Country footy: 50 of the best players from the Gippsland region

They’re the stars of the Gippsland region you might not know about but you should. Here’s our 50 hidden gems.

The Gippsland country footy scene is home to plenty of talented players.

We’ve scoured all the competitions outside of the region’s major league to find some of the best hidden gems in country footy.

Here are 50 of the best of 2023.

Ryan Atherton, Ellinbank (Ellinbank District)

Been one of the best for his side this season, being in the best in all but two games.

Hayden Baker, Buln Buln (Ellinbank District)

The stalwart has helped the Lyrebirds to be one of the best teams in the competition this year. He kicked 51 goals in 18 games.

Tate Short and Nicholas Baltas (who both feature in this list) have been sensational recruits. Photo: Facebook.

Nicholas Baltas, Inverloch-Kongwak (West Gippsland)

Arrived at the club from Caulfield Grammarians in the VAFA before the season and has delivered strongly. The former VFL man kicked 26 goals and was named in the better players six times.

Declan Barnett, Rosedale (North Gippsland)

Been one of the best for the Blues. He’s kicked 17 goals in 16 games.

Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds, Tooradin-Dalmore (West Gippsland)

The former state league talent (last year with Williamstown) has been nothing short of sensational for his club.

Tom Betts, Wy Yung (East Gippsland)

Betts has played an important role for his side this year with nine mentions in the best.

Caleb Calwyn, Boisdale Briagolong (East Gippsland)

After arriving from Western Australia at the start of the season, Calwyn has announced himself as one of the stars of the competition. Has 78 goals in 18 games.

Liam Carroll, Lakes Entrance (East Gippsland)

Making up for lost time after playing just four games last year. Carroll was named in the best in 10 out of 13 games.

Lachlan Channing, Stratford (East Gippsland)

Returned to the club where he played some of his junior footy from Maffra before 2023. Has made an immediate impact with 32 goals and 13 mentions in the best.

Patrick Charles has been playing great for ladder leaders Newborough this season. Picture: Newborough Football Netball Club.

Patrick Charles, Newborough (Mid Gippsland)

The winger has been one of the best for the unbeaten Bulldogs this season. He’s been in the best 11 of 16 games.

Ben Cheffers, Yinnar (Mid Gippsland)

One of the most consistent players for the reigning premiers over the past couple of years. Has been runner-up in their best and fairest in 2021 and won the most consistent award at the club last year. 

Michael Cooke, Foster (Mid Gippsland)

The forward, since joining last year, has kicked 56 goals for the club in 22 games. 

Benjamin Eddy, Kilcunda Bass (West Gippsland)

One of the most consistent players in the competition. In his second season with the club.

Daniel Farmer, Woodside (North Gippsland)

The leading goalkicker for Woodside this year with 89 goals in 18 games.

Nathan Gardiner, Cora Lynn (West Gippsland)

Reached triple figures for the season as the West Gippsland league's most dominant forward.

Dylan Garnham, Yarram (North Gippsland)

The premiership player in the reserves at Leongatha has made an impressive start to his career at Yarram. In 16 games, he was named in the best 12 times.

Darren Granger, Longwarry (Ellinbank District)

The Crows captain has averaged more than a goal a game this season, kicking 23 goals in 18 games. He’s also been in the best in 15.

Jai Hayward after winning the league best-and-fairest last year.

Jai Hayward, Omeo-Benambra (Omeo District)

In a year where he celebrated his 200th game for the club, Hayward was consistently among the better players. Won the league best-and-fairest last year.

Conor Harvey, Swifts Creek (Omeo District)

After returning to the club at the start of the season, Harvey produced fantastic form to help his side to the top of the ladder.

Jack Hazendonk, Poowong (Ellinbank District)

A three-time best and fairest in the competition who could make it four with his season so far. The midfielder/forward is leading the club in goals with 23 in 19 games and has also been in the best players 12 times. 

Marcus Hottes, Wy Yung (East Gippsland)

After coming across from the Outer East, Hottes has become a consistent performer for the side on top of the ladder.

Tom Jolly has been a great recruit.

Thomas Jolly, Boisdale Briagolong (East Gippsland)

After crossing from Maffra, he’s become a dangerous player with 40 goals and 11 mentions in the best.

Brad Kelleher, Traralgon Tyers United (North Gippsland)

The forward has kicked 68 goals in 15 games for the unbeaten Bombers in the competition. 

