Bendigo, Geelong, O&M: All-star teams chosen from last 25 years
The best teams from the best country footy leagues from the last 25 years have been picked. See who made the cut.
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Country footy has endured some of its biggest challenges since the turn of the century.
Without doubt the biggest being the unthinkable scenario of two seasons when not one premiership was decided in Victoria due to a global pandemic in 2020-21.
But either side of Covid, the game has survived, albeit with clubs and some leagues falling by the wayside.
To celebrate the last 25 years, The Weekly Times has taken on mission impossible — picking the best teams for the best leagues since 2000.
The key criteria for selection was a player must have played in five seasons or played 100 matches in a league from 2000 to be eligible for selection.
Did we get it right?
BALLARAT
B: Nathan Horbury (Redan), Ryan Hobbs (North Ballarat), Daryl Griffin
(Sunbury)
HB: Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol), Keenan Reynolds (Darley), Mark Kennedy (Redan)
C: Craig Berger (Melton), Jarrod Edwards (Redan, North Ballarat), Nathan Blomely (Redan)
HF: Brad Miller (Darley), Paul McMahon (Lake Wendouree), Luke Adams (Daylesford)
F: Braeden Kight (Melton), Dan Jordan (East Point), Matthew Sutton (Melton South)
FOLL: Orren Stephenson (Redan), Brett Bewley (Darley), Mark Power (Sunbury)
INTER: Matthew Johnston (East Point), Ryan Waight (Redan), Darren Stanley (Melton)
EMERG: Jake Edwards (Darley), Ben Jordan (East Point, Sunbury), Ben Taylor (Lake Wendouree)
Coach: Kieran Murrihy (Redan). Assistant coach: Rob Waters (North Ballarat)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Redan (2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011)
Multiple league best and fairests: Jarrod Edwards (Redan) 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009; Scott Windus (Daylesford) 2001, 2002: Jason McNamara (North Ballarat) 2011, 2012; Brett Bewley (Darley) 2023, 2024
Most goals in a season: Dan Jordan (East Point) 148 in 2006
Great grand final: Redan’s 2009 grand final win against East Point was memorable enough as its fifth flag in eight years. But it was also the launching pad for Isaac Smith’s amazing career that ended with four AFL flags and being the oldest player to win the North Smith Medal at the age of 33.
BENDIGO
B: Clayton Anderson (Golden Square), Tim Hill (Eaglehawk), Rod Sharp (Gisborne)
HB: Kel Geary (Strathfieldsaye), Kain Robins (Eaglehawk), Jonathon Coe (Golden Square)
C: Shannon Millward (Kangaroo Flat, Eaglehawk), Derrick Filo (Eaglehawk, Kyneton, Castlemaine, Kangaroo Flat), Adam Baird (Golden Square)
HF: Luke Saunders (Gisborne), Brady Herdman (Eaglehawk), Simon Rosa (Golden Square)
F: Brodie Filo (Eaglehawk), Lachlan Sharp (Strathfieldsaye), Matt Gretgrix (Eaglehawk)
FOLL: Tim Martin (Sandhurst), Jack Geary (Golden Square), Matt Fitzgerald (Gisborne)
INTER: Lee Coghlan (Sandhurst), Ollie Messoudi (Gisborne), Damian Lock (Eaglehawk), Tom Waters (Gisborne)
EMERG: Shannon Geary (Strathfieldsaye), Tyrone Downie (Kangaroo Flat), Darren Farrugia (Gisborne)
Coach: Darryl Wilson (Strathfieldsaye). Assistant coach: Derrick Filo (Eaglehawk, Kyneton, Castlemaine, Kangaroo Flat)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Golden Square (2001, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2023)
Multiple league best and fairests: Matt Fitzgerald (Gisborne) 2003, 2007; Tim Martin (Sandhurst) 2013, 2014
Most goals in a season: Grant Weeks (Golden Square) 164 in 2012
Great grand final: In 2007, league legend Derrick Filo played his 400th BFL match, but the mid-season milestone was overshadowed when he led Eaglehawk to a famous flag. Trailing by 17 points in the last term and against the breeze, Filo and son Brodie kicked late goals to help steal a two-point win against Gisborne.
