The Hills Football League’s top 40 players for 2022 ranked
The Hills Football League is full of star country footballers, so we’ve ranked the best players in the competition for 2022. See who made the cut.
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The Hills Football League has been one of the state’s strongest country competitions in the past decade and has no shortage of gun players.
Based on this season’s form, we’ve ranked the top 40 players in the competition for 2022.
Reigning premier and top side Hahndorf has the biggest representation with eight players, while Lobethal (seven players) and Mt Barker (five players) also get a nod.
Players who had played less than eight games were ruled ineligible.
Here is our list of the top players in the league’s first division ranked from no. 40 to 1.
40. TOM WORTHLEY
(Uraidla Districts)
A standout interleague player this year, Worthley has shown quick development on the ball.
A hard-working player in the contest who can run all day, Worthley has been one of the keys behind Uraidla Districts’ strong season so far.
Has six best-player performances in 15 games.
39. DANIEL BENNETTS
(Mt Barker)
Bennetts has been a significant addition for the Roos this year after playing over 100 games for Blackwood and his defensive ability has been on full display already for his new side.
An easy interleague selection this year, Bennetts can play anywhere in defence and can also slot into various other positions around the ground.
A quick mover who is strong in the air and smart with the ball, Bennetts has turned in four mentions in the best players in his 12 games so far.
38. JACOB QUARISA
(Onkaparinga Valley)
It has been a struggle for Onkaparinga Valley in division one this year, bu Quarisa continues to turn in dominant displays on the ball.
The star mid, who also played interleague, has featured in his side’s best players 11 times in 13 games and has also kicked 11 goals.
His unmatched stamina makes him hard for opposition to keep up with.
37. ZABIEN PARKER-BOERS
(Hahndorf)
Parker-Boers has adjusted well to his forward role at the Magpies and is becoming one of the league’s most damaging players in the forward 50 and up the ground.
Skilful by hand and efficient by foot, Parker-Boers hits the scoreboard almost every week and sets up teammates at an even better rate.
Has 16 goals in as many games this year and was also selected for the SA Country Championships.
36. HARRY WEEKS
(Mt Lofty)
Weeks’ performances in the forwardline have been exceptional since returning to Mt Lofty from Sturt last year.
A creative player who is reliable in the air and by foot, Weeks can damage teams in front of goal or up the ground.
Has 24 goals in 14 games in 2022 to go with nine mentions in his side's best players.
35. ALEX GEORGIOU
(Lobethal)
The former Melbourne and Norwood gun is one of the best key position players in the competition.
Predominantly producing strong performances as a key back, Georgiou can completely nullify opposing forwards with strong aerial contest work and elite ground ball gets.
He can also move up the ground to kick the odd goal, slotting home three this year to go with three best-on-ground performances.
34. ADAM HOULAHAN
(Bridgewater-Callington)
Houlahan’s performances in the middle have been one of the major positives for the Raiders this season.
A tireless worker, Houlahan is always there when the ball is to be won and provides a strong option anywhere on the ground.
Has seven goals this year and nine displays in his side’s best players.
33. CONNER MILDE
(Mt Lofty)
A nifty and quick-moving forward, Milde has remained one of the Devils’ most impactful players.
Milde maintains a dangerous presence inside the forward 50 and is capable of snapping a goal from almost any angle.
He has 41 goals in 15 games and has been named best afield three times this season.
32. COOPER NYKAMP
(Hahndorf)
Nykamp remains one of the league’s most potent players in front of goal.
Skilful by hand and foot and a shifty presence inside 50, Nykamp has booted 35 majors in 15 appearances this year.
He has also been named in his side’s best players on four separate occasions this season.
31. TROY HOCKING
(Blackwood)
Hocking’s ability to break open a contest from the middle or the flanks makes him an important player for the Woods.
An explosive player who is competent off of either foot and decisive in possession, he has tallied 10 goals this year to go along with seven best-player nods.
30. RYAN DIJKSMAN
(Blackwood)
Dijksman has remained a tough and inspirational leader for Blackwood in 2022.
The Woods captain is a ball magnet who loves having a crack in the contest and can distribute the pill at a high efficiency.
He can also hit the scoreboard with consistency from the middle, with 12 goals and four best-player shifts to his name.
29. BRAD AGNEW
(Echunga)
Arriving from Glenelg in the offseason, Agnew’s ‘hard-at-it’ approach to the game has significantly strengthened Echunga’s midfield.
A strong body in the contest who has no issue getting his hands dirty, Agnew is a clearance machine.
The tenacious onballer has been among his team’s best on nine occasions in 2022 and has seven goals in 14 games.
28. AIDAN RILEY
(Lobethal)
Lobethal’s playing-coach has taken a slight back seat with teammate Mitch Grigg now commanding the Tigers on the ball, but he still has what it takes to be a top player in the HFL.
A strong body on the ball and a courageous player in the contest, Riley brings the toughness the Lobethal will need if it wants to go all the way in 2022.