Luke Kinder, Neerim South (Ellinbank District)

The second leading goalkicker in the Ellinbank District league with 54 goals.

Dean Macdonald, Yallourn Yallourn North (North Gippsland)

The former Richmond player is the leading goalkicker in the North Gippsland league, kicking 82 goals in 17 games.

Brendan Mason, Boolarra (Mid Gippsland)

The Boolarra senior player has impressed in the midfield this season to be one of the best in the competition.

Mason McGarrity, Warragul Industrials (West Gippsland)

In his second full season with the club, McGarrity continues to provide a strong target inside forward 50.

Rob McMillan has been a standout for Heyfield this season. Picture: Heyfield Football Club.

Rob McMillan, Heyfield (North Gippsland)

The new Kangaroos recruit has set the standard for the club this season with his skills and his attack on the footy. He’s been in the best in 16 out of 18 games.

Curtley Nettleton, Orbost Snowy Rovers (East Gippsland)

Has thrived with greater opportunity after making the move back from Maffra.

Ethan Park, Inverloch-Kongwak (West Gippsland)

The Eagles midfielder has been one of his side’s best this season. His best games have often come across the best teams in the competition.

Pat Pekin, Fish Creek (Mid Gippsland)

Fish Creek has the best defence in the competition and Pekin has been a major part of it.

Shaun Phelan, Ellinbank (Ellinbank District)

Booted 61 goals in 19 games for the season.

Nate Pipicelli has enjoyed a fine season.

Nate Pipicelli, Nar Nar Goon (West Gippsland)

After spending the majority of last season with the Gippsland Power, Pipicelli has become a senior regular for his home club this year. Has been named in the best in half his games.

Matthew Powell, Thorpdale (Mid Gippsland)

Powell kicked 62 goals in 17 games.

Jack Redman, Lindenow South (Omeo District)

A fine first season with the club after arriving from Western Australia. Redman booted 27 goals and was named in the best 11 times.

Blake Safstrom, Sale City (North Gippsland)

Last year’s best and fairest at the Bulldogs is on track to do it again after another impressive season. The midfielder, who only made his senior debut in 2021, has been in the best in 11 out of 13 matches and kicked 10 goals.

James Seymour has thrived since signing at Lucknow.

Jamie Seymour, Lucknow (East Gippsland)

Seymour has made a strong impression during his first season with the club, locking down a place as a senior regular.

Tate Short, Inverloch-Kongwak (West Gippsland)

The former VFL player has made a strong impression during his first season with the club, being named in the best seven times so far.

Darren Sheen, MDU (Mid Gippsland)

Has played a big role in 46 goals in 11 games this season.

Tyson Siddle in action. Photo: Facebook.

Tyson Siddle, Buchan (Omeo District)

Consistently among the goals for his side with 32. Also named in the best nine times.

Max Solomon, Swan Reach (Omeo District)

Despite the club dealing with its own issues, Solomon finished as the competition’s leading goalkicker with 59 from 12 matches.

Spong has been a sensational pick up.

Darcy Spong, Bruthen (Omeo District)

Returned to the field this season and produced some exciting footy to be among his side’s best players.

Matthew Swenson, Trafalgar (Ellinbank District)

He might be closing in on 300 senior games for Trafalgar but the forward is still one of the best for the club. He’s kicked 45 goals in 19 games.

Tapner has enjoyed a fine season for the Bombers.

Sage Tapner, Nilma Darnum (Ellinbank District)

In a tough season for the Bombers, Tapner has been the best for the club.

Jack Taylor, Phillip Island (West Gippsland)

Has 35 goals and 12 mentions in the best in 18 outings.

Matthew Voss, Koo Wee Rup (West Gippsland)

Remains one of the rising stars of the competition, Voss has been a standout for his club this year.

Jay Walker, Korumburra Bena (West Gippsland)

Despite his side struggling this year, Walker has been a consistent in the best and should run away with the club best-and-fairest.

Max Walton, Phillip Island (West Gippsland)

Spent all season at local level in 2023 after playing between the Coates Talent League and VFL with Box Hill last year.

Chris Wangman, Churchill (North Gippsland)

In the absence of other forwards, Wangman has stood tall, kicking 49 goals in 14 games.

Jack Weston, Toora (Mid Gippsland)

The former Geelong rookie has impressed as not only coach but as a player for his home club again this season. He’s kicked 17 goals in 13 matches and been the best in 11 games.