CENTRAL MURRAY
B: Shane Guerra (Koondrook-Barham, Cohuna Kangas), Troy Thamm (Kerang), Luke O’Toole (Tyntynder)
HB: Xavier Moloney (Swan Hill), Cal Beasy (Swan Hill), Matt Curran (Nyah Nyah West United)
C: Marcus Nalder (Tyntynder, Lake Boga), Matthew Wade (Swan Hill), Nathan Quick (Lake Boga)
HF: Marty Kelly (Kerang, Mallee Eagles), Hugh Foott (Swan Hill), Ash Thompson (Tooleybuc-Manangatang, Nyah Nyah West United)
F: Brad Carroll (Tyntynder), Jarrod Arentz (Tooleybuc-Manangatang), Darryl White (Nyah Nyah West United)
FOLL: Ryan O’Sullivan (Tooleybuc-Manangatang, Swan Hill), Joel Helman (Cohuna Kangas), Harry Allen (Mallee Eagles)
INTER: Lance Brown (Mallee Eagles, Tooleybuc-Manangatang), Brad Pay (Kerang), Luke Kelly (Tyntynder), Luke Livingston (Kerang)
EMERG: Drew Lloyd (Balranald), Troy Davis (Kerang), Jesse Clark (Kerang)
Coach: Troy Coates (Kerang). Assistant coach: Marcus Demaria (Woorinen)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Kerang (2004, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023)
Multiple league best and fairests: Ryan O’Sullivan (Tooleybuc-Manangatang) 2004, 2007, 2009, 2014; Matthew Wade (Swan Hill) 2016, 2017, 2023; Lance Brown (Lalbert) 2003, 2006; Xavier Moloney (Swan Hill) 2010, 2013
Most goals in a season: Jarrod Arentz (Tooleybuc-Manangatang) 143 in 2006 and 2007
Great grand final: Lake Boga won its one and only Central Murray league flag in 2003, recovering from a qualifying final thrashing to upset Swan Hill in the grand final by 43 points. Rikki Pumpa and Wes Pye were key players and followed in the footsteps of their fathers, Trevor and Kevin, who had played in Lake Boga’s previous flag 28 years earlier.
GEELONG
B: Daniel Lovick (St Joseph’s), Dale Carson (GWSP, St Joseph’s), Cory Bauer (St Joseph’s)
HB: Jim Cail (St Mary’s), Dean Talbot (Bell Park), Tim Sherman (South Barwon)
C: Andrew Kelly (Colac), Warwick Knuckey (South Barwon), Mark Corrigan (South Barwon)
HF: Jason Davenport (North Shore), Clinton Wells (South Barwon), Glenn Wallace (South Barwon)
F: Steve Paulke (Bell Park), Zvonimir Suto (Lara, St Mary’s), Aaron Greaves (St Joseph’s, Leopold)
FOLL: Rick Wilde (Leopold, Newtown & Chilwell, GWSP), Tim Sheringham (Bell Park), Frank Fopiani (North Shore, St Mary’s)
INTER: Matt McMahon (Newtown & Chilwell), Tom Gilligan (St Mary’s), Luke Buckland (South Barwon), Harry Benson (St Mary’s)
EMERG: Marcus Thompson (Leopold), Paul Corrigan (South Barwon), Nick Batchelor (Bell Park)
Coach: Dale Amos (South Barwon). Assistant coach: Heath Jamieson (St Joseph’s)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: South Barwon (2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
Multiple league best and fairests: Matthew McMahon (Newtown & Chilwell) 2017, 2018, 2019: Rick Wilde (Leopold) 2002, 2003; Daniel Lovick (St Joseph’s) 2011, 2012); Stephen Paulke (Bell Park) 2013, 2015; Harry Benson (St Mary’s) 2021, 2022
Most goals in a season: Zvonimir Suto (Lara) 100 in 2000
Great grand final: St Mary’s appeared consigned to a fourth successive grand final loss until Nick Connors stepped up with only seconds remaining on the clock with a goal on the run from 50m out to deny Colac its second GFNL premiership.
