Top SA country footballers of the 21st Century revealed
SA’s country football competitions have been producing top drawer talent for decades, so we’ve ranked the best players since 2000. See who made the cut.
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When Tony Modra retired from AFL football in 2001, he could not imagine returning to the country game just three years later.
A brief stint playing cricket with friends would soon see Modra change his mind however, the Adelaide Crows legend following teammates and pulling on his boots for Encounter Bay in 2004.
It was a decision he said changed his life for the better.
“I had a really fun season of country cricket at Encounter Bay because I had a couple mates out there and then thought stuff it, I’ll play some footy,” Modra said.
“I had a kick and a bit of a pre-season in 2004 but it wasn’t until I got out on the ground for my first game that it really hit me how much I missed it.
“I loved the banter and just that community feel you get at country clubs. It was the best thing I ever did because it reminded me of my old grassroots footy days and why I pursued a career in the sport to begin with. It gave me that love for the game again.”
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‘Mods’ would go on to completely dominate up front for the Eagles in the Great Southern Football League, booting over 200 goals through three years.
While he didn’t win a flag with the club, he would still put together some dazzling displays which reminded fans of his AFL tenure, such as a 10-goal performance in a final against Langhorne Creek, including the winner in extra time.
Modra would then move to Keith in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, winning a flag with the Crows in 2007, his first senior footy premiership since he was 21 years old.
He kicked eight during the grand final against Penola in what was a 52-point win for his side.
“That was a centenary year for the club and the premiership was really special for myself, the club and the community,” Modra said.
“It’s just the camaraderie that pulls you in, the whole town gets involved and it’s really all about the supporters, members and community.
“Country footy is the life fabric of a lot of these towns and I think I probably took that aspect for granted when I was a kid, so I’m really glad I went back and played again.”
Modra is one of many big names in our list of the top SA country footballers of the 21st Century.
With the help of SA’s leagues and associations, we’ve pulled together a list of over 50 players who have dominated at the local level since 2000.
We have also named and ranked our top 10 players at the end of the list.
See who made the cut below in alphabetical order.
SHAUN BAKER
(Willaston)
A dual Mail Medallist during his time at Willaston, Baker was a standout in the midfield for Willaston throughout a number of years.
Baker was a damaging and courageous midfielder for the Donnybrooks during his 20-year playing career with the club, winning a Barossa Light and Gawler FA premiership in 1999 and producing a season to remember as far and away the best player in the competition in 2009.
RIGBY BARNES
(Encounter Bay, Noarlunga, Kaniva)
Also a star player in the Southern Football League and Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, Barnes did most of his damage for Encounter Bay in the Great Southern Football League.
An electric and skilled midfielder who can push up the ground and hit the scoreboard, Barnes won two Mail Medals for the Eagles in 2014 and 2015.
LAWRENCE BENBOLT
(Koonibba)
An explosive midfielder who was a dominant player throughout his Koonibba career, Benbolt remains one of the Western Eyre Football League’s biggest names.
A highly-skilled, fast-paced player, Benbolt won Mail Medals in 2014 and 2017, which were also premiership years for the club.
MARC BORHOLM
(Angaston, Reynella)
Borholm became a dual Mail Medallist last season when he took out the award for Reynella in the Southern Football League having previously won one in 2020 at Angaston in the Barossa Light and Gawler FA.
The star ruck can dominate a game in the contest or push up forward and hit the scoreboard by using his big frame and reliable marking ability to set up easy shots at goal.
Boasts brilliant tap work and excellent footy smarts.
STEVE BURTON
(South Gawler, Barmera Monash)
A top-up player for the Crows this season, Burton has been a dominant force in the Barossa, Light and Gawler FA.
Burton is a strong, big-bodied midfielder who runs all day and can move up the ground to hit the scoreboard.
Has won two consecutive Mail Medals in the BLGFA in 2022 and 2023 as well as a premiership for the Lions last season.
Burton was also a standout during his time with Barmera Monash in the Riverland FL, winning a Mail Medal in 2017.
SAM COLQUHOUN
(Tanunda)
While Colquhoun has only played three seasons at Tanunda after time with Sturt in the SANFL and Port Adelaide at AFL level, the Magpies playing-coach has been a phenom in the BLGFA.
A midfielder with supreme skills and the ability to lead by example, Colquhoun has arguably been as good as Burton throughout his tenure in the competition, sharing a Mail Medal in 2022 and coming close again in 2023.
