The Mid North’s top 40 players of 2023 ranked
South Australia’s Mid North is packed with top country footy talent so we’ve drawn from the region’s two main leagues to rank the top 40 players of 2023. See who made the cut.
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The Mid North of SA has been a regional haven for footy talent for many years and season 2023 has been no exception.
Based on this season’s form and with the help of local insiders, we’ve ranked the top 40 players from the region’s two main competitions – the Northern Areas Football Association (NAFA) and the North Eastern Football League (NEFL).
Players who had played less than five games so far this year were ruled ineligible.
Here are our rankings from no. 40 to 1.
40. MATT WHITE
(Jamestown/Peterborough)
While Jamestown-Peterborough has struggled this year, Matt White has remained a consistent highlight for the club.
A player who loves the contest, whether in the air or on the ground, and is often the spark plug for his team.
Has six best player nods in his 10 games.
39. SHAUN MCNEILLY
(North Clare)
Playing as a forward who can rotate into a number of other roles, McNeilly has been one of North Clare’s best this season.
Strong in the air and at ground level, McNeilly has 15 goals in his nine games to go with four best player mentions.
Also played interleague/association footy for the NEFL this year.
38. BROCK GRAYSON
(Jamestown/Peterborough)
Dominant across the backline with the ability to move into the contest, Grayson has been one of Jamestown/Peterborough’s best players this year.
Grayson is a strong runner and an impressive athlete who reads the play well and deals efficiently to teammates each week.
Has seven best player nods in 10 games.
37. NICK RYNNE
(Jamestown/Peterborough)
A gun forward for Jamestown/Peterborough, Rynne has been a standout up front again in 2023.
Rynne is a strong and athletic forward who can create a number of opportunities for his teammates or take strong marks and finish for himself.
Has 22 goals in 10 games to go along with six best player nods and also played interleague this year.
36. OLIVER SMART
(Booleroo Melrose Wilmington)
Arriving from Old Xaverians in Victoria, Smart has had a major impact for BMW.
A hard at it midfielder who wins plenty of the footy for his side and disposes efficiently by foot or hand, Smart can also hit the scoreboard if needed.
Has three goals and six best player nods in eight games.
35. ASHLEY BRUCE
(Brinkworth Spalding Redhill)
Selected on the wing in last season’s NEFL team of the year, Bruce has been a star for BSR again this season.
A damaging player who hurts teams with his run and carry, disposal and ability to kick a goal, the gun Tiger has tallied five goals and three best-player mentions in five games.
Has been out of action for over a month but will be a huge boost for the Tigers if he can return for finals.
34. JACKSON NANCE
(Crystal Brook)
The former North Adelaide junior has been a standout for Crystal Brook this season, dominating through the middle and along the flanks.
The Roosters gun is an explosive and damaging player by foot who can either find teammates in space through the middle or hurt opposition with attacking delivery.
Has six goals and six best player nods in 10 games.
33. LACHLAN DOLLING
(Broughton Mundoora)
A standout for Broughton Mundoora this season, Dolling should play an important role as his side aims for a grand final appearance later this year.
Also an association player this year, the star onballer battles hard in the middle and also provides damaging run and carry.
Has four goals and six best player nods in 10 games.
32. COOPER HAYES
(Brinkworth Spalding Redhill)
One of the best key utilities in the Mid North, Hayes’ presence off of the backline and up front for BSR Tigers has been a catalyst for the club’s strong season.
A reliable and assured defender who can compete with the NEFL’s best forwards and also set up his team coming out of defence with elite delivery or move up front to kick a goal.
Has five best-player mentions and eight majors in his nine appearances.
31. CHASE WEBSTER
(Burra Booborowie Hallett)
BBH’s vice captain has been a strong leader through the middle for his club yet again.
Webster is hard at it and never backs down in the contest, winning the ball and dealing to teammates throughout four quarters in almost every appearance.
Has seven best player mentions in eight games and also played interleague for the NEFL.
30. MATT LONGBOTTOM
(Brinkworth Spalding Redhill)
A highly impactful player in the NEFL’s best side so far this season, Longbottom has been a force up front and through the middle.
Longbottom is a strong and courageous player who has a great footy IQ and can hit the scoreboard consistently for his side.
Has 12 goals in nine games to go along with six best player nods and also played interleague.
29. DYLAN FOULIS
(Orroroo)
A dominant asset for Orroroo, Foulis has been as impressive as ever in season 2023.
Tireless in the contest and a great runner, Foulis covers ground well and can either set teammates up with disposal or kick goals himself.
Has four goals and five best player nods in nine games and also played Country Championships.
28. ALEK KANGUR
(Booleroo Melrose Wilmington)
An outstanding onballer in the Northern Areas FA, Kangur solidifies a spot inside the top 30.
The star BMW competitor is a bull in the contest, often getting his hands dirty and winning the hard ball for his side.
He can also hit the scoreboard, booting 11 majors to go along with six best-player nods in nine games.
