of the Southern Districts SA Country Championships team, Helyar remains one of the best players in the GSFL.
An athletic workhorse up front, Helyar dominates in the air and boasts efficient distribution, while also slotting home his fair share of majors.
He has 30 goals in 13 games for the Hawks this season and has been named among his side’s best on eight occasions.
25. ADAM HUNTER
(Mount Compass)
Hunter has been a star for Mount Compass this season, dominating on the ball and leading by example in the middle each week.
The Bulldogs captain is an explosive and composed player and has been named among the Bulldogs’ best in 11 of his 12 performances, while also slotting home 10 goals.
24. CODEY ELLISON
(McLaren)
Predominantly a winger but also able to rotate through the forward 50, Ellison has been one of McLaren’s most consistent players in 2022.
A tireless worker around the ground, the talented runner is a strong decision maker with a reliable kick.
Has kicked 20 goals in his 15 appearances to go along with six best-player nods.
23. COHEN PETTITT
(Encounter Bay)
The former Central Districts midfielder has been a star in the contest for Encounter Bay so far this season.
Another member of the Southern Districts SA Country Championships team, Pettitt’s clean disposal and added goal sense make him a terror around the contest.
He has nine goals and seven best-player mentions in 13 games for the Eagles.
22. TOM REDDEN
(Strathalbyn)
Arguably the best centre half-back in the competition, Redden has had major impact for Strathalbyn as the Roosters aim for a late finals push.
Able to shut down almost any forward in the GSFL, Redden contests well in the air and on the ground and can also distribute with ease out of the backline.
Redden has been among the Roosters’ best eight times in 13 games and also kicked a rare goal against Encounter Bay in round six.
21. JAKE TARCA
(Encounter Bay)
The former Geelong and South Adelaide utility has fit Encounter Bay like a glove in his first season in the GSFL.
Playing up front and through the middle on occasion, Tarca uses his strength in the contest and skills in the air and by foot to damage the opposition.
Has 44 goals in 14 games to go along with five best-player appearances.
20. CALLUM TONKIN
(Encounter Bay)
One of the best ruckmen in the competition, Tonkin has been key to Encounter Bay’s success so far in 2022.
The big man’s tap-work consistently gives his midfielders first look at it and his ability to take strong marks makes him a valuable asset down back or up front.
He has kicked two goals this season and has been named among his side’s best in 11 of 14 appearances.
19. BAILEY HANN
(Mount Compass)
While the Bulldogs have struggled in season 2022, they’re always a shot with Hann pulling strings in the middle.
Skilled and composed on the ball, the Mount Compass star has been named among the best on ground in eight of 13 games and also has three goals to his name.
Went on a tear from rounds two to five, getting a best-on-ground nod in each game.
18. ZIGGY VITKUNAS
(Mount Compass)
Vitkunas remains one of the best forwards in the competition, dominating for Mount Compass yet again in season 2022.
The strong-bodied Bulldogs veteran packs an accurate kick and almost unmatched goal-sense, booting 31 majors in 15 games this year.
He has also been among his side’s best in seven of his appearances.
17. RILEY CLAMP
(Strathalbyn)
An athletic and reliable centre half-forward, Clamp has done it all for the Roosters this year.
Also listed in Adelaide’s SANFL side, the talented goalkicker can slot them home from anywhere and has booted 31 majors in 11 GSFL games in season 2022.
He has been given a nod in his side’s best players list in seven of his 11 appearances.
16. MATT DOMINISH
(Langhorne Creek)
Another player who appeared in the SA Country Championships, Dominish’s impact around the contest can’t be understated.
The Hawks captain not only inspires his troops on a weekly basis, but leads by example in the trenches with a courageous and relentless approach to the game.
Has five goals in 14 appearances as well as nine mentions in his side’s best players list.
15. BRETT MIEGEL
(Willunga)
Playing both wing and half-forward this year, Miegel’s versatility has been his greatest strength.
The speedy and decisive player has done damage for the Demons along the flanks in almost every game, finishing among the side’s best on nine out of 15 occasions.
He also has 10 goals after consistent work through the forwardline.
14. MATTHEW MERRETT
(McLaren)
McLaren’s star key forward currently sits second among the league’s leading goalkickers.
Merrett has been a strong presence inside 50 and is a reliable set-shot specialist, slotting 48 goals in 14 games – his best performance a six-goal haul against Strathalbyn in round five.
He has also made his side’s best players list seven times.
13. DARCY CLIFFORD
(Langhorne Creek)
The former Sturt gun remains Langhorne Creek’s most impactful player, providing strong run and delivery off half-back.
Also a member of this year’s SA Country Championships squad, Clifford consistently cuts off attacks and damages oppositions by foot on the rebound.