JORDAN CLEMENTS
(Mallala, Marble Range)
A star player who has developed into one of the top midfielders in SA country footy, Clements has dominated in both the Adelaide Plains FL and the Port Lincoln FL.
Making a name for himself for Mallala in the APFL, Clements won two premierships with the club and claimed two consecutive Mail Medals in 2017 and 2018.
He then moved to the PLFL after joining Marble Range and won another medal in 2021.
Rangers broke a 14-year premiership drought that same season.
WILL COMBE
(Crystal Brook)
Brother of fellow Northern Areas Football Association champion Campbell Combe, Will has emerged as one of the competition’s great players in recent seasons.
The 2023 NAFA Mail Medal winner, Combe can do damage as a skilled forward or as a strongly contested midfielder, often booting a high number of goals per season.
Has won two premierships with Crystal Brook.
COREY DAVEY
(Solomontown)
Winner of two consecutive Mail Medals in 2022 and 2023, Davey has undoubtedly been the Spencer Gulf Football League’s best player in recent seasons since joining from the Crows.
A tall and skilled midfielder who can also play up front, Davey recently put together one of the greatest individual SGFL seasons, booting 59 goals and averaging over 30 disposals in 20 games.
Captained the Cats to a flag in 2022.
DOM DENTON
(Thevenard)
A Thevenard man to the core, Denton has played his whole career for the Magpies as a key position player in ruck, half forward and half back.
A standout big man in the Far West/Western Eyre for many years, Denton has won three Mail Medals in 2015, 2019 and 2021, highlighting his elite consistency.
MATT DOECKE
(Angaston)
Making his A Grade debut in 1992, Doecke recently played his 600th club game in season 2023.
Doecke can play anywhere on the ground, dominating as a forward and also being selected in a number of association teams of the year as a winger.
A long time captain of the Panthers, Doecke led his club to its first premiership since 1986 in 2003, kicking five goals in the grand final against Willaston.
MARK DOLLING
(Cummins, Paskeville, West Coast Hawks)
A league footballer for Port Adelaide after time with Cummins, Dolling won a Mail Medal in the Yorke Peninsula for Paskeville before moving to Streaky Bay to play with the West Coast Hawks.
Dolling is a midfielder who oozes class and has been a standout midfielder in the WEFL for a number of years, even in the twilight of his career.
NATHAN DUFFIELD
(Strathalbyn)
Recently admitted into the Great Southern Football League Hall of Fame, Duffield’s resume speaks for itself.
In his 497 senior games for the Roosters so far, Duffield has won three A Grade flags - one as captain.
The damaging midfielder also won a Mail Medal in 2003 and has been a country championships representative on seven separate occasions.
Currently plays and coaches Strathalbyn’s reserves.
SCOTT FELTUS
(Elliston Districts, Western Districts)
A four-time Mail Medal winner and five-time runner-up, Feltus has forged a sensational career in the Great Flinders Football League and the Far West.
A star through the midfield who can also push up front, Feltus has won two premierships with Western Districts, is a 16-time Mortlock Shield rep, a nine-time Eyre Peninsula rep, a five-time state country representative and a state country best and fairest.
NIGEL FIEGERT
(Lucindale)
The former Port Adelaide defender was one of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara FL’s most versatile players after joining Lucindale, dominating around the ground and leading the league in goalkicking with 99 majors in 2008.
Especially dominant in the 2005 season, Fiegert was named Mail Medallist in what was a premiership year for the Kangaroos.
JOEL FITZGERALD
(Kimba)
A legend of the Eastern Eyre Football League, Fitzgerald was the league’s leading goalkicker in 10 consecutive years from 2011-2021.
Known around the footy club as ‘Burger’, the strong and smart key forward has booted over 1000 majors in a career which has included state country selection, captaining three Tigers flags and stacks of Mortlock Shield representative games.
MARK FULLER
(Central Augusta, Southern Flinders)
Fuller made his Central Augusta senior debut at just 15 years of age and has since forged one of the great SA country football careers.
He won the SGFL rising star award in 1999 before claiming the Mail Medal in 2008 and winning three premierships with the club.
The versatile midfielder also reached the top of the Northern Areas FA, winning two Mail Medals with Southern Flinders in 2002 and 2003.
MATTHEW GOLDING
(Noarlunga)
Golding made a triumphant return to the Southern Football League for Noarlunga in 2010 after time with Edwardstown in the amateurs.
