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 cream of the crop? In part two of his series, Warren Partland counts down his top 10, including the player he regards as the state league’s best.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- SANFL’s top 50 players: Part 1
- Round 1 teams: Barry puts extra pace into Legs
- SANFL crystal ball: Our experts’ predictions
- The young guns and draft hopefuls to watch in 2019
Season previews: Central District | West | Glenelg | South | Sturt | Eagles | Norwood | North
So who are the best of the elite in the SANFL state league competition?
It is a challenging debate in which there are no right or wrong answers and all comes down to personal opinion.
The depth of talent in the competition is incredible and there are arguments galore for many, many players to warrant selection.
On Thursday, we revealed the players ranked from 11 to 50.
Now we are down to the leading 10, those players with something extra special which rises them to the top of the pack.
DO YOU AGREE WITH PARTLAND’S TOP 10? LEAVE YOUR COMMENT BELOW
The return to the league by the likes of Port Adelaide’s new captain Cameron Sutcliffe from the AFL adds to the intrigue.
South Adelaide’s devoted servant Nick Liddle is coming off another amazing year, claiming a fifth best and fairest award at the Panthers last season. How his body stands up to the punishment is a mystery.
Sturt skipper Zane Kirkwood is among the most decorated players to have graced the state league and he just keeps inspiring his teammates at Unley.
The list of high quality performers keeps going on and on.
To be eligible for selection, players must have SANFL league experience and not be AFL listed.
And there can be just one No. 1.
10 Josh Scott (Glenelg)
This is the bloke the Tigers need to fire to have any hope of a flag. Tough and uncompromising, he knows only one way with his attack at the ball and contest. Tough to outmark with his strong hands.
9 Cameron Sutcliffe (Port Adelaide)
Made 104 AFL appearances for Fremantle and unlucky to have been delisted at the end of last year after four games in 2018. His versatility is an asset, although he can be expected to spend plenty of his time in the midfield. Works hard and is an elite runner.
8 Kaine Stevens (West Adelaide)
Used his tremendous work ethic and hunger for the ball to average more than 27 possessions for his 16 games last year. Had to carry much of the load in the Bloods’ engine room and has established himself as an elite player in the SANFL.
7 Nick Liddle (South Adelaide)
This bloke has a heart as big as himself. Hasn’t got the biggest body in the game, but the midfielder lacks no fear and attacks every game with the same enthusiastic and competitive attitude. Fives times he has won the Panthers’ best and fairest.
6 Travis Schiller (Central District)
Extremely highly rated by the Bulldogs for his work ethic and courage. Averaged more than 29 possessions for his 18 games last season and no player had more touches in the minor round. Had to stand up after the club lost a raft of big-name onballers — and did.
5 Joel Cross (South Adelaide)
Fiercely competitive as well as being a class act, the midfielder has won two Magarey Medals to reflect his influence at Noarlunga. Not quite the same impact last season, but is still among the elite in the competition.
4 Matthew Panos (Norwood)
The big-bodied midfielder is crucial to the Redlegs. Makes life extremely difficult for opposition midfields with his size and class and averaged more than 28 disposals for his 19 games last year. Can also impact on the scoreboard, as evident by his 27 goals.
3 Zane Kirkwood (Sturt)
The Double Blues captain has done it all in the state league. Apart from being a dual Magarey Medallist, the highly talented midfielder has led from the front in two grand finals. Inspires teammates with his approach and is greatly admired, by even rival fans.
2 Aidan Riley (Sturt)
Some may question the lofty rating given the midfielder’s injury problems. But his value is being judged on a fit and healthy Riley, who knows only one approach and that is full bore. His influence on games is massive and cannot be judged by statistics. Has no fear or respect for his body.
1 Mitch Grigg (Norwood)
When you win back-to-back Magarey Medals and put on a grand final performance in a losing side like the midfielder did last year there is no doubt who should be No. 1. Averaged more than 28 possessions in his 20 games last year and bagged 35 goals to hurt teams on the scoreboard.
Download your Norwood or Glenelg Grand Final team posters
The stage is set for an epic battle between two of the traditional SANFL clubs. Download your Grand Final posters here.
Comeback ‘King’ to play SANFL grand final after shattering injury
Norwood legend Matt Panos will complete a fairytale – and miraculous – comeback from a career-threatening knee injury and play in Sunday’s SANFL grand final against Glenelg.