Warren Partland counts down the top 50 players in the SANFL ahead of 2019 season
The SANFL is loaded with talent. But who are the state league’s best? Not one to shirk a contest, Warren Partland has had a crack and kicks things off today with the players ranked 50 to 11.
SANFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from SANFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- SANFL crystal ball: Our experts’ predictions
- The young guns and draft hopefuls to watch in 2019
- SANFL looks to ride wave of controversial 2018 season
Season previews: West | Glenelg | South | Sturt | Eagles | Norwood | North
Ask 10 people to rank the leading acts in the SANFL state league and expect 10 different answers.
Nominating the top 50 players in a competition loaded with class is a challenging task which no doubt ignites intriguing debate. There are no right or wrong answers, it is simply personal opinion.
So who are the best? Who is the best of the best?
Where does Luke Partington rate? Glenelg won the race for his signature after the midfielder was delisted by West Coast. The fact he was enthusiastically pursued by multiple clubs is evidence of his worth.
DO YOU AGREE WITH THE FIRST 40? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW
What about his new teammate Cory Gregson, back at the Bay after having his promising AFL career at Geelong wrecked by foot injuries. He is a quality act, when fit.
There are those who have switched clubs, such as Will Snelling’s return to West Adelaide after impressing with Port Adelaide and Dom Barry’s signing with Norwood. Veteran Danyle Pearce is back in the Sturt jumper after 258 AFL appearances with the Power and Fremantle.
Troy Menzel will again strut his stuff for Central District after a best-on-ground performance for Tea Tree Gully in last year’s Adelaide Footy League division one grand final, a year after being delisted by Adelaide. Surely he is top 50 material?
Tough onballer Chris Schmidt led the Bloods to the 2015 premiership and he will again be a leader at Richmond after moving back to South Australia. Where is his game at?
Today we reveal the best 11-50 players on my list. The top 10, and the most outstanding player in the league in my opinion, will be announced tomorrow.
To be selected, players must have SANFL league experience and not be AFL listed.
The rules are simple, picking the top 50 was not.
50 Chris Schmidt (West Adelaide)
The old bloke is back at the Bloods and his experience and toughness at the contest will be appreciated by teammates. There are a few opponents who won’t appreciate his return.
49 Anthony Wilson (Norwood)
The livewire in attack has plenty of class and his blistering pace is an extremely valuable weapon.
48 Mason Middleton (West Adelaide)
Has the ability to take opposition defences apart with his strong hands. His impact for the Bloods grows each season.
47 Alex Spina (North Adelaide)
Had the frustration of watching the Roosters win the grand final from the stands after being injured in the preliminary. Was outstanding in helping the side into the season finale.
46 Sam Baulderstone (Norwood)
The only pure ruckman named in the top 50, the Redlegs bigman continually feeds his midfield mates with quality ball. Not quite as influential last season.
45 Cameron Shenton (Norwood)
Versatile and experienced, he is a valuable cog in the Redlegs’ line-up and is damaging with the ball in his hands setting up attacking raids.
44 Alex Barns (North Adelaide)
The athletic big man can be used effectively in ruck or up forward. Played with plenty of confidence last season and is crucial to the Roosters’ hopes.
43 Jack Hayes (Woodville-West Torrens)
There are big wraps on the 23-year old forward and is strong at the marking contest. Bagged 39 goals as the main attacking threat for the Eagles last year.
42 Nick Hayes (Woodville-West Torrens)
Should be playing in the AFL. Skilful and dangerous in attack, can also be used effectively in the midfield. Just needs to impact on games more.
41 Tom Harms (Sturt)
Claimed last year’s club best and fairest award, no mean feat in a side containing some of the biggest names in the league.
40 Sam Colquhoun (Sturt)
Has no trouble finding the ball across half back and provides plenty of rebound for the Double Blues.
39 Jake Neade (North Adelaide)
Is a valuable acquisition for the Roosters after the club was raided by the AFL in the draft. Will make his presence felt as a small forward.
38 James Boyd (Woodville-West Torrens)
The diminutive rover has no problems finding the ball and rakes up big numbers each week.
37 Abe Davis (South Adelaide)
Has established himself as an influential big-bodied midfielder for the Panthers and had a huge influence in the club’s charge to a finals berth last year.
36 Mark Evans (Sturt)
Given the responsibility as the go-to-man in attack for the Doubles Blues and stood up to the pressure to earn the Ken Farmer Medal.
