The top 40 Great Southern Football League players in 2023 ranked
The Great Southern Football League is full of superstar country footballers, so we’ve ranked the competition’s best players in 2023. See who made the cut.
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The Great Southern Football League has been one of South Australia’s standout local footy competitions and remains packed with talent after an influx of big names throughout the pre-season.
With as much starpower as ever in GSFL, we’ve ranked the competition’s top 40 players in 2023.
Reigning premier McLaren has six players named, while Myponga/Sellicks also has six representatives.
2022 grand finalist Willunga is also well-represented with five players making the cut.
Here are our rankings from no. 40 to 1.
40. SAM BASHAM
(Victor Harbor)
Formerly Victor Harbor’s main target up front, Basham has managed to produce consistently with the added firepower of Sam Overall and Michael Ross at the Roos.
A veteran presence across the forwardline and a strong one-on-one player, Basham takes a number of contested grabs each week and has booted 17 goals in eight games to start the season.
39. TOM DERHAM
(Langhorne Creek)
Derham has been a standout centre half-back this season after returning to Langhorne Creek from PHOS Camden.
Derham provides elite security across the backline for the Hawks, chopping off attacks and locking down a number of forwards, and he can also move up front to play as a reliable target.
Has five best player nods in eight games so far.
38. BRETT HEINTZE
(Goolwa/Port Elliot)
The former Gaza captain and best and fairest has been a standout for Goolwa/Port Elliot since joining the GSFL in the pre-season.
A strong key position player who can play behind the ball or move up front as a strong target who can kick multiple goals, Heintze has 12 goals and seven best player nods this year.
37. COHEN PETTITT
(Encounter Bay)
The former Central District midfielder has been relentless in the contest for Encounter Bay again this season and remains one of the most consistent players for his club.
Pettitt boasts clean disposal and a high footy IQ and has the ability to set up his teammates for goalscoring opportunities.
Has two best player performances so far this season.
36. LOCHIE NASH
(Mount Compass)
An emerging young gun in the GSFL competition, Nash has become one of Mount Compass’ most productive players.
A versatile asset who can play behind the ball or in the contest, as well as move up front to hit the scoreboard, Nash competes hard through four quarters each week and wins multiple one-percenters.
Has four best player appearances and nine goals in eight games this year.
35. DANIEL MARR
(McLaren)
A fast-rising star in his early 20s, Marr has been a strong player next to Brett Ellis in the McLaren midfield.
The young gun has the ability to play in close in the contest or rotate up front to hit the scoreboard, booting six goals to go along with four best player mentions in his eight games this season.
34. REECE SLAPE
(Goolwa/Port Elliot)
A new addition to the GSFL this season, former Goodwood Saints and South Adelaide defender Reece Slape has been a standout as Goolwa/Port Elliot playing-coach.
A tough competitor who wins countless aerial and ground level contests and distributes to teammates efficiently out of the backline, Slape has the Magpies playing improved footy on last season.
Has two best player mentions in his five games played.
33. LEVI PROUDE
(Myponga/Sellicks)
A reliable player in the contest for the Mudlarks, Proude is set put together yet another strong season for his club.
Coming off of a fantastic 2022, Proude has remained one of Myponga/Sellicks’ strong leaders through the middle, winning contested footy and applying constant pressure.
Should emerge as an integral part of any finals run the Mudlarks undertake.
32. CODEY ELLISON
(McLaren)
Predominantly a flanker but also able to rotate through the forward 50, Ellison has been one of McLaren’s most consistent players yet again this year.
A hard worker and talented runner, Ellison always makes the right decisions with ball in hand and is a reliable distributor.
Has seven goals and four best player nods through eight games.
31. CALLUM TONKIN
(Encounter Bay)
One of the standout rucks in the competition, Tonkin has been a key player for Encounter Bay through a number of years.
The tall’s tap work consistently gives his midfielders first look at the footy and his ability to take strong marks makes him a valuable asset at the back or up front.
Has five best player performances in eight games so far this season.
30. BRAD HASKETT
(Willunga)
The Demons veteran has been impressive as a ruck utility again this season after a superb 2022 campaign for his club.
A tall and reliable target ahead of the ball as well as a strong ruckman with the ability to outbody opposing big men and give his team first use, Haskett has three best player nods in seven games so far.
29. MICHAEL ROSS
(Victor Harbor)
One of the GSFL’s top goalkickers so far this season, Ross has been a sensation at Victor Harbor since arriving from Kangarilla in the pre-season.
A reliable target with safe hands and the ability to finish from anywhere, Ross has 23 goals in seven games to go along with four best player nods.
28. JOEL VANDELEUR
(McLaren)
A versatile player with over 100 senior games under his belt for McLaren, Vandeleur has remained integral to another undefeated start for his side this year.
Vandeleur has the ability to play across halfback or further up the ground if needed with a big tank and elite distribution.
