The top 40 Great Southern Football League players of 2024 ranked
The Great Southern Football League is stacked with superstar country footballers, so we’ve ranked the competition’s best players of 2024. See who made the cut.
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The Great Southern Football League has been one of SA’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 the GSFL, we’ve ranked the competition’s top 40 players in 2024.
Top team Victor Harbor has seven players named, while McLaren, Myponga-Sellicks, Encounter Bay and Langhorne Creek are also well-represented.
Here are our rankings from no. 40 to 1.
40. BEN DAVIS
(Encounter Bay)
A reliable midfielder and part-time forward, Encounter Bay veteran Ben Davis has continued to stand out for his club.
Davis is a speedy player who has clean skills and makes quick decisions while under pressure.
Can also impact the game up front with 12 goals to go with his four best player nods in eight games.
39. TOM VITKUNAS
(Mt Compass)
One of the top defenders in the GSFL, Vitkunas is putting together another standout season for the Bulldogs after a strong 2023.
A strong defender with the ability to shut down a number of the competition’s top forwards and can also play a forward role if needed.
Has 5 best player mentions and four goals in nine games.
38. TYSON NEALE
(Encounter Bay)
One of Encounter Bay’s all-time greats, club captain Neale is in the midst of another solid season for the Eagles.
The strong and reliable half-forward can also pinch-hit through the middle and has the ability to take over a game in the air or through tough work in the contest.
Has 13 goals in seven games so far to go with two best player nods.
37. SAM VENNING
(McLaren)
Formerly a star in the Whyalla Football League, Venning has starred for McLaren this season.
A versatile player who can play in the contest or behind the ball, Venning has provided a tough presence for the Eagles with his aerial and ground ball ability and reliable decision making.
Has four best player mentions and a goal in six games.
36. JAYDEN HEINZE
(Myponga-Sellicks)
An emerging youngster for the Mudlarks, Heinze has impressed as a hard runner in the middle and along the flanks.
Boasts reliable hand and foot skills and the ability to hurt teams with damaging run and carry.
Has three best player nods and five goals in seven games.
35. JACOB WRIGHT
(Strathalbyn)
A star for Strathalbyn this season, Wright has performed at his best through the midfield.
Wright is a skilled and athletic player who has a big tank and impressive hand and foot skills.
Has five best player nods and six goals in nine games.
34. SAM BASHAM
(Victor Harbor)
Victor Harbor’s main target up front, Basham has managed to produce consistently as a dominant and strong forward for 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 boots bags of goals from any angle.
Has 45 goals and three best player nods in nine games.
33. BEN SIMOUNDS
(Strathalbyn)
A versatile forward who can impact the game up the ground, Simounds has been in strong form so far this season.
A strong mark and a booming kick, he has 34 goals in nine 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.
32. BAILEY GASKIN
(Yankalilla)
Joining Yankalilla from Kangaroo Island, young gun Gaskin has been a standout player for the Tigers so far this season.
A hardworking midfielder who is strong in the contest and has a safe pair of hands.
Gaskin has been named among his side’s best in seven of his eight appearances and has six goals.
31. SAM KENNEDY
(Myponga-Sellicks)
The brother of fellow Myponga-Sellicks gun Ben Kennedy, Sam has been a strong performer for the Mudlarks this year.
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 seven goals in nine games so far to go along with three best player mentions.
30. JOEL VANDELEUR
(McLaren)
A versatile player or McLaren, Vandeleur has remained integral to another strong 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 top sides with three best player nods and seven goals in nine games.
29. JAKE SPINKS
(Myponga-Sellicks)
A versatile star for the Mudlarks who can produce as a dominant forward or in the contest.
Spinks is a top quality athlete and strong player on the ball who can play around the ground but has done his damage playing as a skilled forward this year.
Has 24 goals in eight games including 10 against Goolwa/Port Elliot and was also a star for the GSFL in interleague.
28. WILLIAM ZIMMERMANN
(Mt Compass)
A utility who can play at both ends of the ground for the Bulldogs, Zimmermann has been among the competition’s best so far this year.
Is a strong player with reliable foot skills who is clean overhead and off of the deck and makes good decisions under pressure.
Has six best player nods and two goals in nine games.
27. RYAN PEARSONS
(Encounter Bay)
An emerging young gun in the competition, Pearsons has been a standout player for Encounter Bay in 2024.