GIPPSLAND
B: Cade Maskell (Leongatha), Declan Keilty (Moe), Gary Jones (Maffra)
HB: Jack Johnstone (Maffra, Sale), Tye Hourigan (Traralgon), Hayden Burgiel (Maffra)
C: Riley Baldi (Moe), Mark Collison (Traralgon), Boyd Bailey (Morwell)
HF: Michael Geary (Traralgon), James Gibbs (Bairnsdale), Ben Coleman (Maffra)
F: Greg Morley (Traralgon), Adrian Burgiel (Maffra, Moe), Jack Blair (Wonthaggi)
FOLL: Jack Lipman (Sale), Tom Marriott (Leongatha), Shannen Lange (Sale)
INTER: Bob McCallum (Drouin), James Blaser (Moe), Andrew Soumilas (Drouin, Garfield), Dylan Lopresse (Traralgon)
EMERG: Ryan Davey (Warragul), Adam Bailey (Morwell), Aidan Lindsay (Wonthaggi)
Coach: Wayne Butcher (Maffra). Assistant coach: Trent McMicking (Leongatha)
2000-2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Maffra (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019)
Multiple league best and fairests: Hayden Burgiel (Maffra) 2001, 2004; Nick Hider (Maffra) 2007, 2008; Gary Jones (Maffra) 2002, 2010; Andrew Soumilas (Garfield, Drouin) 2005, 2011; Tom Marriott (Leongatha) 2018, 2022
Most goals in a season: Darren Sheen (Maffra) 100 in 2014
Great grand final: In 2017, Leongatha erased two years of grand final heartbreak to beat Maffra by one point. Best-on-ground Chris Dunne booted six goals including the one to put the Parrots in front in the final term. Beau Vernon, who suffered a severe spinal injury in 2012, took over as coach in 2015 and led the Parrots to the famous flag.
GOULBURN VALLEY
B: Linc Wellington (Tatura), Ian Boyd (Kyabram), Jason Morgan (Kyabram)
HB: Ben Reid (Echuca), Lachlan Smith (Kyabram, Benalla), Matt O’Keefe (Seymour)
C: Andrew Walker (Echuca), Stephen Ash (Shepparton), Simon Buckley (Echuca)
HF: Robbie Miller (Rochester), Anthony McPhee (Rochester), Kayne Pettifer (Kyabram)
F: Jason Wells (Shepparton), Paul Newman (Kyabram), Saad Saad (Seymour)
FOLL: Shane Schottner (Seymour), Brad Campbell (Kyabram, Mooroopna), Tyson Sidebottom (Shepparton United, Shepparton Swans)
INTER: Paul Scanlon (Seymour), Rhys Archard (Echuca), Simon McCarty (Rochester), Paul Kirby (Tatura)
EMERG: Kane Morris (Echuca), Will Martiniello (Benalla), Bernie Haberman (Seymour)
Coach: Steve Daniel (Seymour). Assistant coach: Paul Newman (Kyabram)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Echuca (2001, 2002, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Multiple league best and fairests: Stephen Ash (Shepparton) 2000, 2003; Simon Buckley (Echuca) 2016, 2017; Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour) 2021, 2023
Most goals in a season: Damien Yze (Shepparton Swans) 124 in 2003
Great grand final: In 2018, Shepparton halted Kyabram’s 62-match winning streak, which included the 2016-17 flags, with an upset two-point win. A late snap from Kyabram’s Kyle Mueller hit the post. Bears’ ruckman Ash Holland was best-on-ground and Lachlan Ash joined is dad Stephen as a premiership player before being drafted to GWS.
HAMPDEN
B: Sam Cowling (Warrnambool), Matt Sully (South Warrnambool, Port Fairy), Brett Taylor (Cobden)
HB: Jarrod Thompson (South Warrnambool), Damien O’Connor (Terang-Mortlake, Koroit), Dallas Mooney (Koroit)
C: Joe McLaren (Koroit), Shane Garner (Cobden, North Warrnambool, Warrnambool), Liam Ryan (North Warrnambool)
HF: Nick Couch (Terang-Mortlake), Sam Dobson (Koroit), Simon O’Keeffe (Koroit)
F: Jason Mifsud (Warrnambool, Koroit), Jason Rowan (Warrnambool, Port Fairy), Josh Walters (Warrnambool, Port Fairy)
FOLL: Levi Dare (Cobden, Hamilton), Ben Goodall (Koroit), Daniel Nicholson (Port Fairy, South Warrnambool)
INTER: Isaac Templeton (Koroit), Jeremy Hausler (Koroit), Pat Heffernan (Terang-Mortlake), Matt Wines (North Warrnambool)
EMERG: Sam Rudolph (Port Fairy), Ben Dobson (Koroit), Matt Schrama (Terang-Mortlake)
Coach: Adam Dowie (Terang-Mortlake, Warrnambool, Koroit, North Warrnambool). Assistant coach: Chris McLaren (Koroit)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Koroit (2003, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)
Multiple league best and fairests: Levi Dare (Cobden) 2010, 2012, 2016; Liam Ryan (North Warrnambool) 2008, 2010; Simon O’Keefe (Koroit) 2007, 2011; Isaac Templeton (Koroit) 2014, 2015
Most goals in a season: Jason Rowan (Warrnambool) 112 in 2014
Great grand final: In 2003, Koroit trailed Camperdown at halftime by 49 points, but coach Jason Mifsud produced one of the most talked about individual efforts in league history, kicking seven goals after halftime. Koroit hit the front midway through the last term and survived six lead changes to win by seven points.