Often flies under the radar, but has been a key cog in one of SA country footy’s most dominant sides, picking off attacks and killing teams with run and carry.
27. SAM RENNEY
(Willunga)
A star halfback who can also pinch-hit along the wing or in the middle, Renney has had a fantastic start to the season for Willunga.
The former Crows SANFL player is an excellent distributor, covers ground as well as anyone in the GSFL competition and can also move up to kick goals.
Has 13 majors and four best player mentions in eight games.
26. COBY HELYAR
(Langhorne Creek)
A star utility over a number of years for the Hawks, Helyar has produced his best footy in the big games throughout his Langhorne Creek career and should do so again this season.
An athletic workhorse who can have an impact up front or in the middle, Helyar has a strong presence in the contest, takes multiple big marks a game and boasts efficient distribution.
25. JAKE SPINKS
(Myponga/Sellicks)
Winner of the Mudlarks’ best and fairest two years ago at the age of 20, Spinks has developed into one of the most reliable midfielders in the competition.
A top quality athlete and a skilful player on the ball who can push up and boot goals, Spinks has 10 majors in eight games to go along with three best player appearances.
24. MATT DOMINISH
(Langhorne Creek)
One of Langhorne Creek’s inspirational leaders, Dominish has been a bull around the contest and remains one of his side’s most influential players.
Dominish attacks the footy relentlessly and applies constant tackle pressure on the ball.
The Hawks captain has five goals and three best player nods in his eight games this year.
23. ADAM HUNTER
(Mount Compass)
Hunter has starred for Mount Compass this season, dominating on the ball and performing in the middle each week.
The Bulldogs leader is an explosive and composed player who can take a game by the scruff of the neck in the contest.
Has six best player appearances and three goals in his eight games so far.
22. TYLER BALDOCK
(Encounter Bay)
A dominant key position player who can play up or back, Baldock remains one of Encounter Bay’s top contributors each week.
Mostly playing across the backline this season, Baldock’s tall and strong frame allows him to win multiple battles before distributing with a cool head to teammates.
The Eagles gun has seven best player nods in his eight games so far this season.
21. DARCY CLIFFORD
(Langhorne Creek)
One of the Hawks’ most impactful players, Clifford provides consistent run and carry off of halfback and can also provide through the middle.
Clifford regularly wins aerial and ground level contests and damages opposition by foot on the rebound, and has also hit the scoreboard for seven goals to go along with three best player mentions in eight games.
20. JACKSON ELMES
(Victor Harbor)
A former South Adelaide spearhead, Elmes has again been a damaging mid and forward for Victor Harbor in 2023.
Adapting to the arrival of Panthers gun Sam Overall seamlessly this season, Elmes has played up the ground on various occasions to provide a strong target in the air with an elite set of hands.
Has 10 goals and three best player nods in his eight games so far.
19. HARRISON COCK
(Myponga/Sellicks)
One of the most consistent players in the GSFL so far this season, Harrison Cock has emerged as an elite midfielder for Myponga/Sellicks.
A workhorse in the middle who racks up disposals with the best of them and is adept at setting up his teammates in space.
Has eight best player appearances in his eight games and has also kicked four goals.
18. TODD MCKAY
(McLaren)
A consistent onballer throughout his McLaren career, McKay looks set for yet another big season with the Eagles.
The star mid uses his nifty skills to work the ball through congestion and find teammates and can also hit the scoreboard on occasion.
Has four goals and four best player appearances in eight games so far this year.
17. BEN SIMOUNDS
(Strathalbyn)
A versatile forward who can impact the game up the ground, Simounds has looked at his best so far this season.
A strong mark and a booming kick, he has 27 goals in eight games to sit third in the league’s goalkicking.
One of the Roosters’ most consistent players, Simounds also has three best player nods so far.
16. CAMERON HUTCHENS
(Willunga)
Formerly listed with Adelaide’s SANFL side, Hutchens has been strong for Willunga again this season.
A big-bodied onballer who has often been the catalyst for success in the Demons midfield, Hutchens remains a clearance machine and a reliable player in close.
Has two best player nods and five goals so far in 2023.
15. JARROD KELLOCK
(Langhorne Creek)
Arriving back from Victoria in the pre-season, Kellock has been a fantastic signing for Langhorne Creek, dominating for the Hawks both up front and in the middle.
Clean with the ball in hand and one of his side’s hardest workers, Kellock has 10 goals and six best player appearances in eight games for the Hawks.
14. TYSON NEALE
(Encounter Bay)
One of Encounter Bay’s all-time greats, club captain Neale is in the midst of another brilliant season for the Eagles.
The strong and reliable half-forward has been dominant yet again this year, booting 20 goals in just five games and being named among his side’s best three times.
Neale’s marking ability combined with his reliable set-shot makes him one of the best in the league.
13. JAMES HARGREAVES
(Yankalilla)
Fresh off of an Adelaide Footy League division one team of the year season for St Peter’s OC last year, Hargreaves has been as dominant as ever since joining Yankalilla.
