Top 40 Southern Football League players of 2023 ranked
There is plenty of star power in the Southern Football League this season and we’ve ranked the 40 best players in the competition for 2023. See who made the cut.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Southern Football League has been one of the strongest leagues in local SA footy for years and is filled with a bunch of top drawer talent.
Based on this season’s form and with the input of league insiders, we’ve ranked the top 40 players in the competition for 2023.
The currently undefeated Flagstaff Hill led the way with nine players, while reigning premier Reynella was also well-represented with six.
Players who had played under four games were ruled ineligible, meaning stars such as Sam Tharaldsen, Mitch Johnson, Nick Mott and Anthony Biemans all missed.
Here are our rankings from no. 40 to 1.
40. OLIVER PETROHILOS
(Port Noarlunga)
The main man up front for Port Noarlunga, Petrohilos has put together a solid season so far.
Joining the Cockledivers from Willaston along with coach Andrew Jarman, Petrohilos has provided a big presence up front with his ability to win one-on-one contests and finish in front of the big sticks.
Has 19 goals and two best player mentions in eight games.
39. DARREN WALTERS
(Port Noarlunga)
The former Goodwood Saints player has been valuable for his new club so far this year while also playing for the West Adelaide reserves.
A promising ruckman who battles hard in the contest and has taken it up to the league’s best with consistent tap-work and strong marking ability.
His standout performance came recently against SA footy icon Sam Jacobs.
38. DYLAN ROSER
(Reynella)
The SFL’s best player in its recent interleague game against the Great Southern FL, Roser should be a major part of any success Reynella has this year.
A star player on the ball who applies tackle pressure and hits teammates with accurate disposal.
Roser has been named among his side’s best twice in six games this year.
37. SAM SMITH
(Flagstaff Hill)
Currently sitting second in the league’s goals tally behind teammate Sam Jacobs, Smith has been a strong key option yet again for Flagstaff Hill this year.
Smith has strong hands and has worked well with his teammates up front, either working off of them to kick goals or providing for them.
Has 22 majors in eight games as well as two best player performances.
36. BRAYDAN HARTWIG
(Morphett Vale)
One of the Emus’ most reliable players in recent years, Hartwig sits among the SFL’s best yet again.
A hardworking player in the contest who wins plenty of the footy for his side, Hartwig is an efficient user and can also kick an odd goal up front.
Has four best player nods and three majors in eight games.
35. MATT BEINKE
(Aldinga)
Beinke’s work in the ruck for Aldinga makes him a star player in the SFL.
Knows where his midfielders are at all times and consistently gives teammates first use with skilful tap-work.
Has been among Aldinga’s best twice in four games this year and should continue to dominate as the season goes on.
34. JACK FLETT
(Happy Valley)
A standout for Happy Valley in the forwardline this season, Flett should be among the league’s top goalkickers at the end of the year.
An athletic player who can take strong marks or create goals in open play, Flett has been the go-to option for his team up front.
Has 15 goals in seven games for the Vikings as well as three best player nods.
33. BLAKE ALDRIDGE
(Flagstaff Hill)
A rising star at Flagstaff Hill, Aldridge has proved his worth as a weekly goalkicking threat who can also create a contest up the ground.
Aldridge skilled player off the deck and can either dispose brilliantly under pressure to teammates or find space up front to boot goals.
Has three best player nods and 13 goals in eight games and also kicked four against KI.
32. RILEY JONES
(Cove)
Also playing for South Adelaide this year, Jones has been a star on the ball for Cove.
One of the Cobras’ hardest-working players, Jones finds the footy as well as anyone and uses it efficiently to move his team forward.
Can also hit the scoreboard with five goals to go with his four best player mentions in seven games.
31. BAILEY MARSHMAN
(Reynella)
Marshman has not been as deadly for Reynella as he was last season, but remains among the SFL’s top players.
The former Crows top-up list member can be a force up front and in the ruck on his day and has the ability to take over a game with his size and finesse.
Has two best player nods and 11 goals in eight games this year.
30. HARRY VICK
(Happy Valley)
A versatile mid who accumulates the footy for fun, Vick has had a standout season since his return to the Vikings.
A clean user of the ball, a hard runner and relentless at the contest, Vick has performed almost every week for his side.
Has four best player mentions and two goals in six games.
29. HARRY CLARKSON
(Morphett Vale)
Clarkson is a standout for Morphett Vale most weeks and remains integral to his side’s makeup through the middle.
Clarkson is often at his best against the league’s top teams, battling hard in the contest and providing elite disposal under pressure.
Has five best player nods and two goals in his eight games.
28. CALLAN SEMPLE
(Reynella)
One of the most dangerous players in the SFL, Semple remains an important forward/midfield weapon for Reynella.
The Wineflies star can play a number of roles and has been damaging as either a full-forward or half-forward with his strong marking prowess and ability to finish off of either foot.
Has two best player nods and 15 goals in eight games.