He has been best on ground three times this year and also added three goals.
27. COOPER HOUGH
(Hahndorf)
Hough’s ability to take a game apart within a matter of minutes makes him one of the hardest matchups in the league and one of the competition’s most valuable players.
A dynamic forward and a skilful finisher, he has only been kept goalless once this season by Bridgewater-Callington in round one.
Hough has an almost unmatched goal-sense, seeing the clever marksman boot 38 majors in 15 games and tally four best-on-ground nods.
26. JAMES ELLIOTT
(Lobethal)
Elliott provides security and assuredness in possession for the Tigers and plays a significant part in his side’s setup behind the ball.
A strong mark and a terrific user of the ball, the 2022 interleague player has been one of Lobethal’s most consistent performers this year.
Has tallied four best-player performances in 12 games so far.
25. ZAC KUIPER
(Onkaparinga Valley)
Kuiper has been one of Onkaparinga Valley’s best and most consistent players during what has been a frustrating year for the club.
Skilful and athletic in the contest and behind the ball, Kuiper’s marking nous, along with his ability to create a contest and distribute at high efficiency, make him one of the most promising players in the competition.
The SA Country Championships player has tallied 10 best-player nods in his 13 appearances.
24. MALACHI LINES
(Mt Barker)
The former Sturt weapon has made a significant impact for the Roos this season, bringing pace and a penetrating kick to each contest.
Lines can cut teams open with his run-and-carry and efficiency out of the contest and has improved as the season has gone on.
He has nine best-player nods in 14 games and has also kicked three goals.
23. JAMES BRAIDWOOD
(Lobethal)
The Tigers ruckman has been a star since arriving at Lobethal and replacing Brady Dawe.
With the ability to find his midfielders with consistent tap-work, while also occasionally moving up the ground and kicking a goal, Braidwood has been a dominant big man against most opponents.
Has nine best-player mentions in 14 appearances as well as three majors.
22. DUNCAN ROGERS
(Nairne Bremer)
The Rams have struggled in games without Rogers this season and for good reason.
The 2022 SA Country Championships player has been a strong presence on the ball and in the contest for his club, also providing consistent run and carry as well as a cool head.
He has kicked seven goals in 12 games so far in 2022 to go along with three best-on-ground performances.
21. DANIEL ROBERTS
(Hahndorf)
Roberts remains the most consistent ruckman in the competition, giving the gun Hahndorf midfield first look at the ball regularly.
The big man can compete with the best of them and is a strong mark.
He also does a lot of work around the ground, moving well and disposing efficiently.
Has five best-player performances in 12 games.
20. NICK THOMSON
(Mt Lofty)
Thomson has become one of the best key defenders in the competition through season 2022.
The interleague team member is a strong one-on-one player who has no issue sitting on some of the best forwards in the HFL.
Has three best-player performances in his 16 appearances so far this year and continues to stand tall in defence for Mt Lofty.
19. SAM CALLINS
(Mt Barker)
Callins has established himself as a top midfielder in the competition throughout season 2022 and Mt Barker’s rise with his continued development comes as no surprise.
A skilful and composed player on the ball, Callins damages teams with his strong decision-making and consistent delivery.
Has tallied 11 best-player performances in 16 games for the Roos and hit the scoreboard for four goals.
18. MATT TUCK
(Blackwood)
A 2020 Mail Medalist and arguably top-five player in the league last season, Tuck would be higher-placed with more games under his belt for Blackwood this year.
Tuck’s explosiveness and skill on the ball as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard makes him one of the biggest weapons in the competition.
In just nine appearances this year, he has recorded three best-on-ground performances and slotted home 11 goals.
17. DARCY HOURIGAN
(Nairne Bremer)
The former South Adelaide and Hahndorf gun currently sits second in the HFL’s leading-goalkicker table this year.
Strong and quick on the lead with a safe pair of hands and a reliable boot, Hourigan has been one of the best key targets in the competition for years.
Has 52 goals in 16 games to go along with five best-player showings.
16. BEN ADAMS
(Blackwood)
Adams has starred in the middle for Blackwood in season 2022.
The Woods star accumulates the footy with the best of them and brings relentless effort to the contest.
He has 14 best-player displays in his 16 appearances and has also hit the scoreboard for two goals.
15. MITCHELL CARTER
(Lobethal)
The league’s top goalkicker, Carter has everything a team would want in a key forward.
In his second year at the Tigers, the 23-year-old has been an imposing force up front, boasting a strong mark and a booming kick.
Carter sits on 53 goals after 15 appearances, with five best-on-ground performances.
His biggest day out so far was an eight-goal-haul against Nairne Bremer in round eight.
14. HENRY BRUCE
(Mt Barker)
Mt Barker’s vice captain has led by example all year.
A consistent and skilful player, Bruce leads up the ground well to take strong marks and also finishes well in front of goal when he’s not setting up his teammates.
He has 19 goals and 10 best-player performances in 15 games.
