The South East’s top 40 footballers of the 21st Century ranked
SA’s South East has been packed with star country footy talent throughout the 21st Century, so we’ve drawn from the region’s three main leagues to rank the top 40 players of the past 25 years. See who made the cut.
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South Australia’s South East is arguably the state’s strongest region for local footy talent.
With the help of league insiders from the region’s three main competitions - the Mid South Eastern FL (MSEFL), Limestone Coast FL (LCFL) (formerly Western Border Football League) and the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL (KNTFL) - we’ve ranked our top 40 players of the past 25 years with season 2025 just around the corner.
Footballing ability, achievements, awards and impact were taken into account when making selections.
Players with just one season in the competition were ruled ineligible.
Here is our list from 40 to 1.
40. TOM WACHTEL
(Robe)
The 2019 Mail Medallist in the MSEFL, Wachtel has been a standout for Robe this century.
A dominant ruck who gives midfielders first use with clever tap work and also maintains a presence around the ground with strong aerial work.
Has been a star playing-coach of his club, a multiple-time best and fairest and team of the year member.
39. LUKE WIESE
(Mundulla)
Now a premiership coach of Mundulla, former Glenelg man Wiese spent a number of years as a dominant player for the Tigers.
A hardworking player around the contest who racked up disposals for fun and damaged opponents with his efficient distribution, Wiese also spent time up front as a skilled and dangerous forward.
Has won four flags with the Tigers as a player and coach.
38. SIMON BERKEFELD
(South Gambier, Penola)
A consistent star for the Demons and Eagles throughout this century.
A hardworking and consistent player around the ground who could fill a number of roles, Berkefeld often made his presence felt in the air and in the contest.
Won the 2011 Mail Medal with South Gambier and helped both of his clubs to success.
37. JUSTIN MCCONNELL
(North Gambier)
A star forward for North Gambier throughout the 2000s, McConnell has been one of the most consistent players in the WBFL/LCFL this century.
A versatile player who can do damage in the contest or boot goals up front, McConnell provided strong run and carry and reliable ball use for the Tigers as well as a key target in the forwardline.
Won the 2010 Mail Medal and led league goalkicking five times.
36. SIMON JONES
(Glencoe)
A standout for Glencoe during a period of MSEFL dominance in the 2000s.
Jones was a versatile asset for the Murphies, often impacting the game with his ability to find the footy in close and deal to teammates.
Won the Mail Medal in 2004 and helped his side to two premierships.
35. MARCUS ENGLAND
(Portland)
Portland’s top player through its time in the WBFL/LCFL.
England provided a tough approach in the contest, often winning his own footy before finding teammates with accurate disposal.
Won two Mail Medals in 2008 and 2009 and helped the Tigers to three consecutive premierships from 2006-2008.
34. MATT FAULKNER
(Hatherleigh)
A four-time best and fairest at Hatherleigh, Faulkner has been one of the Eagles’ top players this century.
An inspirational leader around the ground who won plenty of the contested footy, hit the scoreboard and setup his teammates with crafty disposal.
Won the Mail Medal in 2001 as well as four premierships with the Eagles including two as captain.
33. BILLY LAURIE
(Kybybolite, Keith, Robe)
One of the top stalwarts of the KNTFL, Laurie has been a dominant force for Kyby, Keith and Robe through his career.
A dangerous and versatile forward/midfield utility who takes big marks, kicks important goals and can also impact the game at ground level with his clean skills.
A club best and fairest and team of the member, Laurie has also represented SA Country.
32. JACK CASEY
(Kalangadoo, South Gambier)
One of the top Kalangadoo players this century.
Casey is a tireless worker around the ground with elite skills who finds plenty of the footy and always makes the right decisions.
Won the 2016 Mail Medal and has won three premierships with the Magpies.
31. JOE FERGUSON-LANE
(West Gambier, Hatherleigh)
A skilled and dangerous big man, Ferguson-Lane has been one of the standouts of South East footy this century.
Capable of providing top drawer performances in the ruck and around the ground, Ferguson-Lane boasts top drawer hand and foot skills.
Won the MSEFL medal in 2021 with Hatherleigh and has won multiple flags including two with West Gambier and one with Hatherleigh.
30. LEWIS HENDER
(Keith)
The former North Adelaide goal sneak has been at his best for Keith since joining in 2022.
One of the most skilled players in the South East, playing-coach Hender can dominate up front with clean skills and a reliable nose for goal, but can also impact the game in the contest if needed.
Has been in a number of teams of the year and remains as one of the most talented players currently active in the South East.
29. RICHARD O’GRADY
(North Gambier)
A versatile and impactful player during his best years with North Gambier.
O’Grady could take over a game with his ability to find the ball around the ground and release teammates with his disposal.
Won two Mail Medals in 2012 and 2014 and helped the Tigers to multiple flags.
28. TIM SULLIVAN
(Port MacDonnell)
The former Glenelg gun has been a star for Port MacDonnell through the 21st Century.
An athletic and imposing player with a big tank and excellent skills who can either set up his mids with reliable distribution or have an impact up front with overhead and goalkicking ability.
