40 of the best country footy players from western Victoria

Western Victoria is home to some of the best country footballers in the state, but you might not have heard their names before. Here’s 40 hidden gems.

Victoria’s west is home to some of the best country footballers in the state.

From young guns to premiership heroes, we’ve found 40 of the best from across the state.

Austin Arnold, Colac Imperials (Colac and District)

One of the rising stars of the competition. In his second full season of senior footy, he has again been brilliant.

Jackson Calder, Dimboola (Wimmera)

Has averaged four goals a game in a team which has struggled in attack for most of the year. Calder has kicked 36 goals in nine games and has almost scored a quarter of the teams total.

Brodhi Carracher, Cavendish (South West District)

Been a dominant player for the minor premiers. Carracher has averaged almost two goals a game and been in the best in 12 of 15 matches.

Sam Clyne, Horsham Saints (Wimmera)

The former Wimmera best and fairest winner is having another great season for the Saints. Has been in the best players in 11 of 14 games.

Sam Clyne (right) is a legend at the Horsham Saints. Picture: Horsham Saints Football Netball Club.

Lachie Constable, Lismore Derrinallum (Mininera and District)

The young gun has been brilliant throughout the season with 68 goals to date.

Levi Dare, Alvie (Colac and District)

Has enjoyed another dominant season for the premiership contender with 13 mentions in the best.

Cody Driscoll, Stawell (Wimmera)

Impressed in his first season in the competition to be one of the leading goalkickers in the competition. Has 49 goals in 14 games.

Cody Deutscher, Harrow Balmoral (Horsham District)

Already a two-time premiership player with the club, the skilful “Rolls-Royce” returned at the start of the season from Coleraine. Loves the contest.

Tom Eckel, Stawell (Wimmera)

Having another good season after winning last year’s best and fairest in the competition. The current coach has been among the best players in 10 of 14 games.

Machok Garang, Warrack (Wimmera)

The intercept defender has impressed in his first season after moving to the club from Adelaide. Has been among the best in 11 of 14 games.

Mitch Gleeson, Rupanyup (Horsham District)

The dominant big man has been an imposing figure for his side since crossing from Charlton several seasons ago. Won the league best-and-fairest last season.

Samuel Handley, Wickliffe/Lake Bolac (Mininera and District)

Been brilliant all season for the premiership favourites in defence.

Robbie Hare, Allansford (Warrnambool)

Fell short of the 100 goal milestone last year but made sure he achieved the feat this year. Hare has kicked 103 goals in 16 matches to help Allansford make finals for the first time in nine years.

Judah Hobbs, Noradjuha-Quantong (Horsham District)

Returned to the club at the start of the season and has gone onto be his side’s leading goalkicker.

We've named the hidden gems from western Victoria.

Sam Hodgins, Hawkesdale Macarthur (Mininera and District)

Joined the club this season and has put together a promising campaign across halfback.

James Hughes, Lorne (Colac and District)

Now in his third season with the Dolphins after crossing from Torquay before 2022. Has kicked 35 goals and been in the best 10 times.

Nathan Krepp, Merrivale (Warrnambool)

Has had another strong season in front of goal to be one of the leading goalkickers in the competition. Has kicked 53 goals in 17 games.

Billy Lloyd, Southern Mallee Thunder (Wimmera)

The midfielder continues to shine after moving to the competition from Ballarat. Has been in the best players in 11 of 14 games for the newly merged club.

Bradley Lowe, Southern Mallee Thunder (Wimmera)

Despite playing on eight matches, the former QAFL player has been the leading goalkicker in the team. Has kicked 31 goals in eight matches.

Charlie McCartin, Lorne (Colac and District)

His form has been so good this season, he’s done enough to play some VFL footy with Sydney.

Logan McLeod, Russell Creek (Warrnambool)

In his second year of seniors he’s been one of the best in the competition. The midfielder has impressed around the ground. He’s been in the best in 12 of 18 games and kicked 20 goals.

Jake McQueen, Nhill (Wimmera)

The former VFL player has been one of the best for the Tigers in his return home to the club. He’s been in the best players in eight of 14 games and kicked 22 goals.

Naish McRoberts, Ararat Eagles (Mininera and District)

Enjoying a strong season for the finals bound Eagles with 31 goals and 12 mentions in the best.

Robbie Miller, Laharum (Horsham District)

Returned to the club at the start of the season from Woorinen. The gun midfielder has played a key role in his side’s move up the ladder with 15 mentions in the best.

We've named the hidden gems from western Victoria.

Brendan Monaghan, South Colac (Colac and District)

One of the leading performers for his side this season with 13 mentions in the best.

Damian Monaghan, Dartmoor (South West District)

The leading goalkicker for the Giants in his first season at the club. Has kicked 52 goals in 16 matches in the best season of his career.

John Paulin, Nirranda (Warrnambool)

Been the best Nirranda player despite missing a handful of games throughout the season. The skipper, who won last year’s best and fairest in the competition has been among the best in 10 of 12 games.

Kade Petering, Minyip Murtoa (Wimmera)

The former premiership player at the Burras has been great again in his return year at Minyip Murtoa. Has been in the best player in 12 of 15 games.

Brody Pope, Horsham Demons (Wimmera)

The young gun has been one of the best for the Demons in the midfield this year. He’s been among the best in 12 of 14 games and last year was the best under-21 player in the Wimmera league. This will be Pope’s last year at the Demons with the midfielder to move to Ballarat next year to play for Redan.

Josh Rentsch, Penshurst (Mininera and District)

The ex-SANFL forward rejoined the club at the start of the season and has gone onto be the league’s leading goalkicker.

Mitch Riddell, Westerns (South West District)

The senior assistant coach has impressed since joining from the Mininera league in the off-season. Has kicked 25 goals in 16 matches and been among the best in nine.

Jake Robinson, Ararat (Wimmera)
Won last year’s best and fairest in the competition, tied with Eckel, and is having another great season at his home club. Has been in the best players in eight of 14 games.

Flynn Rowe, Dennington (Warrnambool)

The ruckman has impressed in his first year despite travelling most weeks from Bendigo to Warrnambool to play. Has been among the best players in 13 of 16 games this season.

Thomas Smith, Russells Creek (Warrnambool)

On track for his best season in front of goal. Has kicked 63 goals in 18 games.

Cooper Stephens, Irrewarra-Beeac (Colac and District)

The former VFL player has been among his side’s best this season and been dominant when up and going.

Paul Summers, Swifts (Horsham District)

The recruit of the season in his competition after booting over 100 goals. His previous best was well below 40.

Jai Thompson, Harrow Balmoral (Horsham District)

The senior coach has been brilliant again during his second year in charge. He has kicked 49 goals and been in the best 14 times. Recently re-signed for 2025.

Jai Thompson (centre).

Tom Williamson, Ararat (Wimmera)

The former Carlton player is one of the leading goalkickers in the Wimmera league this season. He’s tied for the lead with 49 goals in 14 games and is on track for the league’s best and fairest after winning it last year and being ineligible for it due to suspension.

Jordi Withers, Tyrendarra (South West District)

The leading goalkicker in the South West District and by some margin after a dominant season. The forward kicked 77 goals in 15 matches in the regular season.

Jezza Woods, Glenthompson Dunkeld (Mininera and District)

Been a consistent player in all areas of the game this season with 32 goals and 13 mentions in the best.