The former Crows and Glenelg key forward instantly became one of the most damaging players in SA country footy, leading SFL goalkicking in 2010 with 110 majors, 2011 with 121 and 2013 with 71.
Was unstoppable on his day, towering above defenders to take big grabs and kick long-distance goals.
BEN HANNA
(Gumeracha, Torrens Valley)
A star midfielder in Hills footy, Hanna has been one of the top players in the region over a number of years.
Hanna won a Mail Medal in the top division of the Hills Football League with Torrens Valley in 2016, and claimed the same honour in the Country Division a year later for Gumeracha.
Has won two flags in a row with Gumeracha in 2022 and 2023.
SAM HANNA
(Gumeracha)
The former Central District midfielder has been a superstar for Gumeracha in the Hills Football League’s Country Division, recently leading the club to back-to-back premierships.
Brother of Ben Hanna, Sam has been a dominant and imposing player who can fill a number of roles across the park.
Hanna has been a standout for the Magpies in their biggest games and has won three consecutive Mail Medals.
ANDREW HETZEL
(Lock)
Hetzel has played 364 A Grade games for the Lock Roos in the Great Flinders Football League, a stretch which has included two premierships.
The current club president, Hetzel has filled a number of roles on the field brilliantly for the Roos, has booted 337 goals mostly out of the middle and is an eight-time Mortlock Shield representative.
He was also named club best and fairest in 2004, 2010 and 2012, and is part of Lock’s team of the century.
BROOKE HOAD
(Waikerie)
A league medallist, Waikerie and RFL life member, state country representative and Riverland interleague player, the list goes on for Magpies 450-gamer Hoad.
One of the club stalwart’s more unique achievements is that he has won 11 premierships at the Magpies – at least one in every grade.
MICHAEL HUNT
(Mundulla)
Hunt started his Mundulla senior career in 1982 and played his last game in 2015, a stretch which included a huge 15 premierships, 10 of them at the A Grade level.
A KNTFL superstar when at his best, Hunt booted 1009 goals across 598 games for his club.
WAYLON JOHNCOCK
(Mallee Park, Ceduna, Koonibba, West Coast Hawks)
A Port Lincoln FL Mail Medallist in 2005 and a Far West Football League medallist in 2008, Johncock has been a star football journeyman in the SA country game.
One of the most dynamic midfielders seen in country footy who boasts immaculate ball use, clean skills and is as quick as anyone, Johncock has dominated wherever he has played.
LUKE KAPITOLA
(Crystal Brook)
Another dominant midfielder out of Crystal Brook, Kapitola’s senior career has spanned the better part of 20 years.
A skilled and smart midfielder, Kapitola has won multiple A Grade flags with the Roosters as well as two Mail Medals.
He has also finished runner-up in the league medal count on four occasions.
DAVID KEARSLEY
(Flagstaff Hill)
A superstar senior 300-gamer for Flagstaff Hill, Kearsley has cemented himself as a legend of the SFL.
Kearsley has been one of his club’s most reliable and consistent players and can play a number of roles across the park including off of the backline, in the contest or up front when a goal is needed.
Part of Flagstaff Hill’s incredible six-time premiership side from 2016-2021, Kearsley won his seventh flag with the club last season.
Was best on ground in the 2020 SFL grand final.
DYLAN KELSH
(West Coast Hawks)
A giant ruck who won a Mail Medal in the Mid West Football League in 2017.
Kelsh has been a regular association player and zone player and is one of the most accomplished big men on the Eyre Peninsula.
MICHAEL MAZEY
(Christies Beach, Lincoln South)
A dominant midfielder who can also fill roles at the back or up front, Mazey has been one of the top SA country footballers throughout recent seasons.
Won a Mail Medal after a standout season with Christies Beach in 2020 and for Lincoln South in the Port Lincoln FL last season, helping to lead the Eagles to their first premiership in 20 years.
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.
ADAM MERRETT
(Penola, West Gambier)
One of the all-time greats in the Mid South Eastern Football League, Merrett dominated Limestone Coast footy 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.
Was also a standout on a number of occasions for the SA state country side.
CHARLIE MOLYNEUX
(Gawler Central)
The Tigers superstar has won two Mail Medals in the BLGFA, one in 2017 and another in 2020, and has come close on a number of occasions.
A strong and explosive midfielder who boasts a big tank, Molyneux has proved almost impossible to stop throughout his career in the competition and has led Gawler Central to two flags in 2014 and 2020.
