Warren Partland’s 2018 mid-season SANFL team of the year

THE abundance of on-ball talent in the SANFL makes life tough naming a mid-season team of the year. Warren Partland has had a crack. See his selections and tell us who was lucky, unlucky and who you think will win this year’s Magarey Medal in our poll.

Mitch Grigg has been brilliant for Norwood again, while South Adelaide’s Mark Noble (left) is having an impressive rookie season. Picture Sarah Reed

• Motlop, White back to give Tigers bite
• Roosters reward coach Carr with a top up
• Liddle huge — and showing no signs of slowing
• Monday Recovery: Port alive in race to five
• Our SANFL experts’ preseason predictions

IF the Magarey Medal count was held after round 11 who wins?

North Adelaide midfielder Max Thring has thrived in his first year as captain and the leadership responsibility has been no burden at all.

Mitch Grigg just keep raking up the possessions in the classy Norwood midfield, but will Matthew Panos rob him of crucial votes from the umpires?

The only probable outcome is a midfielder will win the state league’s highest individual honour and continue the domination of on-ballers.

West's Kaine Stevens celebrates a goal with Errin Wasley-Black. Picture: Tom Huntley

South Adelaide co-captains Joel Cross and Keegan Brooksby have both been in top form. Picture: Supplied.

The depth of midfield talent has again been on show this year, as evident by some of the names missing from my mid-season SANFL team of the year.

South Adelaide’s dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross has been brilliant in the past month, but has missed a spot with Nick Liddle the preferred option from the Panthers.

Kaine Stevens started the season as a spectator after being suspended for the opening two rounds following an incident in a trial against the Redlegs. His form has since been superb, yet could not force his way into the 21-man line-up.

To be eligible players must have appeared in seven games. And the team has been selected as if it was to prepare for a game.

Redlegs ruckman Sam Baulderstone has had some outstanding games. However, Keegan Brooksby has led from the front for the Panthers, while Darcy Fort has been a shining light for Central District despite the Bulldogs’ struggles.

Glenelg pair Terry Milera and Josh Scott are the top two names on the goalkicking list and deserve a spot and Shane McAdam is tipped to be drafted into the AFL come season’s end.

So who gets the full forward role? Although Luke Surman is sidelined with an elbow injury, he bagged 15 goals in seven games and provides an imposing presence deep in attack.

Another eight games could have a significant impact on the final The Advertiser/SANFL team of the year. So now it is up to those players not selected in the mid-season team to force their way in.

Predicted Magarey Medallist: Mitch Grigg (Norwood)

Predicted premier: Norwood

Rookie of the year (after 11 rounds): Mark Noble (South Adelaide)

Most improved: Candidates are Joe Haines (South Adelaide), Isaya McKenzie (Central District), John Noble (West Adelaide), Tanner Smith (North Adelaide), Tom Schott (Glenelg), Doug Hadden (Adelaide), Levi Proude (Port Adelaide), Cole Gerloff (Norwood), Joel Thiele (Sturt), Ethan Haylock (Eagles).

SANFL team of the year at the mid-season mark