Won the 2022 Mail Medal and was integral to the Demons’ 2021 premiership.
27. JAMIE WALKER
(Penola)
A Mail Medallist in the late 90s, Walker continued his dominance up front into the 2000s.
The Penola star was capable of winning a game by himself with his ability to take big marks and boot goals from anywhere.
Helped the Eagles to multiple flags in the 2000s and led the KNTFL in goalkicking in 2001 with 108 and in 2003 with 136.
26. MICHAEL TELFORD
(North Gambier, Hatherleigh)
A star for both North Gambier and Hatherleigh.
Telford’s ability to do damage around the ground with his clean skills and disposal, as well as create goalkicking chances for himself and others, makes him one of the toughest players to stop in the region.
Won the 2019 WBFL medal and a premiership with North Gambier before moving to Hatherleigh to become a club best and fairest and eventual premiership winner.
25. GEORGE THRING
(Keith)
Former North Adelaide man George Thring was one of the top players in the region throughout his time with Keith.
A successful playing-coach with the club, Thring often led by voice and example on the field with his ability to attack the footy and find teammates.
Won the 2018 Mail Medal and was named in multiple teams of the year.
24. ZAC RICHARDS
(Border Districts)
Former Norwood man Richards has been a star in the South East in recent years.
A machine through the contest who has no issues doing the dirty work for his side, setting up goals or finishing chances himself.
Has won two consecutive Mail Medals in 2023 and 2024 and helped his side to a KNTFL flag in 2023.
23. DYLAN GAMBLE
(Mt Burr)
A superstar for Mt Burr through a number of successful years for the club.
A tireless worker in the contest who dominated sides with his ability to win the footy, find teammates and create goalkicking opportunities.
Won the 2012 Mail Medal and helped the Mozzies to a number of premiership successes in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
22. SCOTT FLETT
(North Gambier)
A dual Mail Medallist with North Gambier, Flett has been a force for the Tigers.
A hard runner through the middle who won plenty of contested footy and damaged sides with his pinpoint distribution.
Won the 2002 and 2005 Mail Medals with the Tigers, is a multiple-time club best and fairest and helped the club to multiple flags in the 2010s.
21. ADAM MERRETT
(Penola, West Gambier)
One of the all-time greats in South East footy, Merrett dominated for the better part of three decades.
Tallying more than 400 senior games and booting over 900 goals for the Eagles, Merrett made his A Grade debut at 14 years of age and eventually won his first senior premiership in 2001.
After dominating for West Gambier, Merrett would return to Penola in 2010 and go on to boot 262 goals through 2013 and 2014 alone.
20. PHIL SMITH
(Lucindale)
A dominant goalkicker for Lucindale.
Smith was an imposing presence up front for the Roos, powering his way to bags of goals with his marking and finishing ability.
Won the Mail Medal in 2002 while booting 129 goals in the same season and also tallied 127 majors in 2005 while helping his side to a premiership.
19. JAYDEN ELDRIDGE
(East Gambier, Penola)
Eldridge has been one of the South East’s best players in recent years.
An athletic and gritty player who racks up disposals with ease, uses the ball as well as anyone in the region and can play in a number of positions including as a dominant backman.
Won the 2022 Mail Medal with East Gambier a few years after leading the club to a flag and has been a best and fairest and star playing-coach with Penola.
18. RORY TAGGERT
(Naracoorte)
The former Melbourne and Sturt gun was at his brilliant best through a number of KNTFL seasons for Naracoorte.
A dominant forward who could also do damage in the contest, Taggert’s ability to take big marks, kick important goals and also create for teammates made him tough to stop.
Won the 2022 Mail Medal and was in multiple teams of the year.
17. JON COPPING
(Penola, South Gambier)
Copping will go down as one of the South East’s great players.
A hard-at-it player who provided toughness in the contest and classy distribution by hand and foot, Copping was also an inspirational leader for his sides.
Won a Mail Medal with South Gambier in 2006 and has won six as premierships, two as coach.
16. STUART COOPER
(Kingston, Robe)
A high-flyer and superstar goalkicker, Cooper took South East footy by storm during his time in the region.
The Kingston champion played seven seasons in SA and completely tore defences apart with his ability to read the play, take big marks and kick big goals.
Booted a league record 137 goals in 2006 and kicked 10 or more goals in a game on multiple occasions throughout his career.
15. ANDREW NITSCHKE
(Millicent)
A Millicent legend in the Western Border Football League, Nitschke won three Mail Medals for the Saints in 1997, 2001 and 2003.
A smooth and smart player on the ball who could also have an impact up front, Nitschke tallied over 300 games for his club and remains one of the WBFL’s greatest ever.
Was a member of multiple teams of the year and won multiple club best and fairests.
14. MATT WILLSON
(East Gambier, Penola, Naracoorte)
A star and leader at all three of his clubs in the South East, Willson has been one of the century’s greats in the region.
One of the hardest workers through the middle, Willson’s ability to win the footy, deliver to teammates efficiently and lead a side to wins makes him a force.
Has captained SA Country, won multiple best and fairests and multiple premierships.
13. TOM LOGAN
(Lucindale)
The former Port Adelaide man has starred since joining Lucindale.