MURRAY
B: Alex Hicks (Nathalia), Danny Bourke (Nathalia), David Farrell (Tocumwal)
HB: Duane Hueston (Echuca United), Jason Limbrick (Nathalia), Sean Robinson (Mulwala)
C: Ryan Bongetti (Cobram, Finley), Ashley Gemmill (Nathalia), Nathan Gemmill (Nathalia)
HF: Rhys Archard (Moama), Robert Lamberti (Mulwala), Jackson Gash (Mulwala)
F: Rowan Priest (Echuca United), Brendon Parker (Nathalia), Sam Lloyd (Deniliquin)
FOLL: Brodie Ross (Nathalia), Leigh Marshall (Deniliquin), John Fisicaro (Deniliquin)
INTER: Jordan Souter (Tongala), Levi Power (Rumbalara), Troy Snelson (Nathalia), Mark Brown (Numurkah)
EMERG: Tyron Baden (Cobram), Lee Warnett (Tocumwal), Daniel Schaper (Nathalia)
Coach: Gary Parsons (Deniliquin), Assistant coach: Craig Kellow (Nathalia)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Nathalia (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Multiple league best and fairests: Lee Warnett (Tocumwal) 2008, 2009; Ryan Bongetti (Cobram) 2010, 2011; Rhys Archard (Moama) 2015, 2017; Jackson Gash (Mulwala) 2019, 2023
Most goals in a season: Jamie Solyom (Mulwala) 140 in 2001
Great grand final: Rumbalara’s only premiership win ranks highly with the best fightbacks in Murray league history. Trailing by 38 points midway through the second quarter, Rumbalara stormed home in the second half. After being largely unsighted, Brad Dick proved the hero with a goal seconds before the final siren.
NORTH CENTRAL
B: Boe Bish (Wycheproof-Narraport), Rhys Thompson (Charlton), Keiran Wilson (Boort)
HB: Luke Martin (Sea Lake-Nandaly), Dale Hinkley (Birchip-Watchem), Matt Elliott (Sea Lake-Nandaly)
C: Rob Tonkin (Wedderburn), Rick Andrews (Charlton), Aaron Walklate (Charlton, Boort)
HF: Nathan Gordon (Birchip-Watchem), Mark Perryman (Boort), James Scambler (Birchip-Watchem)
F: Corey Jones (Wycheproof-Narraport), Sam Barnes (Wedderburn), Daniel Gash (Wedderburn)
FOLL: Brett Strange (Wedderburn), Ross Young (Donald), Wade Donnan (Sea Lake-Nandaly)
INTER: James McNamee (St Arnaud), Ryan O’Sulllivan (Sea Lake-Nandaly), Ben DeAraugo (Wedderburn), James Coatsworth (Wycheproof-Narraport)
EMERG: Danny Benaim (Wedderburn), Rick Allan (Wycheproof-Narraport), Daniel Needs (St Arnaud)
Coach: John Cossar (Charlton). Assistant coach: Daniel Gash (Wedderburn)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Wedderburn (2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Multiple league best and fairests: Nil
Most goals in a season: Mark Perryman (Boort) 128 in 2008
Great grand final: Wedderburn became the first North Central league team to win four flags in a row in 2014, but the win against Charlton was by no means easier. Scores were level at the final siren and a rushed behind with under a minute remaining in extra time eventually sealed the deal. Gun forward Brady Herdman booted four goals for the hero for the Redbacks.
OVENS & MURRAY
B: Sam Murray (Wodonga Raiders, Wangaratta Rovers), Travis Hodgson (North Albury, Myrtleford), Shaun Daly (Corowa-Rutherglen, Albury)
HB: Brad Murray (Myrtleford), Craig Tafft (Corowa-Rutherglen), Drew Barnes (Yarrawonga)
C: Chris Hyde (Albury), Xavier Leslie (Yarrawonga), Brodie Filo (Wodonga Raiders, Wangaratta Rovers)
HF: Simon McCormick (North Albury, Wodonga), Dan Leslie (North Albury), Jon McCormick (Wangaratta)
F: Tim Hargreaves (Yarrawonga), Brendan Fevola (Yarrawonga), Joe Richards (Wangaratta)
FOLL: Paul Nugent (Wodonga), Joel Mackie (North Albury, Albury), Craig Ednie (Yarrawonga)
INTER: Matt Dussin (Myrtleford), Matt Pendergast (Wodonga Raiders, Lavington), Andrew Hill (Wangaratta Rovers), Jon Henry (Wangaratta)
EMERG: Peter Doherty (Lavington), Jason Wild (Yarrawonga), Brad Thompson (Wodonga)
Coach: Chris Kennedy (Yarrawonga). Assistant coach: Paul Spargo (Albury)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Albury (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018)
Multiple league best and fairests: Robbie Walker (Wangaratta Rovers) 2001, 2003; Joel Mackie (Albury) 2012, 2015.
