Warren Partland, Mark Soderstrom count down the best 50 players in the SANFL: Part four, 20-11

A DYNAMIC defensive duo from back-to-back premier Sturt bookmarks the penultimate round of our countdown of the SANFL’s top 50 players. Who have Warren Partland and Mark Soderstrom picked to fill the 20-11 rankings?

• 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

STURT’S Fraser Evans has established himself as one of the best defenders in the state league and that was no more evident than his heavy influence in the opening round win over Norwood.

His previous game was the 2017 grand final when he was named Jack Oatey Medallist for his best-on-ground performance in the triumph over Port Adelaide.

Just a year earlier, his fellow backman Jack Stephens was awarded a similar honour in the grand final victory over Woodville-West Torrens.

The pair has proved an incredible combination in defence for the Double Blues and their consistency and brilliance has been recognised with a spot in a SANFL top 50 judged by yours truly and Channel 7 and Mix 102.3 personality Mark Soderstrom.

Today we unveil players ranked from 20 to 11.

Stephens has been at the top of his game slightly longer than Evans, thus his selection at No. 11. Evans has been rated as the No. 19 player.

Brad McKenzie showed his true value to Norwood in last year’s elimination final when named best for the club after a performance of composure and class.

Signed from North Melbourne after the 2016 season, McKenzie’s kicking skills are exceptional and he has been named at No. 17 in the top 50.

Kaine Stevens’ development as a top-notch midfielder for West Adelaide stretched into an outstanding 2017 season and his prominence on the ball has been rewarded with his selection at No. 15.

LOG ON TO ADVERTISER.COM.AU AT MIDDAY ON FRIDAY AS WARREN PARTLAND AND MARK SODERSTROM COUNT DOWN THE TOP 10 AND REVEAL THEIR BEST PLAYER IN THE SANFL

20: Sam Baulderstone (Norwood)

Hulking Norwood ruckman and two-time premiership winner Sam Baulderstone. Picture: Stephen Laffer

19: Fraser Evans (Sturt)

Reigning Jack Oatey Medallist Fraser Evans fends off Curtly Hampton in Round 2. Picture: Sarah Reed

18: Josh Scott (Glenelg)

Glenelg forward line target and 2016 club champion Josh Scott. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

17: Brad McKenzie (Norwood)

Norwood's elite kicker and former Kangaroo and Double Blue Brad McKenzie. Picture: Tom Huntley

16: Travis Schiller (Central District)

Centrals’ pocket rocket and 2016 best and fairest Travis Schiller. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

15: Kaine Stevens (West Adelaide)

Gun West Adelaide midfielder Kaine Stevens, who will return from suspension in Round 3. Picture: Calum Robertson

14: Luke Thompson (Eagles)

Luke Thompson has been a pillar in defence for Woodville-West Torrens since his delisting from the Crows. Picture: AAP Image/MATT LOXTON

13: Justin Hoskin (Central District)

Menacing Central District utility Justin Hoskin. Picture: Tom Huntley

12: Nick Liddle (South Adelaide)

Hard-nosed South Adelaide midfield star and 2017 Knuckey Cup winner Nick Liddle. Picture: Stephen Laffer

11: Jack Stephens (Sturt)

Star Sturt defender and vice-captain Jack Stephens. Picture: Sarah Reed