NICK MOTT
(Noarlunga)
Part of the famous Mott family in the SFL, Nick has cemented himself as one of the league’s all-time greats.
A dominant big man who boasts brilliant skills and can take over a game from almost any position, Mott won two Mail Medals in 2018 and 2019 and has also won a flag with the Shoes in 2014.
JOHN NICHOLAS
(Orroroo)
A dual Mail Medallist for Orroroo in seasons 2007 and 2012, Nicholas was one of his club’s best throughout a number of seasons in the Northern Areas FA.
An imposing player who brought a courageous presence in the contest, Nicholas had no issue taking over a game for the Roos.
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.
BRETT O’NEIL
(South Gambier)
Brett O’Neil’s contribution to South East football as a player over the past decade is difficult to top.
At 32 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.
SCOTT POLLARD
(Morphett Vale)
A prolific goalkicker, Pollard booted 803 goals in 178 games at Morphett Vale from 1999 to 2010.
He was leading goalkicker for the club on 10 separate occasions and kicked 124 in 2007, 118 in 2008 and 125 in 2009 – each the league leading total.
His prowess proved more than personal as he led the Emus to five consecutive premierships from 2004 to 2009 as captain and was also vice-captain of the SFL representative team.
SCOTT PURLING
(Hahndorf)
Nicknamed ‘GOAT’ for a reason at Hahndorf, Magpies Stalwart Purling has been a superstar at centre-half back for nearly 300 games.
One of the smartest players in the Hills FL with the ability to read the play better than anyone, Purling has won six flags with his club and been among the best players in every grand final.
JOSH RICHARDSON
(Border Downs Tintinara)
A dual Mail Medallist at Border Downs Tintinara, now known as the Coorong Cats, Richardson remains one of the Riverland’s great players.
Richardson was a skilled and versatile player who represented the Mallee FL in association tournaments on a number of occasions.
GENE ROBINSON
(Millicent, Mypolonga, Broughton-Mundoora, Mannum, Bordertown)
One of modern country football’s most prolific goalkickers, Robinson has booted over 1000 career majors so far.
He last kicked over 100 majors in season 2021, the sixth time he’d reached the 100-goal mark throughout his career at Bordertown, Broughton-Mundoora, Mannum, Mypolonga and Millicent.
Robinson was also only the second player in the 21st Century to reach 100 goals in a season in the Western Border Football League, joining North Gambier’s Justin McConnell.
JOSH SCOTT
(Jervois)
Unlucky not to be drafted to the AFL, Scott has been one of SA country footy’s top players in the past few seasons since joining Jervois in the RMFL from Glenelg.
A dominant key forward who can also play through the middle for the Bluds, Scott has booted 276 goals in 64 games for the club.
He has also won three premierships with the club in a dominant stretch at the top of the RMFL.
MICHAEL SHEARER
(Flagstaff Hill)
A dual Mail Medallist for Flagstaff Hill after impressive seasons through the middle in 2014 and 2015, Shearer has been one of the Southern Football League’s best players of the last 20 years.
Shearer is as tough as nails in the contest and famously played in the Falcons’ winning 2018 grand final as captain, also winning best on ground on the day.
Has won seven flags with his club.
TODD STEELE
(Willunga)
One of the greatest Great Southern Football League players, explosive midfielder Todd Steele has achieved countless feats throughout his 236-game senior career.
A two-time SA country championships player, Steele has proved to be one of SA country’s top leaders, captaining Willunga to seven A Grade premierships in the 2000s, including six consecutive from 2004-2009.
Is also a GSFL life member.
DEAN TERLICH
(Tanunda, Uraidla Districts)
Close to making our top 10 of the 21st Century, former Norwood and Melbourne gun Dean Terlich has completely dominated SA country footy since leaving the SANFL.
A strong, highly-skilled and smart player, Terlich can do a job through the middle, at the back or move up front to play as a damaging key forward.
Won a Mail Medal with Tanunda in the Barossa before joining Uraidla Districts in the Hills FL in 2021, eventually becoming playing-coach of the club.
He has booted 132 goals across 58 HFL games.col
TYSON WAIT
(Imperial)
A dominant midfielder with one of the River Murray FL’s most impressive resumes.
Wait is a triple Mail Medallist in the RMFL, winning the award in 2009, 2011 and 2013, and was also named Imps’ best and fairest in 2009 and 2011 - winning premierships as captain in those seasons.