A tough and courageous player who wins plenty of the contested footy for his side and can create for his team with crafty disposal.
A multiple time best and fairest, Logan has won two flags with Lucindale and been a key player on both occasions.
12. BRETT O’NEIL
(South Gambier)
Brett O’Neil’s contribution to South East football as a player over the past decade is difficult for most to top.
A versatile player who can dominate on the ball with his ability to win the footy and execute under pressure.
At 33 years of age, O’Neil has compiled seven years as club captain, seven club best and fairests, three league best and fairests in the WBFL, 10 interleague representations and two premierships.
11. TOM HUTCHESSON
(Millicent, Hatherleigh)
A dominant leader for both Millicent and Hatherleigh.
Former Crows SANFL player and GWS-listed player Hutchesson boasts impressive hand and foot skills, a high footy IQ and has won many games off of his own boot.
Won a Mail Medal and premiership with Millicent before joining Hatherleigh as playing-coach and eventually leading the Eagles to their first flag in 11 years last season.
10. DARON MCELROY
(Port MacDonnell, West Gambier)
A star of South East footy throughout a number of years, Daron ‘Roo’ McElroy has dominated in both the Mid South Eastern FL with Port MacDonnell and in the Western Border FL as a leader of West Gambier.
A classy forward/ruck utility with supreme athleticism and clean skills to boot, McElroy has two Mail Medals to his name – one in 2018 for the Demons and one in 2023 for the Kangaroos.
He has also won an A Grade flag at both Port MacDonnell and West Gambier.
9. BRIAN CASEY
(Kalangadoo)
A dominant force for Kalangadoo in the Mid South Eastern FL.
Casey could tear a game apart with his ability to play multiple roles, win the footy around the ground and deal to teammates at high efficiency.
Won three Mail Medals in 2002, 2003 and 2009 and also helped the Magpies to flags in 2001 and 2014.
8. SIMON BEGGS
(Kingston, Hatherleigh)
A versatile star for both Kingston and Hatherleigh.
Beggs was a hard runner with great kicking skills who always made the right decision and often ran his opponents into the ground for the Saints and Eagles.
Won two Mail Medals with Kingston before joining Hatherleigh where he led the Eagles to premierships in 2002, 2005 and 2008.
7. BEN MULES
(Kalangadoo)
A hard-nosed and highly skilled defender who can also move up front to bag goals, Mules has been one of the top players in the South East this Century.
Capable of standing on almost any forward and having an impact with his aerial and ground level ability as well as his distribution, Mules can also take big marks as a forward and hit the scoreboard.
Mules won the Mail Medal in 2000 and captained the Magpies to their first flag in two decades at just 18 years old in 2001.
He returned to the club from Glenelg in 2014 to play in four more premierships.
6. TONY MODRA
(Keith)
The only exception to our ‘one season rule’, Modra is undoubtedly the most talented player to ever play South East footy.
Joining Keith in 2007, Modra was the catalyst behind the Crows’ first ever premiership, also his first at the senior level.
A powerful and skilled high-flying forward who could boot goals from anywhere, Modra was best on ground in the 2007 grand final with eight majors and also booted 10 goals in a game against Lucindale that same season.
5. HEATH THORPE
(Mundulla)
One of the best players to ever set foot in the KNTFL.
An excellent reader of the play who took strong marks, booted bags of goals and distributed as efficiently as anyone during his time.
Won multiple premierships and best and fairests with Mundulla as well as the 2004 Mail Medal and 2010 leading goalkicker award with 97 majors.
4. NIGEL FIEGERT
(Lucindale)
The former Port Adelaide player was one of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL’s most versatile players after joining Lucindale.
A dominant player who could also fill a number of roles, Fiegert was a strong and highly skilled player who won games off of his own boot for the Roos.
Won the 2005 Mail Medal and a premiership with Lucindale in 2005 and led the league in goalkicking with 99 majors in 2008.
3. RYAN MCINERNEY
(Lucindale)
One of Lucindale’s greatest players, McInerney has been one of the most consistent performers in the KNTFL.
A tough and resilient player in the contest who wins plenty of his own footy and finds teammates efficiently with crafty distribution.
A big game player, McInerney has won eight flags, been best of ground in five and also won the 2016 Mail Medal.
2. CLINT GALLIO
(Mt Burr, Millicent)
One of the South East’s greatest players, Gallio has had a major impact on both the Mozzies and the Saints.
A tough player in the contest with clean skills and a composed approach to the game, Gallio has the ability to win clashes single-handedly.
Won a Mail Medal with Mt Burr in 2014 and with Millicent in 2021 and was also a premiership player with the Mozzies and a multiple-time premiership player-coach with the Saints.
1. WILL MACDONALD
(Port MacDonnell)
One of the great players in SA country footy history, MacDonald will go down as a legend of the MSEFL.
A superstar around the ground who is as tough as they come and can play in a number of roles but specialises as a ruck, MacDonald boasts top drawer tap work, reliable hand and foot skills and a high footy IQ.
Has won a league record four Mail Medals in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015 and captained the Demons to premierships in 2012 and 2021.
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