Most goals in a season: Setanta O’hAilpin (Albury) 116 in 2014
Great grand final: In 2005, Lavington’s Darryn McKimmie broke the hearts of Myrtleford in a grand final once again with a goal after the siren. Myrtleford, which had won only one O&M flag in 1970, led when the final siren sounded before McKimmie kicked truly from 35m out.
SUNRAYSIA
B: Austin Rigby (Wentworth), Tom Brownbridge (Irymple), Zac Wandin (Irymple)
HB: Brad Hards (Imperials), Andy Wall (Wentworth), Brad Eaton (Irymple)
C: Ryan O’Callaghan (Mildura), Dan Coghlan (Irymple), Glen Cumming (Wentworth)
HF: Brad Vallance (Ouyen United, Imperials), Donato De Angelis (Irymple), Anthony Matthews (Mildura)
F: Denny Fox (South Mildura), Jason Bell (Red Cliffs, Wentworth), Camelo Lando (Wentworth, Mildura)
FOLL: Leigh Riordan (South Mildura, Merbein) Nick Mee (Irymple, Imperials), Don Falvo (Robinvale)
INTER: Mick Faulkhead (Red Cliffs), Mark Alvey (Mildura, Wentworth), Ethan Gill (Robinvale), Ash Rowe (Merbein)
EMERG: Michael Hooker (Merbein, Robinvale), Andrew Petrie (Imperials), Andy Jardine (Ouyen United)
Co-coaches: Dan Coghlan-Tom Brownbridge (Irymple)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Irymple (2006, 2011, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)
Multiple league best and fairests: Don Falvo (Robinvale) 2006, 2009, 2013;
Brad Eaton (Irymple) 2005, 2007
Most goals in a season: Robert “Sonny” Lindsey (Red Cliffs) 134 in 2000
Great grand final: In 2002, Merbein won its first flag since 1975 in dramatic fashion. Mal Miller unloaded a 60m bomb to beat Wentworth. Former Essendon and Sydney star Merv Neagle had assembled a foreign legion of players to the club and won another flag 12 months later.
WIMMERA
B: Josh Mibus (Horsham United), Terry Arnell (Horsham), Ben Williamson (Stawell)
HB: Mal Adams (Horsham United), Scott Turner (Ararat), Jackson Dark (Stawell)
C: Dale Bligh (Ararat), Ryan Kemp (Horsham), Billy Lloyd (Horsham, Southern Mallee)
HF: Phil Butsch (Horsham Saints), Brent Tuckey (Stawell), Simon Dunn (Stawell)
F: Gavin Kelm (St Michaels), David Johns (Horsham), Peter McFarlane (Dimboola)
R: Kieran Delahunty (Minyip-Murtoa, Southern Mallee), Tom Eckel (Stawell), Nic Pekin (Horsham)
INTER: Stuart Farr (Horsham), Luke Carr (Horsham), Dylan Parish (Horsham), Matt Walder (Warrack Eagles)
EMERG: Matt Jackson (Ararat), Scott Batchelor (Horsham, Warrack Eagles), Ryan McKenzie (Warrack Eagles)
Coach: Stuart Farr (Horsham, Dimboola). Assistant coach: Matt Walder (Warrack Eagles, Ararat)
2000 - 2024 SNAPSHOT
Most flags: Horsham Demons (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018)
Multiple league best and fairests: Kieran Delahunty (Minyip-Murtoa, Southern Mallee Thunder) 2014, 2021, 2022; Peter McFarlane (Dimboola) 2005, 2007
Most goals in a season: David Johns (Horsham Demons) 156 in 2006
Great grand final: Ten grand final wins in succession is an amazing feat and Horsham Demons achieved it with a 47-point win against Warrack Eagles in 2012. The victory was notable for the eight goals kicked by Dylan Parish and the starring role from Jake Lloyd, who was drafted by the Sydney Swans the following year.
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