Has made his side’s best players list 10 times in 14 appearances while also managing two goals this year.
12. DARCY SCOTT
(Willunga)
Another who stars along the wing and can boot goals, SA Country Championships player Darcy Scott remains a weapon for Willunga.
An explosive utility who packs a deadeye kick, he has 20 goals in 15 games so far to go with eight mentions in his side’s best players.
In two recent dominant displays, Scott booted six goals against Yankalilla in round 13 and another six against Goolwa/Port Elliot in round 14.
11. JACKSON ELMES
(Victor Harbor)
Former South Adelaide spearhead Elmes has remained a damaging forward for the Roos in season 2022.
Quick on the lead and a strong mark out in front, Elmes plays the perfect key target role for his club.
He has 41 goals in 15 games this year, while also tallying a huge total of 11 nods in his side’s best players.
10. CAMERON HUTCHENS
(Willunga)
Also listed with Adelaide’s SANFL side, Hutchens’ form as an onballer for Willunga sees him make the GSFL’s top 10.
Hutchens has been the catalyst for the Demons’ success in the middle, the strong-bodied clearance machine winning countless contested possessions.
He’s kicked 12 goals in 11 games and has been in his side’s best players on eight occasions, while also representing Southern in the SA Country Championships.
9. BEN SIMOUNDS
(Strathalbyn)
Simounds is a versatile forward who can also impact a game up the ground.
A strong mark and booming kick, he has 47 goals in 13 games for the Roosters.
One of Strathalbyn’s most consistent players, Simounds has also been named in his side’s best players six times.
8. TYSON NEALE
(Encounter Bay)
The Encounter Bay captain is a club legend, playing over 200 games and leading the Eagles to two premierships.
The champion half-forward has been dominant yet again this year, tallying 33 goals in 13 games as well as being named in his side’s best players nine times.
Neale’s marking ability combined with his reliable set-shot work makes him one of the best in the GSFL.
7. ELLIOT CHALMERS
(Myponga/Sellicks)
Arriving at the Mudlarks from Morphettville Park in the offseason, Chalmers has been a standout in the middle.
An excellent ball-user with a high footy IQ, the talented midfielder has been among his club’s best seven times in 15 appearances and also has five goals.
His addition to the team has made Myponga/Sellicks a premiership contender.
6. BRAD HASKETT
(Willunga)
Dominating as a ruck/forward utility this season, Willunga’s vice captain remains one of the best the Great Southern Football League has to offer.
Haskett provides a tall and strong target up front and is a classy finisher, kicking 21 goals in 15 games so far.
His versatility also allows him to take over a game in the ruck, outbodying opposing big men and giving his teammates first use.
He has also been named in his side’s best players eight times this season.
5. TODD MCKAY
(McLaren)
A consistent and effective onballer, McKay uses his nifty skills to work the ball through congestion and find his teammates with efficiency.
Incredibly skilful by hand and foot, the Eagles star has been named in his side’s best players in seven of 12 appearances.
He has also added six goals to his season resume.
4. LEVI PROUDE
(Myponga/Sellicks)
Another star on the ball, Proude’s performances in the GSFL this year have helped lead the Mudlarks to a top-three spot.
The former Port Adelaide and West Adelaide SANFL gun has also used his ability to rove in the forwardline and bag goals this year, kicking 10 in 15 games.
His relentless work in the contest has also seen him garner seven best-player performances.
3. BRETT ELLIS
(McLaren)
McLaren’s captain has been phenomenal on the ball this season, earning him a top-three spot on the list.
Ellis often fights through tags to accumulate plenty of the ball and is adept at hitting his teammates with disposal under pressure.
He has also had one of his best years in front of goal, remarkably booting 24 majors in 13 games, mostly while roving.
Ellis has been named in his side’s best players nine times so far this season.
2. JESSE MCKINNON
(Victor Harbor)
A hard-working, big-bodied midfielder, McKinnon has been a terror for the Roos in 2022.
The former South Adelaide star has tallied a perfect 15 best-player nods in 15 games while also kicking five goals from the middle.
His ability to win countless contested possessions and fight through opposing tackles or distribute to teammates under duress is arguably second to none in the competition.
McKinnon was also a part of Southern’s SA Country Championships team.
1. BEN KENNEDY
(Myponga/Sellicks)
There is nothing Kennedy has not been able to do in the GSFL so far this year.
The former Melbourne and Collingwood forward/midfielder has excelled in a similar role for the Mudlarks, either dominating on the ball or overwhelming opposition defenders up front.
A strong and skilful player with safe hands and an accurate kick, Kennedy has 25 goals in 11 games and has been named in his side’s best players in 11 of those appearances.
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