Rising stars: The top 37 young players in Outer East league in 2023
It’s young talent time in the Outer East Football Netball League. We’ve named 37 of the best under-22s across the three divisions. Here’s who made the list.
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Young talent on tap.
Outer East Football Netball League is bursting with rising stars; from tough defenders to creative midfielders with explosive speed and forwards with bags of tricks.
Here are 37 young guns in the OEFNL this season:
KONNER ALLCOTT, Gembrook Cockatoo
Still eligible for under 19s, the smart and skilful wingman played in the Brookers’ senior premiership in 2022. His father Dean was a wingman in two flags in 2000 and 2004.
TOM ATALLA, Upwey Tecoma
The young ruck won the league best and fairest in the under-19 competition last season and has made an immediate impact at senior level this year. Had around 25 touches in his last start, often acting as another midfielder once the ball hits the ground.
RILEY BAXTER, Mt Evelyn
Athletic and competitive defender who is rarely beaten in a one-on-one contest.
CALLUM BOURNE, Gembrook Cockatoo
The teenager played in Emerald’s under 19 premiership last year. Hard-nosed, courageous defender who can make an impact in the midfield. His father Chris was a ruckman in the club’s 2000 flag.
HARRY BRAIN, Narre Warren
Runs all day, and is having a terrific season on a wing for the ladder-leading Magpies.
ZACK CHARLES, Officer
The 19-year-old has settled into his new club well and is playing strong football, receiving four mentions in the best from his eight games.
COOPER COLEE, Mt Evelyn
Lightning quick, highly skilled and tenacious competitor.
HARRY CORREA, Alexandra
Has just turned 18 and is in his second season of senior footy. He plays wing and has elite speed and athletic ability and beautiful skills.
NED FORD, Olinda Ferny Creek
Despite still being eligible for under-17 footy, Ford has played eight matches for the Bloods this season. They haven’t been token appearances either, with the clever young player kicking nine majors.
SAM GEBERT, Healesville
The Bloods’ small forward dipped into his bag of tricks to fire off seven goals in Round 5. Explosive, good pace and he’s good on both sides of his body.
SAM HOGHTON, Officer
The 19-year-old is an exciting talent with a bright future. He’s made an impact with both Gippsland Power and Officer this season.
PERCY HYETT, Olinda Ferny Creek
Hyett has played nine matches this season and has been listed as one of the Bloods’ best on four occasions, three of which came against powerhouse outfits Narre Warren, Wandin and Woori Yallock.
JACK HOURIHAN, Mt Evelyn
A key position player who is great in the air and on the ground, super clean and skilful for a key position player.
WILL HOWE, Narre Warren
Gun full forward who booted 68 goals in Narre’s premiership last season and currently leads the 2023 goal table with 34 in seven games.
JOSIAH KYLE, Hallam
Kyle is bursting at the seams with talent and Hallam is stoked to have gained him as a mid-season boost. A former coach of his compared the former AFL-Saint’s skillset to that of Jeff ‘The Wizard’ Farmer.
RYAN LUCAS, Alexandra
The 20-year-old is playing his first season of senior footy after recovering from a knee reconstruction. Plays half forward with some time in the midfield and is playing some excellent footy, all after pushing himself to breaking point during pre-season.
RHYS MORTLOCK, Broadford
A wholehearted wingman who is a good decision maker and uses the ball well. His second and third efforts are outstanding. Runs all day.
CHARLIE NEILSON, Broadford
Strongly-built, versatile player who always puts his head over the ball. Good kick for goal and a smart ball user.
NOAH VAN HAREN, Emerald
Made his senior debut last season as a 16-year-old. Reads the play well and his defensive game is excellent for his size. Possesses pace and can take a mark.
JACK MCGOUGH, Emerald
Just turned 18 and is in his first season of senior footy. A strong lead-up mark, wingman.
CALEB MARSHALL, Gembrook Cockatoo
Played in Emerald’s under 19 premiership last year. Joining the Brookers he has played every position on the ground. His father Jamie is a former Emerald senior coach.
BLAKE MORISON, Seville
Nicknamed ‘Skinny’, Morison has played under-17s, 19s, interleague and seniors in 2023. He kicked six majors in an under-19 game and that was enough to force senior coach Shaun Wilson to select him. He’s only played two senior games so far but Seville has high hopes on him.
TOM NELSON, Berwick Springs
Possesses plenty of X factor and class...likes to take the game on, enjoys flying for marks and knows where the goals are — he’s booted 15 this season.
ANTONIO QUACH, Officer
The 21-year-old was probably Officer’s best player when he got injured; well balanced and never rushed.
KANE RUDY, Gembrook Cockatoo
The former Pakenham player is a two-time U17 league medallist. A small forward and midfielder who is hard at it.
JAK RYAN, Woori Yallock
Son of Woori legend Danny, Jak is paving his own path as a clever small. He threatened to be the difference in last year’s grand final with three early goals. Ryan has played in a treble of jumpers this year with Woori, Eastern Ranges and interleague appearances.
ISAAC SESKIS, Emerald
Midfielder, forward who is a great ball getter, reads the play well, strong at the stoppages. Just turned 18.
CONNOR SMITH, Wandin
Onball and forward, who is a classy finisher. Taken that skill set to the starting midfield group this year. He kicked six goals against Upwey Tecoma to earn a call up to the Western Bulldogs VFL side.
LUCA SMITH, Olinda Ferny Creek
Another promising young player out of the Bloods who is cutting his teeth at senior level. After playing for the Outer East under-17 interleague side, where he was listed as the side’s best two of a possible three occasions, Smith has been playing either senior or reserve footy.
BLAKE SIMONDSON, Berwick Springs
An exciting prospect who got on to North Melbourne’s VFL list but got a fracture in the foot, which has curtailed his season. Hopefully he’s back soon to show off his explosive speed and match-winning qualities.
BAYLIN SPENCER, Woori Yallock
A talented young midfielder who has balanced his footy between the Tigers and the Eastern Ranges this season. He played in the Outer East Premier Division decider last year and has been listed in the best on four of a possible five occasions for Woori this season.
ISAAC TONKIN, Olinda Ferny Creek
Like Ford, Tonkin is also eligible for under-17 footy. He’s played five matches for the Bloods this season.
HARRY VAN DURREN, Wandin
Playing only his third year of football but has become one of the most effective wingmen in the competition. Elite runner who impacts at both ends and regularly hits the scoreboard.
KURT WEISER, Belgrave
Was dominating in the ruck before injuring his shoulder. He is 21 and is a player of the future for sure.
CHRIS WESTCOTT, Belgrave
Defender who, against Seville in Round 9, had 10 intercept marks which is equivalent to the best in the AFL. Averaging 104 ranking points per game, 19 possessions per game going at 70 per cent disposal efficiency.
JOSH WESTRA, Officer
Talented 19-year-old who is holding down fullback for the Kangaroos and doing a fantastic job of it.
SAM WICKS, Upwey Tecoma
Wicks is still eligible for under-19s but he doesn’t spend much time in the earlier slot. He is close to the Tigers’ best mid due to his attack on the footy. Coach Stuart Hill said: “It’s physicality you don’t expect from an under-19 when they come in… he looks like has been playing senior footy for five years.”
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