AFL Outer East: top 30 Premier Division players of the 2021 season
Who has seen plenty of the ball in the first seven weeks of the season? We have a dash at naming the top 30 AFL Outer East Premier Division players.
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It’s been a cracking start to the AFL Outer East Premier Division season, with no shortage of influential players through the opening seven rounds.
Stars from ladder-leader Beaconsfield, Cranbourne and Narre Warren feature prominently in our top 30 of 2021.
Those who had played less than three games this season were ruled ineligible.
Here’s our best — in alphabetical order.
Jarryd Barker, Cranbourne
Casey-listed inside midfielder who is hard at it, skilful and kicks the ball well. Hamstring injuries have held him back in the past but he’s fully fit and showing his talent.
Nick Battle, Beaconsfield
The gut-running midfielder has been vital in the Eagles’ undefeated start. Oozes class, wins a heap of ball and has a good balance of inside and outside as well. One of the best players in the comp.
Jake Bowd, Beaconsfield
A key member of the Eagles attack, with incredible forward smarts, positions himself well and athletic. Kicked six goals against Narre Warren and there are more to come.
Patrick Bruzzese, Wandin
Inside midfielder who bores in for the ball, brings it out and gets the Bulldogs going. Can kick a goal too.
Trent Cody, Narre Warren
The Magpies captain has been superb this season, kicking 17 goals from the midfield. Very classy and a beautiful kick of the footy.
Glenn Costas, Upwey Tecoma
Ball magnet who is a great user of the ball. Vital to the Tigers.
Kelsey Currie, Olinda Ferny Creek
Smart onballer who gets to the right positions, gets a lot of the ball and uses it well.
Jesse Davies, Narre Warren
Full-back who has been a model of consistency for the Magpies. Yet to be beaten this season. Rarely out-marked, spoils and is a nice long kick.
Corey Ellison, Cranbourne
Exceptionally talented Casey-listed forward who is a great mark with a sensational pair of hands. Skilful player who doesn’t often miss when firing for goal.
Tom Hinds, Wandin
Mid-size defender who can play tall or small. Plays with class and composure and is vital to the Bulldogs.
Keenan Hinton, Upwey Tecoma
One of the best mid-size attacking defenders in the comp. He nagates attacks and then creates them and consistency is at the heart of his game.
Jason Lindgren, Woori Yallock
Has been a fine addition to the Tigers side with his explosive pace and silky skills out of the midfield.
Marc Holt, Cranbourne
Champion full-forward who tops the league goalkicking with 26. Strong mark and pin-point kick for goal. “He’s a marvel. A one off,” Cranny coach Steve O’Brien said
Matt Johnson, Beaconsfield
Lead-up forward, who hits the ball at speed and is a beautiful finisher. He’s slotted 12 goals in six games. Athletic, consistent and his work rate is top notch.
Nick Keegan, Olinda Ferny Creek
Hard running outside midfielder who can be damaging and loves a goal.
Tom Miller, Narre Warren
Played on a wing in the premiership year but has made his mark in the midfield this season. Hunts the ball and gets plenty of it. Enjoying an excellent season.
Ben Monkhorst, Woori Yallock
The three-time premiership forward has been impressive for the Tigers, including a best-on-ground display against Narre Warren.
Sam Muirhead, Doveton
It’s been a rugged start to the season for the Doves but they’ve taken heart and hope from the performances of full-back Muirhead. He’s been in the best four times in five games. Plays smart, backs himself and runs and carries the ball. Hates to give up goals.
Josh Neal, Woori Yallock
After being an integral part of Seville’s premiership side in 2019, Neal has been a great addition to the Tigers’ forward line, kicking 16 goals in six games.
Jafar Ocaa, Beaconsfield
Exciting half forward destined to play a higher level of football. Has incredible natural ability, is quick and fearless when he goes for air balls. He’s got X factor and can go to another level.
Brandon Osborne, Cranbourne
The Eagles captain is a bona fide star who performs week after week down back. Sets high standards and is rarely beaten.
Jeconiah Peni, Pakenham
A determined presence around the ball, and hard-at-it. Leads the league tackle count and never stops trying or contributing.
Jake Richardson, Narre Warren
Versatile customer who has been the Magpies’ most consistent forward and also proficient in the ruck. Has kicked 10 goals but should have many more.
Patrick Rosier, Olinda Ferny Creek
Clearance machine…Hard, tough and sets the standard for the Bloods.
Matt Scharenberg, Olinda Ferny Creek
Silky skilled player who is equally at home in the midfield, defence or attack.
Connor Smith, Wandin
Promising 16-year-old who has impressed on ball for the Bulldogs. Strong in the contest, especially for someone his age and has been able to hit the scoreboard. Undoubtedly has the ability to go to a higher level.
Jordan Stewart, Pakenham
Key defender who takes a good opponent every week and invariably wins his duel. Reads the play well and takes a strong mark.
Tylah Stokoe, Beaconsfield
Quality small forward who goes through the midfield. Quick, tackles and kicks goals. Has made an impressive start to the season.
Tristan Warkuss, Doveton
Tough as nails back pocket, who does not lose one-on-one contests and is hard at the footy and uses it well. Good overhead for a player of his size.
Daniel Zajac, Doveton
The ever-reliable centre half-back reads the play well and is renowned for negating attacks and then creating them. Took 16 marks against Pakenham.
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