South Eastern’s Dean Richards voted as Sydney metropolitan’s best A-grade player
Voting has officially closed in the race to find out Sydney metropolitan’s best A-grade player. See the results of how every player polled, plus who was crowned as the best in Sydney.
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A massive response has been received after we put out the call to find Sydney metropolitan’s best A-grade player.
Voting has officially closed in the race to earn the title, with the Souths Juniors competition laying claim to having Sydney’s best.
Dean Richards topped the vote count with 16 per cent of the vote, just a solitary vote ahead of Gymea’s Grant Smith.
Here are the top five as voted by you, plus check below to see how every player polled.
1. Dean Richards (South Eastern) - 16%
2. Grant Smith (Gymea) - 15%
3. Jake Bentley (Warragamba) - 10%
4. Chaz Jarvis (De La Salle) - 8%
5. Kell O’Brien (South Eastern) - 5%
PLAYER FINAL VOTES
MACARTHUR
RAPHAEL VELLA - 1%
South West Goannas
Second-row
A lock in the Goannas premiership side, coach Mark Baird says Vella is just as capable upfront.
“Raphael is an old school workhorse who is very difficult to bring to ground, he goes for the entire game and has a very quick play-the-ball,” said Baird.
WYLLEON BAKER - 1%
South West Goannas
Fullback
“There is lots of David Peachey about Will’s style - he’s lanky with great ball skill, and is much faster than appears,” said the coach.
BAILEY STEADMAN - 1%
South West Goannas
Halfback
“Bailey can also play down back. He is a quality goal-kicker and organiser - he’s also fiery and doesn’t take a backwards step against the big men,” Baird said.
BRENDAN OSBORNE - 1%
Appin Dogs
Prop
Osborne is one of Appin’s fearsome bookends that club president Robert Dreis can’t praise enough.
“Brendan is a big body with good footwork, he often attracts three or four defenders and has a dangerous offload,” said Dreis.
MATTHEW BLUNDEN - 1%
Appin Dogs
Prop
“Matty is our captain and his game is different to Brendan’s. With no footwork, he just charges into the opposition and he also loves rushing out of the line to put on a big hit,” the president proudly said.
JAKE BENTLEY - 10%
Warragamba Wombats
Fullback
Rich in backline talent, Wombats coach Jeremy Moss named two of the best.
“Noted for his elite running game and damaging kick returns, Jake was not only our player of the year, he was also named best player of the competition.”
CODY MASON - 0%
Warragamba Wombats
Centre
“Cody does all the hard work. His ability to scoot from the ruck serves us best when he powers the side out of trouble from our own end,” said Moss.
NSWRL CENTRAL NORTHERN
ANDREW LAYTON - 1%
Belrose Eagles
Hooker
Team manager Debra Kennedy says Andrew is an experienced dummy-half with Sydney Shield experience.
“He won the best and fairest award this season and is recognised throughout the competition for his lethal potency around the ruck,” said Kennedy. “Andrew is super fit and a key member of our senior leadership team.”
DANIEL MARTIN - 1%
Belrose Eagles
Second-row
“Daniel is a local boy, a tough player who can also play lock,” Kennedy said. “Naturally quiet, he lets his actions do the talking and nobody scored more tries for our team this season.”
LACHLAN BROEDERLOW - 1%
Leichhardt Juniors
Second-row
A former Bulldogs SG Ball rep, Broederlow is rated highly by coach Shane Harrison.
“Lachlan is an 18-year-old edge back-rower, he weighs 105kg and just rips and tears. He suits structure and is a super fit powerhouse who has a good chance of being graded,” Harrison said.
MARC RUSSELL - 2%
Leichhardt Juniors
Halfback
“Marc is a Philippines international with a strong all round game who also kicks goals. A tough inspirational leader of our young team, he played the entire season despite carrying a painful knee injury,” Harrison said.
MAX JOLLEY - 0%
Harbord United Devils
Lock
After injuries ruined their season, coach Frank McKee singled out the mainstays of Harbord’s line-up.
“Max can also play hooker, he was one of our most experienced and won our best fairest. He’s super fit and always plays a full 80-minutes,” McKee said.
KEANU ROGERS - 0%
Harbord United Devils
Prop
“The winner of the players’ player award, Keanu was one of our most consistent. He played every game and also scored four or five tries.”