The teenager can be employed in a number of positions but produces his best footy as a half-back or winger with his run and carry ability and damaging disposal.
Has five best player nods and five goals in nine games.
26. MATTHEW WIESE
(Victor Harbor)
The former Kangarilla star has been dominant for Victor Harbor yet again this season, producing in a number of roles for his side.
Can produce across the ground with an impressive all-round skill set and has been one of the best decision makers for the Roos.
Has six best player mentions and two goals in nine games.
25. DANIEL BASS
(Willunga)
A star for Willunga again this year, former Mail Medallist Bass has been at his best in the contest and up front.
The former South Adelaide player is one of the hardest runners in his side, wins a high number of contested possessions each week, takes strong marks and deals to teammates well under pressure.
Has 12 goals and five best player nods in eight games.
24. 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.
Has three best player nods and two goals in his nine games this year.
23. HARRISON MILLS
(Willunga)
A dominant ruck for Willunga, Mills has impressed for the Demons so far this season.
Covers ground as well as any big man in the competition, takes big marks and sets his mids up with consistent tap-work.
Has five best player nods in eight games and also played interleague.
22. JACKSON ELMES
(Victor Harbor)
A former South Adelaide spearhead, Elmes has again been a damaging mid and forward for Victor Harbor in 2024.
Elmes can damage opponents with his aerial prowess, ability to cover ground and his accurate disposal, often setting up teammates if he isn’t bagging goals for himself.
Has 26 goals and four best player nods in his nine games so far.
21. JACKSON DANIELS
(McLaren)
One of the competition’s major improvers this season, Daniels has emerged as a weapon through the middle for McLaren.
A tireless worker in the contest, Daniels can rack up a high number of disposals each week and is also capable of kicking important goals.
Has five best player nods and six goals in seven games and also made his senior interleague debut this season.
20. JACK FITZGERALD
(Yankalilla)
A dominant player in the GSFL through a number of years now, Fitzgerald has been a standout yet again this season.
The young star is a ball magnet with a booming boot who wins plenty of contested footy for the Tigers and sets teammates up with ease.
Has seven best player nods through nine games for Yankalilla.
19. CAM HUTCHENS
(Willunga)
Formerly listed with Adelaide’s SANFL side, Hutchens has been strong for Willunga again during what has been a tough season for the Demons.
A big-bodied onballer who has often led by example in the Demons midfield, Hutchens remains a clearance machine and a reliable player in close.
Has four best player performances and four goals in nine games.
18. MITCH WILKINS
(Myponga-Sellicks)
One of the most versatile players in the competition, Wilkins has impressed at the back and up front for Myponga-Sellicks.
Strong in the air and at ground level, Wilkins has clean skills and can damage a side with his ability to keep opposition players quiet and distribute to his teammates under pressure.
Has five best player mentions and three goals in eight games.
17. ZIGIMANTAS VITKUNAS
(Mt Compass)
Zigimantas ‘Ziggy’ Vitkunas remains one of the best forwards and contested players in the competition and has dominated for Mount Compass yet again in 2024.
The Bulldogs veteran provides a strong body up front and through the middle and has a brilliant goal-sense, booting 16 goals in seven games so far.
Has been named among his side’s best four times during what has been a challenging year for the club.
16. ANGUS COLE
(Langhorne Creek)
One of the top performing big men in the competition this season, Langhorne Creek ruck Angus Cole has produced a brilliant 2024 so far.
Agile for his height and a threat in the air, Cole can dominate any side for the Hawks around the ground or through his consistent tap-work to feed his midfielders.
Has six best player mentions and two goals in his seven games.
15. MARC ELLIOT
(Strathalbyn)
One of Strathalbyn’s most consistent players in recent years, Elliot has produced a number of top drawer performances so far this year.
A talented utility who can do damage through the midfield or as a forward, Elliot has reliable aerial and ground level skills and is one of his side’s most efficient.
Has 12 goals and seven best player nods in nine games.
14. SAM OVERALL
(Victor Harbor)
A major signing for the Roos last 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 ply 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 three best player mentions and 20 goals in nine games.
13. 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 five best player nods in his eight games so far this season.
12. 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 and can also create for others with damaging disposal.
