Country footy: Central Highlands, Maryborough Castlemaine District top players

They’re the golden nuggets from the AFL Goldfields region in the Central Highlands and Maryborough Castlemaine District competitions. Here’s 30 of the best.

The AFL Goldfields region is home to some of the best hidden gems in country footy.

Outside of the Ballarat Football Netball League, the region’s premier competition, the football talent continues to grow.

Here’s a look at some of the best players from across the Central Highlands and Maryborough Castlemaine District competitions.

Cameron Anderson, Harcourt (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

Still in the early days of his senior career, Anderson’s best footy might still be ahead of him. Has 28 goals for the season.

Rupert Armstrong, Rokewood Corindhap (Central Highlands)

The defender has been one of the best for the Hoppers this season, being among the best in 10 of 16 games. In a season where the team won just five games, the former St Joseph’s player was one of the shining lights.

Connor Ascough, Gordon (Central Highlands)

One of the leading players in last year’s premiership charge and he has already shown he’ll be a major part of Gordon going back-to-back if the club wins again. Has kicked 32 goals in 16 games.

Lachlan Bates, Royal Park (Maryborough Castlemaine District))

The young gun is having an impressive season for Royal Park, who will fold at the end of the season. After just one game last year, he played 14 this season going onto be named in the best 13 times.

Harley Bongart, Ballan (Central Highlands)

Harley Bongart of Ballan is congratulated by a teammate after kicking a goal against Creswick. Photo by Josh Chadwick

Bongart has been one of the best for the Blues as he continues to be a major stalwart of the club. Named in the best nine times, kicking 13 goals.

Levi Cox, Beaufort (Central Highlands)

Beaufort’s Levi Cox has been a shining light at the club. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

One of the best at the Crows in a winless season. Was in the best 12 times.

Joel Cowan, Trentham (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

One of the stars of the local competition. A former league best-and-fairest who should be right in the mix again this season.

Callum Currie, Newlyn (Central Highlands)

Former Torquay player Callum Currie has been one of the best at the Cats. Picture: Mark Wilson

The former VFL player was one of the best for the Cats this season in the midfield, providing a valuable role in the midfield as Newlyn became a finals threat. Kicked 25 goals in 17 games and was named among the best in 13.

Aiden Domic, Buninyong (Central Highlands)

Former Bell Park player Aiden Domic is playing well for Buninyong. Picture: Mike Dugdale

The former VFL player started life in the CHFL well, being among the best each week for Buninyong. The midfielder kicked 25 goals.

Ben Jones, Daylesford (Central Highlands)

The captain led from the led in a tough year for the Bulldogs. The ruckman has been influential in almost every game, being among the best in 14 out of 15 games.

Will Green, Learmonth (Central Highlands)

Won last year’s best-and-fairest for the Lakers. Been one of the best midfielders in the competition this year.

Will Henderson, Dunnstown (Central Highlands)

Continues to flourish with the utility having another standout season. Kicked 14 goals and was named in the best 12 times.

Jake Keogh, Trentham (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

After a century of goals in 2022, Keogh remained a dominant force with 71 majors.

Brodie Leonard-Shannon, Maldon (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

After crossing from Boort in the North Central league, Leonard-Shannon became an important part of Maldon’s side. Kicked 45 goals and named in the best 11 times.

James Lukich, Waubra (Central Highlands)

In a disappointing year for the Roos, Lukich was a shining light. He’s kicked 15 goals in nine matches, making up almost 20 per cent of their score this season.

Joel Mahar, Bungaree (Central Highlands)

Bungaree’s Joel Mahar playing in the 2014 grand final as he tries to take a mark. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Mahar returned to the Central Highlands league in style. The midfielder booted 27 goals and was named in the best nine times.

Andrew McKay, Hepburn (Central Highlands)

The leading goalkicker for not only his team, Hepburn, but the league. McKay kicked 70 goals.

Austin McKenzie, Natte Bealiba (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

Has returned to the footy field this year, after some basketball commitments, and has been nothing short of brilliant.

Rhys Monument, Skipton (Central Highlands)

Kicked 56 goals this year and was named in the best 12 times.

Nathan Murphy, Dunolly (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

Has slotted into the Dunolly line-up seamlessly after crossing from Boort at the start of the season.

Dean O’Brien, Carngham Linton (Central Highlands)

While many would have his brother, former Essendon player Nick O’Brien, in this list, Dean’s season deserves plenty of plaudits. He has 38 goals so far as the club's remarkable finals run continues.

Darcy Osborne, Talbot (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

The ruckman has been an astute pick up for a Talbot side who remains in the hunt for finals footy.

Zak Rinaldi, Carisbrook (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

Enjoying another fine season for his home club with 28 goals and 13 mentions in the best.

Josh Sargent, Lexton (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

Has fought through Lexton’s struggles as a team to put together an impressive campaign from an individual perspective.

Joel Smith, Newstead (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

Smith has been a very good player for Newstead either side of his stint with Castlemaine in the Bendigo league.

James Thompson, Springbank (Central Highlands)

Springbank’s James Thompson gets tackled during last year’s grand final. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Thompson continues to impress for the Tigers after helping the club to the grand final last year.

Josh Thompson, Clunes (Central Highlands)

The defender/midfielder has been one of the best for Clunes for many years. Among the best in 12 of 16 games.

Dane-France Whitfield, Creswick (Central Highlands)

Dane-Francis Whitfield of Creswick is congratulated by teammates after kicking a goal during the Creswick match against Ballan. Photo by Josh Chadwick

One of the rising midfielders in the competition who is starting to become a key player for Creswick. 

Anthony Zelencich, Carisbrook (Maryborough Castlemaine District)

Carisbrook full forward Anthony Zelencich. Picture: Supplied

One of the most dominant country footy forwards in recent years after arriving from Learmonth. Has 114 goals in 17 games this season.