SAM KELLY - 0%
Narrabeen Sharks
Fullback
Jamie Van Buuren coached the Sharks to premiership glory and given the chance, could have named a handful of talent from a star studded line-up.
“Sam is brilliant, he’s super quick and also represented Australia in touch football. He always gets to kicks on the full and won our best and fairest award,” Van Buuren said.
JEROME VAN DER HEIDE - 0%
Narrabeen Sharks
Five-eighth/centre
“Powerful and a great defender, Jerome is solid and always bumps off the first tackle. He has a great side step and won the players’ player award.”
ZAC STRACEY - 0%
Narrabeen Sharks
Centre
“Zac was the player of the match in our grand final win against Belrose. He’s super busy and did a stack of hit-ups.”
LENNOX WHITTAKER 1%
Narrabeen Sharks
Prop
“For a prop, Lennox is awesome at everything. He played under-21s for Parramatta last year and he just goes all day.”
NEVILLE VEREVAKABAU - 0%
Ryde Eastwood Hawks
Second-row/prop
Football manager Michael Frain couldn’t go past two of the Hawks’ best forwards.
“Neville is a skilful young Fijian who used to play centre, he’s a noted try scorer and is expected to make our Sydney Shield side next year,” Frain said.
MARCO MUSCATELLO - 0%
Ryde Eastwood Hawks
Second-row
“Tough and experienced, Marco is a no nonsense backrower with a strong all round game who also has played Ron Massey Cup.”
RHETT CONNOLLY - 0%
Cromer Kingfishers
Hooker
Club president Shane Higginbotham opted for a unique mix of Cromer talent.
“Rhett’s a little pocket-rocket, the boys call him the ‘Angry German” because he’s explosive out of dummy-half and is a great defender.”
ALIPATE TANI - 1%
Cromer Kingfishers
Prop
“Even at 39, Alipate still cuts blokes in half and his hit-ups are outstanding - he was a member of Fiji’s 2008 World Cup squad.”
NSWRL CENTRAL WEST
SAM KIMI-IOANE and JAYCOB OLOAGA - 3% and 1%
Moorebank Rams
Second Row and Prop
The forward combination are genuine 70-minute performers for the premiership winners. Both are rock solid in defence and are leaders for the younger players in the side. They’ve had unbelievable seasons for Moorebank and have given the side plenty of go-forward with the ball.
PRESLEY SAU - 0%
Mounties
Middle forward
He brings a good attitude and commitment to the team. A hard worker who brings plenty of aggression to Mounties in the middle of the field. Comes from the Canterbury junior reps system.
ANTOINE EL HALABI - 3%
Mounties
Back row
Brings loyalty and respect to the side. Some of the best parts of his game are his ability to run a good line and the edge defence he has with his centre partner. Played SG Ball with the Dragons earlier this year.
JOSHUA FEPULEAI - 0%
All Saints Toongabbie
Lock
A very good player who has size and the skillset to back it up. Has got a big engine on him in the middle of the field. Has spent time with South Sydney in the lower grades so brings that experience to the club.
NIFO SEVE - 0%
All Saints Toongabbie
Hooker
Does plenty of work that goes under the radar. Another with a good engine and skillset. A former Parramatta lower grade player alongside the likes of Bevan French and Cameron King. A crafty hooker who gets All Saints on the front foot.
LACHLAN THOMPSON - 1%
Hills District Bulls
Fullback
A young guy who has just turned 20 and playing A-grade, blossomed into an all-round footballer. Does all the one percenters, makes cover tackles and gets out of his own in-goal.
SAM SHEPHERD - 1%
Hills District Bulls
Centre
28-year-old who we had to put in the front row, work rate was phenomenal playing the whole game as a middle forward. Local junior o the club and doesn’t take a backwards step.
PAWHRE KERSHAW - 0%
Wentworthville Magpies
Utility forward
Tough, no-nonsense player who gives his all week in week out. Always at the top of the tackle count every week and is a strong ball carrier. Very polite and quite young man. Pawhare when on the field is a different man his actions speak volumes, magnificent work ethic, who works tirelessly on the field also a great team player that every coach would love to have.