27. ALEX RADAK
(North Clare)
Arriving from the Mallee Football League in the pre-season, Radak has been dominant in the ruck for North Clare.
An athletic ruckman who wins most contests and gives his teammates first use in the middle, Radak can win possession around the ground and also move forward.
Has four best player nods and a goal in his seven games so far this season.
26. WILLIAM HEWETT
(Broughton Mundoora)
A consistent star in the NAFA, Hewett has taken his game to another level in season 2023.
Hewett has the ability to play up front as a consistent target who knows his way around goal, but also has a major impact in the contest as a hardworking ball magnet.
Has 15 goals and six best player nods in his nine games so far and also played Country Championships for Northern District.
25. TYSON LAUNER
(Eudunda Robertstown/Southern Saints)
A contested beast who can also move behind the ball and have a major impact, Launer has been a star for the Saints this NEFL season.
A tireless player for his side, Launer wins plenty of his own footy and can find teammates with ease by hand or foot.
Has eight best player mentions in his nine games so far.
24. CHARLIE HELBIG
(North Clare)
Helbig’s work on the defensive end and through the middle gives him a top 25 spot in this list.
Playing an important role for North Clare, Helbig has showed his ability to win the ball in the air and distribute to teammates anywhere around the ground while also hitting the scoreboard on occasion.
Has eight best-player appearances in nine games and was also an interleague member in the NEFL.
23. TAIT NOTTLE
(Blyth/Snowtown)
Arriving from Hummocks-Watchman ahead of season 2023, Nottle has been a star across half-forward and in the middle for Blyth/Snowtown in the NEFL.
Nottle moves efficiently across the forwardline and can take big marks in front of goal while also possessing the ability to dominate in the contest, winning his own footy and dealing to teammates.
Has nine majors and eight best player nods in nine games.
22. ADAM SMYTH
(Burra Booborowie Hallett)
Smyth remains a consistent performer up front and in the midfield for BBH.
A decisive and efficient player with ball in hand, Smyth regularly hits the scoreboard or finds teammates in better positions.
Has 14 goals and eight best-player nods in nine games so far in 2023.
21. SAM DYER
(Broughton Mundoora)
The top goalkicker and premier full forward in the NAFA, Dyer’s position inside the top 20 is well-deserved.
A strong and reliable target who is almost unstoppable one-on-one and takes multiple strong contested marks a game, Dyer has tallied 39 goals and two best player nods in his nine games this season.
Selected forward in the 2022 team of the year.
20. BILL SANDOW
(Mintaro Manoora)
The former Mail Medalist has been in strong form again this season for the Eagles.
A strong presence ahead of the ball and in the contest who can take an athletic mark or win the ball at ground level and create for teammates.
Has eight goals and eight best-player nominations in 9 games this year and also played interleague for the NEFL.
19. ISAAC MOLLER
(Brinkworth Spalding Redhill)
Moller has been a standout key forward in the NEFL this season, presenting as the best target option up front for BSR throughout the year.
The Tigers spearhead leads by example across the forwardline, taking strong grabs and finishing for goal or setting up teammates for easy opportunities while taking the key defender of every opposition side.
Has 24 goals and four best-player mentions in his seven games and also played interleague.
18. HAMISH LATCHFORD
(Mintaro Manoora)
Latchford has been one of the Eagles’ many guns through 2023, dominating off of halfback and through the middle.
An athletic and skilful player who can hit teammates lace out from the flanks or move up the ground and hit the scoreboard himself, Latchford has tallied 10 goals and seven best player nods this year.
Also played interleague.
17. LUKE BOWMAN
(Orroroo)
Bowman’s competitiveness on the ball makes him one of the most impactful players in Orroroo’s line-up.
A tireless player in the contest who has the ability to move up the ground and hit the scoreboard, Bowman has 16 goals and three best player nominations in eight games for his club.
Also competed in this season’s SA Country Championships.
16. SCOTT COMBE
(Southern Flinders)
One of Southern Flinders’ most consistent players this season, Combe has been one of the best players in the Northern Areas FA this season.
A major presence on the ball for the Tigers, Combe attacks the footy relentlessly in the contest and applies constant tackle pressure.
Has 10 best player appearances in 10 games to go with six goals so far.
15. NICK MCCALLUM
(Booleroo Melrose Wilmington)
A consistent key player who can have an impact at either end of the ground for BMW.
Making the NAFA team of the year as a back last year, McCallum is adept at spoiling or marking forward entries and can also rotate forward to take big grabs and hit the scoreboard when needed.
Has a goal and seven best-player appearances in his 10 games.
14. LUKE HAYES
(Brinkworth Spalding Redhill)
An elite performer off half-forward and in the contest, Hayes has had another strong year so far for the Tigers.
The NEFL star has been a threat in the middle with smart disposal and is also able to move up front and impact the scoreboard, tallying seven goals to go with six best player nods in nine games so far.
Also played Association again this season.