13. NICK AMATO
(Uraidla Districts)
The Demons captain has been as influential as anyone up front and in the contest this season.
A skilful player with the ability to deliver or finish on both sides of the body, Amato has tallied 23 goals in 15 games and has been among his team’s best on nine separate occasions.
The leadership duo of Terlich and Amato has led the club to a top-four spot.
12. ASH ECKERMANN
(Mt Lofty)
One of the most reliable players across half-back and the wing in the competition, Eckermann has played a major role for Mt Lofty this season.
The SA Country Championships member provides speed and a penetrating kick for his side, tallying eight best-player nods and four goals so far in the league.
Is also a star intercept mark.
11. JOEL PARKER-BOERS
(Hahndorf)
A star across half-back and in the middle, Parker-Boers has been one of Hahndorf’s best this year.
Calm and skilful with the ball, the Magpies gun always seems to find time and space, damaging teams with his run-and-carry as well as his ability to kick a score.
The SA Country Championships participant has eight best-player performances and seven goals in 15 appearances for his club in season 2022.
10. NICK JAENSCH
(Nairne Bremer)
A strong body in the middle, Jaensch’s impact for Nairne Bremer has been invaluable this season.
Athletic and tough as nails, Jaensch can influence a game in the contest and in the air, while also pushing up the ground to hit the scoreboard.
He has kicked seven goals and featured in the best players four times in 16 games for the Rams and was also an SA Country Championships player this year.
9. TROY PARKER-BOERS
(Hahndorf)
Now a mainstay in Eastern’s SA Country Championships side, inside bull Parker-Boers has been a key weapon in Hahndorf’s arsenal.
Hard and relentless at the contest with a big tank, the Magpies star has led his side to many of its 15 wins so far this season.
Has eight best-player mentions in 16 games and was among the best on ground in all three Country Championships games.
8. MATT RAITT
(Echunga)
Another member of this year’s Eastern SA Country Championships team, Raitt has been one of the most impactful forwards in the HFL.
In 15 games for Echunga, he has booted 20 goals and been named one of the team’s best on 12 separate occasions.
A speedy player with lightning quick hands, a strong mark and a booming boot, Raitt remains a big danger for any opposing side.
7. JORDAN HOULAHAN
(Mt Barker)
Mt Barker has gone from a non-factor in 2021 to a premiership chance this season and Houlahan’s arrival has played a significant part in the turnaround.
The former Essendon and Sturt forward is a strong mark, quick decision maker and a consistent goal threat.
Houlahan’s first year at the Roos has been outstanding statistically, with 45 goals and five best-on-ground nods in 15 games.
6. PETER BAMPTON
(Lobethal)
A strong all-round player, the former Norwood star has again proved a catalyst for a strong Lobethal season.
Bampton does his best work in the contest, applying tackle pressure without the ball and disposing brilliantly with it.
The Tigers star has 11 goals and 11 best-player performances in 13 games this year.
5. SAM WILLIAMS
(Hahndorf)
Hahndorf’s captain has continued his run as one of the dominant forces in the league this year.
Providing elite leadership and a dominant presence on the ball and across the forwardline, the interleague team member has his Magpies primed for a run at yet another flag.
Williams has tallied 18 goals and 11 best-player appearances in 16 games this season.
4. JACKSON HOOPER
(Bridgewater-Callington)
His club has struggled, but the Raiders captain has been at his best again for season 2022.
Last year’s Mail Medalist, Hooper remains dominant around the contest and in the forward 50, consistently producing with quick ball-use and strong pressure.
Hooper has been among the best on ground a remarkable 14 times in 16 games for his team and has also booted 18 goals so far this season.
3. DEAN TERLICH
(Uraidla Districts)
Uraidla Districts’ playing-coach has been monumental up front for his side this season.
Terlich’s leadership is second to none and he has again been one of the most reliable kicks for goal in the competition.
A tireless worker, he can also put in a strong shift in the middle if his side requires it.
The Demons spearhead has booted 49 goals in 15 games – his team in with a big shot at a top-three finish heading into finals.
2. SAM HAYDEN
(Hahndorf)
Hayden has been on yet another tear for Hahndorf this season, the versatile gun having an impact around the ground for the Magpies.
Also a member of this season’s interleague side, the former Sturt gun mainly has an impact in the middle, but can also slot in off half-back or at half-forward.
His efficient distribution and decision-making makes him a weapon against anyone.
In 14 league games for the Magpies this year, Hayden has been one of their best on 10 occasions while also kicking eight goals.
1. MITCH GRIGG
(Lobethal)
Grigg has been colossal since joining the Tigers, dominating on the ball throughout the season.
The ex-Crow and two-time Magarey Medalist for Norwood remains strong and decisive in the contest, boasts one of the most accurate kicks in the competition, and has a strong nose for goal.
In 16 games Grigg has tallied 28 goals from the middle and up front, as well as nine best-player nods.
His addition to Lobethal’s ranks have the club set for a strong finals push.
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