JAI LANGLANDS DOI - 1%
Wentworthville Magpies
One of the toughest 18 year olds, and pound for pound holds his own in open men’s. Gets through an incredible amount of work in defence and attack with a silky pass in his arsenal. Performs at an extremely high standard and get the job done, he has got class written all over him. Also very quietly spoken but has the respect of his teammates and coaching staff. Very bright future for this young man.
LUCAS HOGAN and WILLIE CHAPMAN - 0% and 1%
South West Sharks
These two gentlemen are great role models to the club and have been for a while now. They both help out with the junior teams. Lucas is also a trainer and also on gamedays they both help on the BBQ and ground managing. Willie and Lucas are great leaders on the field and off the field. Their love for the club, the community and the game is impeccable and they also have a great attitude.
NSWRL SOUTH
HAYDEN FEPULEAI - 0%
Kogarah Cougars
Five-eighth
Hayden brings passion, is a hard working player and the heart and soul of A-grade. Passionate about everything he does within the club and is a real leader of the Cougars.
VINCENT STOWERS - 0%
Kogarah Cougars
Second row
He has the character that everyone wants to play for and everyone wants him to be a part of their team. A no-nonsense player in the back row who causes problems for opposition players on an edge.
DANIEL VASQUEZ - 1%
St Joseph’s
Middle forward
A local junior, Dan returned to the club in 2022 after going through the Sharks pathways culminating in a premiership with Newtown and an NRL debut. Dan brought all the leadership attributes our side and club have been looking for on and off the field, taking them from 2021 wooden spooners to 2022 grand finalists.
MITCH BARBUTO - 0%
St Joseph’s
Centre
Mitch has played well over 100 games for the club, predominantly as a winger or fullback but he was moved to the centres this season and had a breakout year. Nicknamed “Winx” for his dash, Mitch was consistently one of the toughest for the club week in, week out.
MITCHELL WYNN - 2%
Lock
Mitch is a great ball playing lock who has great knowledge of the game. He has the ability to bust an oppositions defensive line, with quick play the balls providing the team with momentum and also has the skills to play before the line drawing in players like an extra half with the short or long ball. He consistently performs to his best ability in every game, with his outstanding defence tightening up the middle. His dedication, passion and commitment to the game, club and teammates, also saw him achieve 300 games for Gymea Gorillas this year.
GRANT SMITH - 15%
Gymea Gorillas
Hooker
Grant is a tough, experienced player who knows where he needs to be and is always in the thick of it. His defence, athleticism and endurance was a huge factor in his ability to perform at a very high standard and his enthusiasm is an inspiration to teammates. He has the strength and skill to twist and turn in a tackle to get the ball away and never stopped serving it up to the opposition. Having three children who also play at the club his game day entails setting up fields, running water, BBQ duty, to eventually playing – a true clubman.
JAKE BEETSON - 3%
Como-Jannali Crocs
Back Row
Jake is a very skilled backrower in his first year at Como-Jannali. He has brought in a really strong culture and training ethic to the team and is the nephew of rugby league legend and immortal Arthur Beetson.
JERMAINE MELCHOIR - 0%
Como-Jannali Crocs
Prop
Jermaine is still only 19 and in his second year of A-grade. Is a big and strong front rower, and will be a leader in the coming years in the team. Alsoa local junior of the club.
LOGAN ALDRIDGE - 3%
De La Salle
Fullback/Centre
Aldridge has a powerful running game. Very hard to contain in one-on-one situations and once in open space he’s a hard man to catch.
CHAZ JARVIS - 8%
De La Salle
Five-eighth
Is an instinctive player who always puts himself in positions for opportunities. A great communicator and his actions make him a natural leader for De La Salle.
HUSAM EL REFAAI - 0%
Aquinas Colts
Halfback
Steers the ship for Aquinas. A smart thinker and able to get his players to the right part of the field. Had a stint with Cabramatta in the Ron Massey Shield.
DANIEL MUSOLINO - 1%
Aquinas Colts
Second Row
A talented young player who is well on the rise. Plays strong out on an edge for the Colts after an SG Ball Cup stint with the Dragons.
SOUTHS JUNIORS
JADE ANDERSON - 2%
Matraville Tigers
Fullback
Jade has been in the Manly NRL system and found his love for the game again over the past couple of seasons at Matraville. Brings a lot to the team both on and off the field. A game changing player.