The Hawks captain has four goals and seven best player nods in his eight games this year.
11. BROCK KEDING
(Strathalbyn)
Returning to Strathalbyn for the season after spending some of 2023 with Glenelg, Keding has been a standout for the Roosters.
A ball magnet and one of the most skilled players in the GSFL, Keding has kept Strathalbyn within reach of finals so far this year with a number of high disposal displays.
Has seven best player nods and a goal in nine games and was a standout in interleague.
10. JARROD KELLOCK
(Langhorne Creek)
Arriving back at Langhorne Creek from Victoria in the 2023 pre-season, Kellock has been a fantastic player for the Hawks through the past two seasons, dominating both up front and in the middle.
Clean with the ball in hand and one of his side’s hardest workers, Kellock wins a number of key possessions each week and has also been a huge presence up front with his ability to crumb and finish.
Has 19 goals and seven best player appearances in nine games.
9. LUKE MITTON
(McLaren)
A former star with South Adelaide, Mitton has been among the top GSFL players so far this year.
Mitton has been a key cog through the middle for McLaren, dominating sides with his damaging run and carry and accurate disposal.
Can also kick a goal when needed with nine majors and six best player nods in seven games.
8. DARREN SHILLABEER
(Myponga-Sellicks)
Joining the Mudlarks as playing-coach after a number of dominant seasons with Barossa District, Shillabeer has been a force and the standout key forward in the GSFL.
A strong player who takes big marks, executes smart leads up front and can boot goals from anywhere, Shillabeer has been unstoppable for Myponga-Sellicks and has guided his team to a strong 2024 so far.
Has 53 goals and four best player appearances in nine games.
7. BRETT ELLIS
(McLaren)
A triple GSFL Mail Medallist, Ellis 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 catalyst for the Eagles’ remarkable run in recent seasons.
Has 13 goals and four best player nods in seven games so far.
6. JESSE MCKINNON
(Victor Harbor)
The reigning GSFL Mail Medallist, Victor Harbor captain Jesse McKinnon has been dominant next to Bryce Gibbs and Ben Heaslip through the Roos midfield.
A big-bodied player who wins plenty of the contested footy each week and explodes from stoppage to setup his teammates.
McKinnon has six best player nods and six goals through his nine games so far.
5. BRYCE GIBBS
(Victor Harbor)
One of the biggest signings in local SA footy for 2024, Gibbs has been a standout in a number of roles for Victor Harbor so far.
A hard runner who covers ground as well as anyone in the competition, Gibbs boasts exceptional skills in the air and at ground level and has also performed while up front with his ability to finish.
Has 16 goals and two best player performances in five games and would be ranked higher with more games under his belt.
4. HENRY BRUCE
(Langhorne Creek)
Joining Langhorne Creek from Kadina for season 2024, Bruce has been a major key to the success the Hawks have experienced so far this year.
A hardworking and dominant midfielder who can do damage on the inside and outside with his quick skills and ability to hit targets.
Has 11 goals and eight best player nods in nine games.
3. CALLUM TONKIN
(Encounter Bay)
A superstar ruckman in the GSFL and SA country footy, Tonkin has had one of his best Encounter Bay seasons so far in 2024.
The tall’s tap work consistently gives his midfielders first look at the footy and his ability to take strong marks around the ground and find teammates efficiently makes him an extremely valuable asset.
Has nine best player appearances in nine games and has been a major reason behind his club’s success so far.
2. BEN KENNEDY
(Myponga-Sellicks)
After a strong 2023, Kennedy has picked up where left off for the Mudlarks this year, dominating through the midfield for the Mudlarks.
The former Melbourne and Collingwood man is a supreme athlete who is strong in the contest, takes big marks and possesses top drawer skills by hand and foot.
Has three goals and eight best player performances in seven nine played so far and will again be one of the favourites for the GSFL Mail Medal.
1. BEN HEASLIP
(Victor Harbor)
Heaslip joined Victor Harbor alongside former South Adelaide teammate Bryce Gibbs ahead of this season and has been the standout player in the GSFL since.
Starring through the midfield, Heaslip’s big tank, ability to win hard contests in the air or at ground level and either set his teammates up for goal or create chances for himself makes him one of the toughest players to combat in the competition.
Has eight best player nods and 12 goals in eight games for the top spot Roos.
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