35 Joe Sinor (Woodville-West Torrens)
After a breakout 2017 season when he won the club’s best and fairest award, missed much of 2018 due to a broken leg. Has become an elite player in the league.
34 Brad McKenzie (Norwood)
Among the elite kicks in the competition and a key component of the Redlegs’ backline. Never seems flustered.
33 Chris Curran (Glenelg)
Has established himself as a highly rated defender and goes about his work with little fuss. His leadership has also grown with the Tigers.
32 Matthew Rose (South Adelaide)
The general of the Panthers backline, is a classy defender who sets up attacking raids with his tremendous skills. Very highly regarded at Noarlunga.
31 Lewis Johnston (Norwood)
Has become a valuable link man for the Redlegs where his kicking skills can be extremely damaging. Has adapted to the role extremely well.
30 Troy Menzel (Central District)
Best on ground in the division one amateur grand final last year. Can be used on the ball and in attack where he knows how to find the goals.
29 Jarred Allmond (North Adelaide)
A key factor in the Roosters’ charge to the premiership last year. Very consistent and gave the side plenty of spark when used on the ball.
28 Jimmy Toumpas (Woodville-West Torrens)
A big pick up for the Eagles after being delisted by Port. Has returned to Woodville Oval with a terrific attitude, although will miss the early rounds because of injury.
27 Justin Hoskin (Central District)
Very reliable and continues to work hard. Sure to be prominent for the Bulldogs again and there will be plenty at Elizabeth who feel he should be ranked higher.
26 Dom Barry (Norwood)
The pacy midfielder will surely thrive feeding off the likes of Mitch Grigg and Matt Panos. Will be damaging on a wing.
25 Tom Keough (West Adelaide)
Will get far more time in a more familiar defensive role this season after being used on the ball last year. Experienced and extremely reliable.
24 Luke Thompson (Woodville-West Torrens)
Rarely beaten in defence and provides tremendous leaderback to the impressive Eagles backline. His experience is important.
23 Jared Petrenko (Woodville-West Torrens)
There is no doubting the class of the midfielder, but had no pre-season last year and then a late start because of TV commitments and injury. Coming off a big pre-season.
22 Cory Gregson (Glenelg)
Extremely talented and looms as a dangerous weapon in attack for the Tigers. There are questions over his health though after being hit by injury with Geelong.
21 Danyle Pearce (Sturt)
Back where it began after 258 AFL games. If his body and attitude are okay, the midfielder will thrive at Unley.
20 Matthew Wright (Adelaide)
Back in the state league after retiring from the AFL and returns to the Crows with a tremendous attitude. His leadership will be vital.
19 Jack Stephens (Sturt)
The ultra reliable defender is extremely important to the Double Blues, shutting down opponents as well as providing plenty of drive.
18 Will Snelling (West Adelaide)
Named best and fairest at Port Adelaide last season after having a massive influence on the ball. Will be a huge spark for the Bloods around the contest.
17 Max Thring (North Adelaide)
His form lifted with the responsibility of captaincy. Leads from the front as well as being a pest for opponents.
16 Matthew Nunn (Norwood)
Was mentioned as a possible draft chance last year after his vast improvement on the ball. Will have gained plenty of confidence and belief.
15 Aidan Tropiano (North Adelaide)
Won a Sandover Medal in the WAFL and showed why in the finals last year with a succession of brilliant performances.
14 Luke Partington (Glenelg)
Played six games for West Coast and tied best and fairest for East Perth last season. Will make his presence felt on the ball.
13 Fraser Evans (Sturt)
The importance of the key defender to the Double Blues was evident in last year’s finals when he was missing due to injury.
12 James Battersby (Sturt)
Was not quite as effective last season, but is a class act on the ball and crucial to the Double Blues’ chances.
11 Jono Beech (West Adelaide)
Is as honest as the day is long and has been a magnificent servant for the Bloods. Doesn’t mind taking the odd hanger either.
Visit Advertiser.com.au tomorrow from midday to find out the top 10
Blockbusters galore: Download your 2025 SANFL fixture poster
The 2025 SANFL and SANFLW fixtures have been released and they are stacked with massive games. Download your poster of the full schedule.
SA footy legend fears coaches are playing down concussion
A former Port Adelaide chief executive and Norwood playing great says some amateur footy coaches are risking players’ health with their handling of concussion.