Warren Partland, Mark Soderstrom count down the best 50 players in the SANFL: Part five, 10 to 1

SANFL experts Warren Partland and Mark Soderstrom have been counting down the state league’s 50 most talented and influential players this week. Today they unveil their top 10 – and the all-important number one.

• SANFL’s top 50 players: Part 1, 50-41
• SANFL’s top 50 players: Part 2, 40-31
• SANFL’s top 50 players: Part 3: 30-21
• SANFL’s top 50 players: Part 4: 20-11
• Chris McDermott’s 25 favourite SANFL players

SO who is the top-rated player in the SANFL state league?

Mitch Grigg is the reigning Magarey medallist after a brilliant 2017 season when he returned to Norwood following his delisting from Adelaide.

Zane Kirkwood is a two-time Magarey Medallist, has captained Sturt to the past two premierships, has captained the state team and twice earned the Fos Williams Medal. His resume is incredible.

Then there is Steven Summerton, the passionate Port Adelaide skipper who constantly racks up the statistics.

What about Joel Cross? The midfielder has proven an absolute gun for South Adelaide since moving from Victoria and his class and skills are reflected in two Magarey Medals.

Yours truly and Channel 7 and Mix 102.3 FM personality Mark Soderstrom put our heads together to come up with the top 50 players in the state league.

For the past four days there has been a countdown of 10 players each day and on Friday we reveal the top 10 players in the SANFL.

Just who is No. 1?

“It has been a challenging exercise deciding on the top 50,” Soderstrom said. “There have been some contentious decisions and we expected that.

“It wasn’t a matter of finding 50 to put in, it was a matter of deciding who to leave out. And there will be more great players who get an opportunity at AFL level as well as others who continue to build their reputation in the second best state league in the country.”

AFL-listed players were not considered and players must have appeared in the state league before this season.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE TOP 10? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW

10. Jared Petrenko (Woodville-West Torrens)

Former Crow Jared Petrenko shows his trademark attacking burst. He will miss a chunk of the SANFL season as he appears on Channel Seven home renovation program House Rules. Picture: Sarah Reed

9. Matthew Panos (Norwood)

Matthew Panos has been an extremely reliable midfielder for the Redlegs and earned the Jack Oatey Medal in 2014. Picture Sarah Reed

8. Steven Summerton (Port Adelaide)

Port Adelaide talisman Steven Summerton racks up the possessions and is in an extremely skilful kick. Picture: Sarah Reed

7. Jono Beech (West Adelaide)

Jono Beech’s consistency and competitive approach earned him a stint with Adelaide before returning to West Adelaide this season. Picture: Sarah Reed.

6. Keegan Brooksby (South Adelaide)

Keegan Brooksby got his chance at the AFL after a dominant 2014. The class ruckman returned to South Adelaide this season and is co-captain. Picture: Tait Schmaal

5. Zane Kirkwood (Sturt)

Zane Kirkwood’s brilliance is reflected in his incredible resume, which includes two Maragey Medals and two premierships as Sturt captain. Picture: Sarah Reed

4. James Battersby (Sturt)

James Battersby is an extremely reliable and class act on the ball for Sturt and has had a significant role in the back-to-back premierships. Picture: Sarah Reed

3. Mitch Grigg (Norwood)

Mitch Gigg returned to Norwood from Adelaide last season and his brilliance on the ball was rewarded with the Magarey Medal. Picture SARAH REED

2. Aidan Riley (Sturt)

Absolutely fearless, Aidan Riley drives the Sturt engine room with his fierce attack on the body and ball. Picture Sarah Reed

1. Joel Cross (South Adelaide)

South Adelaide co-captain and stoppage king Joel Cross shows his versatility against Norwood last weekend. Cross is a dual Magarey Medallist, two-time RO Shearman Medallist as SANFL coaches’ best player and three-time South Adelaide Knuckey Cup best and fairest winner. Picture: Sarah Reed