27. JOSH DE ROODE
(Christies Beach)
De Roode has been a positive during what has been a tough year for the Saints so far.
A silky mover who knows his way around goal, De Roode consistently finds time and space with the ball and can also set-up teammates for goal scoring opportunities.
Has eight goals and five best player appearances in seven games and was also a standout for the SFL against KI.
26. MICHAEL GALLEY
(Cove)
The former Glenelg utility has been a star of the SFL for many years and remains one of the league’s standout players.
The Cove captain battles hard each week and leads the Cobras with his guidance and his toughness in the contest.
Has three goals and five best player mentions in seven games.
25. BRAD PATTERSON
(Flagstaff Hill)
One of the best performers for Flagstaff Hills in the finals last season, Patterson remains a standout in the Southern FL.
A versatile option on the ball or up front, Patterson is a fearless attacker of the footy and also leads well and provides a consistent outlet in front of goal for his side.
Has six goals so far this season and will be one of the Falcons’ most relied upon players in the finals.
24. TOM REDDEN
(Port Noarlunga)
The former Strathalbyn star has been a fantastic leader as captain of Port Noarlunga this year.
Redden is dominant as a defender, bringing security and elite ball use at the back, and can also pinch-hit through the middle with his strong attack for the footy.
Has three best player nods in eight games so far.
23. DWAYNE RUDDOCK
(Happy Valley)
Ruddock has been one of Happy Valley’s most versatile assets this year and continues to perform for the Vikings in big games.
An efficient user of the ball who does his best work in the contest, has a great feel for the game and can move up front or to the backline.
Has four best player performances in his six games so far this season.
22. BRAD KIRK
(Flagstaff Hill)
A champion defender for Flagstaff Hill, Kirk has been an integral backman for his club since his arrival from West Adelaide in 2015.
Kirk has the ability to hold down both fullback and centre-half back positions and regularly gives the competition’s best forwards a headache with his competitiveness in the air and at ground level.
If he can continue his strong play out of the back, the Falcons will remain favourites for the 2023 flag.
21. GERARD DUTTON
(Port Noarlunga)
Previously a star for Meadows in the Hills Country Division, Dutton has provided a major boost for Port Noarlunga in season 2023.
A strong onballer with exceptional skills and the ability to rack up clearances as well as hit the scoreboard.
Has tallied four goals in eight games this year as well as three best player mentions.
20. MITCHELL JARRETT
(Aldinga)
The former South Adelaide gun has been a standout for Aldinga again this year, performing consistently well through the middle.
Jarrett is a skilful player who has clean hands and makes smart decisions under pressure, allowing him to find teammates in good positions and create scoring opportunities for his side.
Has six best player nods and two goals in eight games and was part of the SFL’s interleague side.
19. JOEL BEECHE
(Happy Valley)
Beeche has put together a strong 2023 for Happy Valley as a versatile young star.
A selfless player who racks up possessions down the flanks and through the middle, Beeche possesses a big tank and can damage teams with his pinpoint ball-use and ability to impact the forward 50.
Has three goals and five best player appearances in eight games.
18. AIDEN GRAYSON
(Flagstaff Hill)
A much-improved player in season 2023 so far, Grayson has emerged as a skilled and dangerous forward for Flagstaff Hill.
The Falcons’ most promising young player, Grayson possesses clean disposal abilities to get teammates involved and is a reliable mark who attacks the footy as hard as anyone.
Also finishes well in front of the big sticks with 15 goals to go along with four best player mentions in eight games.
17. ANGUS STANGEWITZ
(Aldinga)
Another veteran of the SFL, Stangewitz’s level of production remains among the competition’s best.
The Aldinga centre-half back covers ground as well as anyone in the league and also has the ability to clunk big marks and distribute efficiently to teammates.
Named among his side’s best four times in eight games so far.
16. JAMES CONLON
(Christies Beach)
Conlon has been a star ruck/key position utility for Christies Beach since arriving from Colonel Light Gardens in 2022.
Boasts elite athleticism and a strong frame which helps him dominate against other rucks or move up front to take big grabs and finish in front of goal, and is also one of the best runners in the SFL.
Has four best player nods and 10 goals in his eight games and was one of the SFL’s best against Kangaroo Island.
15. ROBERT SCHINDLER-TAYLOR
(Morphett Vale)
One of Morphett Vale’s most consistent performers, Schindler-Taylor’s ability to provide run and carry as well as damaging disposal off of halfback and through midfield has made him irreplaceable at the Emus.
Schindler-Taylor produces his best work in the biggest games, often hurting teams with efficient distribution.
Has three best player nods and a goal in seven games this year and was also among SFL’s best in interleague against Kangaroo Island.
14. TYLER DAVIES
(Reynella)
Davies has hit the ground running since returning to the Wineflies after a disrupted 2022 season.
The former South Adelaide player has been a reliable option through the middle of the park and has also shown the ability to move up the ground and kick goals.
Has five best player mentions and five goals in his six games this year.