Wait has also captained the state country side and has been named in the RMFL’s team of the year on seven occasions.
JOHANN WAGNER
(Lincoln South, Tasman, Cummins Kappinie)
A long-time superstar in the Port Lincoln Football League, Wagner has kicked nearly 700 goals throughout his time at Tasman, Lincoln South as well as with Cummins Kappinie in the Great Flinders FL.
The former Port Adelaide forward won multiple premierships as the star key player for Tasman before moving to Cummins Kappinie in 2021, booting 100 goals in 13 games in that season.
Perhaps Wagner’s greatest achievement to date came just last season when he booted 48 goals as playing-coach of Lincoln South to lead the Eagles to their first premiership in 20 years.
JAKE WARMINGTON
(Western United)
A Mail Medallist in the Western Eyre FL in 2018, 2022 and 2023, Warmington has been one of SA country’s best midfielders in recent years.
A consistent player who gets in and under to give his team first use of the ball, Warmington looks set to win more league medals in the future to further cement his status as one of country footy’s greats.
XAVIER WATSON
(United Yeelanna, Wayback)
One of the Eyre Peninsula’s greatest players, Watson has dominated in a number of positions for over a decade in SA country footy.
One of the best users of the footy in the local game, Watson can excel off of the backline or perform at a top level through the middle.
Watson has had a career best stretch since moving home to United Yeelanna, winning five premierships and being named best on ground in four of them.
Is also a triple Mail Medallist.
MATT WOOLFORD
(Renmark, Southern Flinders)
One of the standout midfielders in SA country footy throughout the 2010s, Woolford has starred for both Renmark and Southern Flinders.
A skilled player with a high footy IQ, Woolford won two Mail Medals for Southern Flinders in 2008 and 2010 before moving to the Rovers in the Riverland Football League to win another Mail Medal in 2017.
Formed an important part of Renmark’s triple premiership side of 2019-2022 with brothers Tim and Dan.
TIM WOOLFORD
(Renmark)
Younger brother of fellow Renmark star Matt Woolford, Tim has recently cemented himself as one of the Riverland FL’s great players of the 21st Century.
A midfielder and backman who has all the tools needed to take over a game, Woolford won consecutive Mail Medals in 2021 and 2022 for the Rovers and would have come close again if he did not miss a large chunk of the 2023 season.
OUR TOP 10 SINCE 2000
10. DANIEL NOBES
(Waikerie, Christies Beach)
One of local SA footy’s greatest goalkickers, Nobes put together some sensational seasons for Waikerie in the Riverland FL and Christies Beach in the Southern Football League.
A tall and strong key forward with great marking ability, Nobes booted 109 goals in 19 games for Christies Beach in 2016 before moving to Waikerie in 2017.
He kicked 130 goals in the 2017 season, 115 goals in 2018 and 96 goals in 15 games during season 2019.
Nobes became the first Waikerie player to reach the tonne mark during the minor round in 109 years when he achieved the feat in 2017.
9. KORY BEARD
(Marble Range, Lock)
One of the most talented players in local SA footy, Beard has often been referred to as the best player in SA country footy since leaving the SANFL in 2018.
A dominant and brilliantly skilled player who can ruck, play through the middle, at the back or up front, Beard starred for Marble Range through five seasons in the PLFL and won a Mail Medal at the club in 2020, becoming the first Rangers player since 2008 to claim the honour.
He also helped break a 14-year premiership drought at the club in 2021 before moving back home to Lock in the Great Flinders Football League.
Beard was on track to take out the Mail Medal last GFFL season but a month out of action in June proved costly, the superstar finishing with 19 goals and eight best on ground nods in 10 games.
8. BRETT ELLIS
(McLaren)
One of the great SA country players of the 21st Century, Brett Ellis claimed three consecutive Mail Medals for McLaren in the Great Southern Football League through 2020, 2021 and 2022.
A strong ball winner with a low centre of gravity, brilliant spatial awareness and top drawer skills, Ellis can completely take over a game in the contest and has proved to be a fantastic leader.
Has captained McLaren to two consecutive flags in the GSFL, with the Eagles looking a strong chance at a third in a row this coming season.
7. ROGER JAMES
(Kersbrook, Barossa District)
One of the famed James brothers in SA country footy, Roger dominated for Kersbrook and Barossa District after time with Norwood in the SANFL and Port Adelaide in the AFL.
A superstar forward, James booted 246 goals in 48 games for Kersbrook in the Hills Country Division, also winning two premierships with the club.