While the Tigers are yet to win a game, Hargreaves has produced at a high level on the ball, winning plenty of the contested footy and hurting opposition with damaging disposal.
Has eight goals and seven best player performances in eight games.
12. DANNY JUCKERS
(Willunga)
One of the most consistent midfielders for Willunga, Juckers remains one of his side’s most important players.
Hard at the contest and clean in possession, the former South Adelaide man is adept at winning the footy and distributing quickly and efficiently to teammates.
Can also hit the scoreboard, with four goals to his name to go along with six best player appearances in eight games.
11. TOM PINYON
(Mount Compass)
The former Norwood forward has been at his best for Mount Compass this season and a significant factor in the club’s strong start to the year.
A tall and athletic key forward who takes strong marks inside 50 or up the ground and finishes as well as anyone in front of goal, Pinyon currently leads the competition in goalkicking.
Has 30 goals and six best player mentions in eight games.
10. SAM LAWRIE
(McLaren)
A versatile tall who can play around the ground and have an impact, Lawrie has been a standout for the Eagles yet again this season.
One of the competition’s most competitive rucks, Lawrie sets up McLaren’s stacked midfield with elite tap work and can also play up front or behind the footy.
Had four best player nods in his eight games this year.
9. ZIGGY VITKUNAS
(Mount Compass)
Vitkunas remains one of the best forwards and contested players in the competition and has dominated for Mount Compass yet again in 2023.
The Bulldogs veteran provides a strong body up front and through the middle and has a brilliant goal-sense, booting 15 goals in eight games so far.
Has been named among his side’s best five times already.
8. RILEY CLAMP
(Strathalbyn)
An athletic and reliable centre half-forward, Clamp has impressed for Strathalbyn so far this season while also performing well for Adelaide in the SANFL.
The Roosters gun can slot goals from anywhere and has been a much-needed target up front for his side, often drawing major opposition attention and opening up opportunities for teammates.
Has 15 goals in four GSFL appearances so far including a seven-goal performance against Langhorne Creek.
7. JAYDEN SCOTT
(Myponga/Sellicks)
One of many young guns at Myponga/Sellicks, Scott has been one of the most improved players in the GSFL this year.
Turning just 20 years of age this month, Scott is already one of the best forwards in the GSFL.
A supreme athlete with a big leap and the ability to take huge marks, Scott is adept at playing as a key target or moving up the ground to create for teammates.
Currently sits second for goals in the league with 28 in eight games to go along with five best player nods.
6. SAM OVERALL
(Victor Harbor)
A major signing for the Roos this season, Overall has been dominant since returning to his hometown club after a strong career with South Adelaide.
A tall and athletic forward who moves well up the ground for link-up play and can also apply his trade through the middle, Overall boasts a strong set of hands, a brilliant field kick and the ability to finish efficiently in front of goal.
Has five best player mentions and 15 goals in seven games.
5. SAM KENNEDY
(Myponga/Sellicks)
The brother of fellow Myponga/Sellicks gun Ben Kennedy, Sam has been a force so far in season 2023 to follow on from a strong 2022 campaign.
Kennedy is a big body in the contest who has a big motor, wins plenty of the footy and applies strong tackle pressure.
He can also move up the ground to hit the scoreboard, booting six goals in seven games so far to go along with five best player mentions.
4. JESSE MCKINNON
(Victor Harbor)
McKinnon has been a star for Victor Harbor yet again in season 2023 after a spectacular 2022 for the club.
The former South Adelaide man and current Roos captain is a hardworking, big-bodied midfielder who fights through tackles to distribute to teammates and has been his side’s top winner of contested footy.
Has six best player nods in his eight games so far this season.
3. JACK REDDEN
(Willunga)
Finishing sixth in the West Coast Eagles’ AFL best and fairest count last season, Redden became one of the biggest signings in local SA footy by joining Willunga heading into 2023.
A contested beast who accumulates the footy with ease in the midfield and distributes seamlessly by hand.
The 31-year-old has only played four games so far this year but should be a major factor toward the business end of the season as the Demons look to bounce back from last year’s grand final loss.
2. BRETT ELLIS
(McLaren)
Ellis won his third consecutive Mail Medal for McLaren last season and should go close again this year if he can continue his promising form.
A crafty onballer who always seems to find the ball and create space for himself or teammates, Ellis has been the major key to the Eagles’ remarkable undefeated run.
Has six goals and four best player nods in eight games so far.
1. BEN KENNEDY
(Myponga/Sellicks)
Winner of the coaches award last season, Kennedy has picked up where left off for the Mudlarks this year, dominating up front and pinch-hitting through the middle to great effect.
The former Melbourne and Collingwood man is a supreme athlete who is strong in the contest and possesses top drawer skills by hand and foot.
Has 18 goals and three best player performances in seven games played so far and will again be a favourite for the GSFL Mail Medal.
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