13. JOSH BEARD
(Noarlunga)
A star backman who can rotate through the contest, Beard has been almost faultless for the Shoes to start the 2023 season.
A strong and smart player who can compete with anyone in the air and is clean at ground level.
Has six best player nods for Noarlunga in eight games this year.
12. MICHAEL SHEARER
(Flagstaff Hill)
One of the toughest players in the SFL, Shearer has been one of Flagstaff Hill’s best players so far this season.
A versatile and hard working onballer who can also move up the ground and create for others or finish himself.
Shearer has five goals and three best player mentions in six games.
11. JAKE ANDERSON
(Noarlunga)
Anderson has continued as a dominant utility this season and will be key to any finals run for Noarlunga.
The Shoes captain – who has also featured for South Adelaide in recent years – does his best work winning contested footy and clearances while also managing to hit the scoreboard on the odd occasion.
Has five best player nods and two goals in his eight games so far this season.
10. MICHAEL SMITH
(Morphett Vale)
Morphett Vale’s captain remains one of the Emus’ star players in 2023 with a number of dominant displays on the ball.
A big-bodied player who is tough to bring down and uses the ball terrifically, Smith led his side to an unlikely grand final appearance last year and has continued his momentum this season.
Has four best player performances in his eight games so far.
9. DAVID KEARSLEY
(Flagstaff Hill)
A champion veteran for Flagstaff Hill, Kearsley has been a star player for the Falcons for years.
A talented onballer who rotates through the backline, Kearsley is hard at the contest and has a tremendous footy IQ.
Has kicked two goals and been named among his side’s best three times so far this season, and will be an important leader for the Falcons come finals.
8. JAIDAN KAPPLER
(Noarlunga)
One of the Adelaide Crows SANFL side’s newest members, Kappler has been dominant for Noarlunga yet again this season.
An exciting player who can play across the backline or down the wing, he often kills opposing teams with pace and decisive ball-use.
Can also hit the scoreboard, with seven goals in seven games so far.
7. TATE COLEMAN
(Happy Valley)
Happy Valley’s star player, Coleman remains one of the best players in the SFL.
Doing most of his damage out of centre, Coleman is a strong and explosive player who can also move up the ground and have an impact on the scoreboard.
Has three best player nods and three goals in seven games so far.
6. REECE MILSOM
(Flagstaff Hill)
Milsom has been impressive for the Falcons so far this year after arriving from South Adelaide.
A talented midfielder who distributes well by hand or foot, Milsom racks up possessions and sets his teammates up with ease.
Has five best player nods and two goals in eight games and was also a standout for the SFL in its interleague matchup with Kangaroo Island.
5. SAM WHITBREAD
(Reynella)
Last year’s SFL Mail Medallist, Whitbread has picked up from where he left off for the reigning premier.
A dominant inside player who loves doing the dirty work for his side, Whitbread wins plenty of the contested footy and is a clearance machine.
Has six best player appearances in eight games and five goals.
4. BAILEY HANN
(Noarlunga)
The former North Adelaide and Mount Compass player has been exceptional for Noarlunga through the midfield and remains the standout player for the Shoes so far this year.
A tireless player with clean hands and strong marking ability, Hann has no issues finding his fair share of the footy and damaging opposition with his disposal.
Has eight best player mentions in eight games as well as three goals.
3. MARC BORHOLM
(Reynella)
A dominant big who can play up front and through the ruck, Borholm has been Reynella’s standout player so far in season 2023.
Borholm has improved his production as an all-round asset for the Wineflies after they lost star Cam McGree to Glenelg in the pre-season, damaging opposition with strong aerial ability and tap work and also finishing well in front of goal.
Has eight best player nods in eight games and has tallied 18 majors so far.
2. NATHANIEL PAREDES
(Port Noarlunga)
Well-known for his performances as captain of St Mary’s in the NT, Paredes has been a sensational pick-up for Andrew Jarman and the Cockledivers in the SFL.
A strong and skilled player who can fill a number of roles around the ground, Paredes is hard at the footy and can distribute or finish in front of goal efficiently off of either side of his body.
Has 13 goals and six best player mentions in his seven games so far.
1. SAM JACOBS
(Flagstaff Hill)
Jacobs has been a dominant force for Flagstaff Hill since arriving after a starring Crows career and time with hometown club Ardrossan.
The most skilled big man in local footy, ‘Sauce’ has been a standout as a towering ruck who can find mids with elite tap-work, take big marks and gather as clean as any below his knees.
Has also been a star up front, booting 29 goals in seven games to lead the SFL.
Jacobs has three best player nods and should take out the league’s Mail Medal.
New Recruits: Every local SA footy player move so far
The local footy silly season is underway and a number of big names have joined new clubs for 2025. See every move across the state’s country and suburban competitions so far.
Read more
Watch now: SANFL Girls Intrastate Carnival, Day 3
One club remains undefeated heading into the final day of the SANFL Girls Intrastate Carnival after another show of strength. Catch four matches on two streams LIVE. Check the schedule.
Read more