He would then move to Barossa District in the BLGFA, kicking 143 goals in 79 games for the Bulldogs and winning back-to-back flags in 2012 and 2013 as playing-coach.
6. CHRIS PRIME
(Tumby Bay)
Possibly the biggest name in SA country footy history, Chris ‘Tractor’ Prime cemented his legendary status during the 80s and 90s at Port Neill and Tasman, but would put together a sensational run for Tumby Bay in the early 2000s.
A physical phenom up front, Prime used his strength, leading smarts and overhead ability to terrorise defences for Tumby Bay.
He was leading goalkicker in the GFFL from 2007 to 2013 and in 2007 booted 150 goals including an extraordinary 14 in a winning grand final for the Blues after starting the season as a half back.
Tallied over 2,000 goals in his brilliant career and also won two Mail Medals at Tumby Bay.
5. TREVOR RIGNEY
(Jervois, Kingston, Peake, Brighton, McLaren)
With over 1,200 goals and counting to his name, Rigney remains one of the top SA country footballers of the 21st Century.
Rigney produced one of the most impressive seasons in SA country footy in 2008 for Jervois, booting 115 goals playing predominantly as a midfielder and somehow missing out on the Mail Medal.
He won back-to-back flags with the Bluds in 2006 and 2007 and also terrorised the KNTFL for Peake as well as the SFL and GSFL for both Brighton and McLaren.
One of the most exciting players to watch in SA footy, Rigney has the ability to sky for incredible marks and can still boot goals from anywhere, currently still dominating for OSB Lonsdale in the Adelaide Footy League.
His goalkicking record is made all the more remarkable by the fact Rigney played his first few seasons in local footy as a backman.
4. CAMPBELL COMBE
(Crystal Brook)
One of the most dominant midfielder/forward utilities in SA country football history, Combe has been one of the top players in local footy throughout recent seasons.
A winner of three consecutive Mail Medals in 2016, 2017 and 2018, Combe has completely torn opposition apart in the NAFA for most of his local career.
Combe is an explosive player who can win the footy courageously in the contest and burst from congestion to move his team forward with precise disposal.
Was also the Roosters’ top player during their premiership runs in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
Went on to win a SANFL Magarey Medal in 2021 for North Adelaide.
3. WILL MACDONALD
(Port MacDonnell)
One of the greatest players in SA country footy history, MacDonald has dominated the South East with two decades of brilliance.
A superstar midfielder who is as tough as they come and can play in almost any other role on the park, MacDonald has won four Mail Medals in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015.
A long-time captain of the Demons, MacDonald has also led his club to two A Grade premierships in 2012 and 2021.
Reaching the twilight of his career, the exciting veteran still has what it takes to compete for league best and fairests and will remain a strong chance to lead the Demons to more flags in the future.
2. MERVYN KARTINYERI
(Tailem Bend, Ramblers)
Nicknamed ‘The Wizard’ in the River Murray Football League for good reason, Mervyn ‘Muffy’ Kartinyeri remains one of the most skilled players to play country football.
A Mail Medallist in 1997, 2004 and 2005, Kartinyeri is often considered the greatest ever RMFL player.
Standing at just five feet and seven inches tall, Kartinyeri’s natural ball handling skills always stood out and he would routinely single-handedly win games for both Tailem Bend and Ramblers as an electric and crafty ball magnet in the middle.
Now a hall of famer for the Eagles, The Wizard won a premiership with the club in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2000 and was joint captain of the Eagles in 2005 and 2006.
He was also an SA Country representative in 2000, 2004 and 2005.
1. TONY MODRA
(Encounter Bay, Keith)
One of the biggest names in SA footy history, Modra made his triumphant return to the country game in 2004 for Encounter Bay, playing for the GSFL club for three seasons and booting over 200 goals.
An electric player with brilliant skills, clean hands and the ability to boot majors from anywhere, Modra fell just short of a flag at the Eagles but famously kicked 10 goals in a final against Langhorne Creek including the winner in extra time.
Modra’s move to the Keith Crows in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League proved to be a great choice for both player and club, the footy legend winning his first senior premiership since before his AFL career during the 2007 season.
The Crows defeated Penola in the grand final by 52 points, with Modra booting eight majors.
He also kicked 10 goals in a game that season against Lucindale, which Keith won by 119 points.
While his regional resume may not stack up to some others, Modra remains the most talented and dangerous player to ever grace the grounds of SA country footy.
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