SIONE TOVO - 0%
Matraville Tigers
Prop
Another that has been in the NRL system at Newcastle. Playing back at the A-grade level and is a leader among a well-performing forward pack. Does a lot of work and the backbone in the middle.
KAREEL PHILLIPS - 3%
Matraville Tigers
Five-eighth
A big-game player who consistently steps up when needed for the Matraville Tigers. Scored the matchwinner in the grand final to end a long-drought and was named man of the match.
NICK MOUGIOUS - 2%
Matraville Tigers
Centre
A strike weapon out wide for Matraville. Whenever he gets early ball he is hard for the opposition to put down.
KURT LOVETT - 1%
Coogee Dolphins
Fullback
Was an U19s Australian representative in hockey. Covid unfortunately ruined his Olympic dream and has come back to football. A country lad who is very quick, an elusive ball carrier and eyeing off a train-and-trial deal for Souths in NSW Cup.
CHEYNE WHITELAW - 3%
Coogee Dolphins
Prop
Goes down as one of the best defensive players Dolphins mentor Michael Golden has coached. A former NSW Cup team of the year player at Norths, came back to league after a pair of knee injuries. One of the most dominant props in the competition with an exceptional tackle technique.
DEAN RICHARDS - 16%
South Eastern Seagulls
Centre
His DNA is South Eastern. Richards has played A-grade for the last six years and is a true professional. Never misses a training session or recovery, and has had a blinder of a season in a team that went through the round games undefeated.
KYE BLACK - 0%
South Eastern Seagulls
Lock
Having his first year in A-grade and went above and beyond everything asked of him. Played big minutes and above his weight during the year. Graduated through the South Sydney lower grades.
KURTIS PREECE - 0%
South Eastern Seagulls
Halfback
Led his team to an undefeated regular season and were less than a minute from being undefeated premiers. Dictates the game and an excellent organising halfback.
KELL O’BRIEN - 5%
South Eastern Seagulls
Utility forward
The skipper of the Seagulls who brings a wealth of experience to the forwards after a stint with Souths and Wests in the NSW Cup. Can slot in just about anywhere and leads with his actions.
TYRONE NASCIMENTO - 0%
Moore Park Broncos
Utility
A bigger player with some quality footwork at the line. Is able to run a good line and break through. Lives and breathes footy, and is a great asset for the Moore Park club.
MANA CASTILLO - 0%
Moore Park Broncos
Hooker
Another Bronco that loves his footy. A great defender in the middle of the field has a bit in the tank and can go hard all game.
MAILE HAUMONO - 1%
Redfern All Blacks
Centre
A 21-year-old outside back who brings Jersey Flegg experience to the All Blacks. Is often hard to handle for opposing sides.
EZEKIEL PHILLIPS - 0%
Redfern All Blacks
Utility
A workhorse who can play a multiple number of spots on the field. Has played in the Sydney Shield and is a classy talent.
HENDRIX FOLAU - 0%
Mascot Jets
Centre
Folau has had the honour of representing his country Nieu at the Emerging Nations World Cup. A strong-running centre for Mascot who has also played union.
JACOB TAUTAIOLEFUA - 1%
Mascot Jets
Halfback
We’ve seen Tautaiolefua come through the Rabbitohs junior rep pathways, as well as making rep teams in rugby. Bringing that experience to open-age football at the Jets.
KAZEIOUS TAHERE - 0%
La Perouse Panthers
Centre/Wing
Came through the powerful Matraville SHS system which saw him represent the Rabbitohs pathways sides. Pace to burn and looks like one for the future.
ISAAC CHAPMAN - 0%
La Perouse Panthers
Five-eighth
A nice pick up for the Panthers after playing with Nelson Bay and the Northern Hawks. Part of South Sydney’s Jersey Flegg Cup side and a regular performer when lining up in La Perouse colours.
MICHAEL MITSIAS - 0%
Coogee-Randwick Wombats
Fullback
Pace to burn and has great vision at the back. Was a regular in South Sydney’s pathways and has experience in Jersey Flegg. A great asset for the Wombats.
ETUATE LAUI - 0%
Coogee-Randwick Wombats
Utility forward
Enjoyed a successful stint in the SG Ball Cup and has had a taste of Jersey Flegg. A powerful ball runner who does his best to always get his side on the front foot.
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