13. HENRY SLADE
(Orroroo)
Slade’s ability as a backman makes him Orroroo’s star player and one of the best defenders in the Mid North region.
Often tallies multiple intercept marks a game and is a damaging user out of the defensive half, setting up his team for successful rebound attacks.
Can also move up the ground to hit the scoreboard, with seven best player appearances and four goals in 10 games.
12. KANE BOWLEY
(Broughton Mundoora)
Bowley’s work as a gun midfielder has been a significant factor in Broughton Mundoora’s continued success.
A strong mid with a damaging boot, the Eagles leader has been a regular member of the nAFA team of the year through a number of seasons.
Has four best player performances and seven goals in his 10 games this year.
11. BEN GEYTENBEEK
(Riverton Saddleworth Marrabel United)
Formerly a star veteran with Happy Valley in the Southern Football League, Geytenbeek has made a splash at RSMU to sit as the NEFL’s top goalkicker so far.
Geytenbeek is almost unstoppable on the lead and boasts a big leg, kicking goals from anywhere in and around the forward 50.
Has 32 goals in nine games and five best player mentions.
10. LEO COATES
(Crystal Brook)
A premier forward/midfield utility in the Mid North, Coates has been a standout yet again this season.
Fast off the mark with a clean set of hands, Coates covers ground exceptionally well to provide an option for midfielders and forwards and is one of the toughest players to defend in the NAFA.
Has 18 goals in 10 games for the Roosters as well as five best player nods and was a standout in the SA Country Championships.
9. XAVIER REDDEN
(Riverton Saddleworth Marrabel United)
Formerly a star for Strathalbyn in the Great Southern FL, Redden has been at his best since joining RSMU for season 2023.
A dominant midfielder who runs all day and hits the contest hard, Redden has been a damaging asset for the Hawks and his club’s standout player so far this year.
Has eight best player mentions in nine games to go along with four goals.
8. CHARLIE RIGGS
(Mintaro Manoora)
The reigning North Eastern FL Mail Medallist, Riggs has been as impactful as ever for MinMan this season.
The club captain is a versatile and athletic player who can have an impact as a key at either end of the ground and can also dominate through the middle.
Has five goals and six best player nods in his nine games so far and also played Interleague against the NAFA and Yorke Peninsula.
7. KALLIS FREER
(Broughton Mundoora)
The reigning NAFA Mail Medallist, Freer remains a star onballer in the Mid North.
The BMFC star and former North Adelaide player is damaging in the contest and wins a number of clearances each week for the Eagles.
Has nine best player mentions through nine games so far and has also kicked six goals.
6. CHRIS SCHMIDT
(Eudunda Robertstown/Southern Saints)
The former West Adelaide premiership captain has been a star centre as playing-coach of the Saints for yet another season.
A dominant and strong midfielder with a big tank who consistently wins his own footy and finds teammates with elite foot and hand skills.
Has two majors and two best player performances through six appearances so far.
5. DUSTIN LAUNER
(Eudunda Robertstown/Southern Saints)
A machine on the ball and the NEFL’s representative in the SA Country Championships last weekend, Launer is in the midst of a starring season for the Saints.
Launer’s effort and smarts in the contest as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard make him a major key for the Saints and will be integral in any grand final push the club makes.
Has seven best player appearances and seven goals in nine games.
4. SHANE BALLANTYNE
(Southern Flinders)
Ballantyne has had another fantastic season for Southern Flinders so far, dominating in the NAFA and for Northern District in the SA Country Championships.
A strong and athletic half-forward utility who plays a number of roles, uses the ball efficiently and can finish on either side of his body, Ballantyne has no issue taking big contested grabs and booting big goals from any angle.
Has nine majors and nine best player nods in 10 games.
3. AARON FIELKE
(Crystal Brook)
The former West Adelaide premiership player has been a force for Crystal Brook since joining from Westminster OS in the pre-season.
An explosive and strong target up front, Fielke has a strong set of hands a damaging boot, is almost impossible to stop one-on-one and has a habit of taking big marks and finishing off in front of the big sticks.
Has 37 goals in seven games to lead the NAFA in goalkicking and also has four best player appearances.
2. ALEX MORGAN
(Brinkworth Spalding Redhill)
BSR’s superstar yet again this year, Morgan has been at his brilliant best for the Tigers.
A strong, skilled and athletic player who works tirelessly in the contest and across the forwardline, Morgan can either damage opposition with his ability to win big clearances for his side or boot multiple majors.
Has six best player appearances in his nine games and has also kicked 15 goals.
1. WILL COMBE
(Crystal Brook)
Combe has been a star for hometown club Crystal Brook since returning after a strong career with North Adelaide in the SANFL.
The gun onballer was part of the 2022 SANFL Advertiser Team of the Year and has continued his form this season at local level, hunting the ball in the contest to either set up teammates with precise ball-use or hit the scoreboard himself.
One of the best runners and athletes in the NAFA, Combe has eight best player nods in nine games and has also booted 15 goals so far.
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