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.

Alex Boyse. Picture: AAP/ Chris Eastman

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 (MCDFNL)

Still yet to reach his peak as a footballer, Anderson is putting together another fine season as one of the league’s most damaging players.

Brody Bendon, Carngham Linton (Central Highlands)

Two years ago Bendon won the under-18 goalkicking title. This year, he could do the same in seniors with big hauls in the final couple of matches. He’s kicked 40 goals in 14 games in his best year with the club.

Ryan Bongart, Ballan (Central Highlands)

Been among the best players for the Blues in a tough season for the club. In 14 games, he’s been among the best in eight, including the game where Richmond legend Trent Cotchin played for the club.

Ryan Bongart has been one of the best for Ballan this year. Picture: Ballan Football Netball Club.

Alex Boyse, Daylesford (Central Highlands)

The key defender has been a handy recruit for the Bulldogs, helping them to return to the top of the ladder. Has been among the best players in 11 of 14 games.

Jack Cuttler, Lexton (MCDFNL)

A recruit who has emerged as one of his side’s most important players.

Tom Ford, Waubra (Central Highlands)

A rising star of the competition. In 2022 he won the rookie of the year in the Central Highlands and this year he is one of the best defenders in the competition. In 15 games he’s been in the best players in 11 of them.

Mitchell Goodwin, Dunolly (MCDFNL)

Enjoying another fine season for the finals contender. He’s set a personal best for goals in a season.

Mitchell Goodwin.

Matthew Gray, Maldon (MCDFNL)

A loyal servant of the footy club who is one of his competition’s most consistent players.

Brant Haintz, Springbank (Central Highlands)

The former Geelong VFL player has had his best year at the club. He’s kicked more than a goal a game and been among the best in 10 of 12 games.

Will Henderson, Dunnstown (Central Highlands)

Has taken the captaincy, in his first year, in his stride and been a valuable player for the club in multiple positions. Has been among the best players in nine of 15 games.

Will Holt, Natte Bealiba (MCDFNL)

In his third year with the club and has been one of the most impressive in his side’s unbeaten run so far.

Marcus Hottes, Creswick (Central Highlands)

Won last year’s best and fairest in the East Gippsland league and the midfielder has been great for Creswick this season. Been among the best in 10 of 14 games.

Jai Howell, Natte Bealiba (MCDFNL)

The young gun joined from Maryborough at the start of the season. A highly skilled player who has continued to impress.

Cam Kimber, Learmonth (Central Highlands)

The midfielder continues to shine in the competition, being one of the best for Learmonth. In his second year at the club he’s been in the best in nine out of 13 games.

Brodie Leonard-Shannon.

Brodie Leonard-Shannon, Maldon (MCDFNL)

Has built on an impressive 2023 debut season and again ranks among the league’s leading forwards.

James Lukich, Bungaree (Central Highlands)

Is the leading goalkicker, only just, in the Central Highlands. Has kicked 49 goals from 12 games this season. Lukich is on track for his biggest haul of goals in the league in his career. He moved to Bungaree from Waubra in the off-season.

Josh McDermott, Beaufort (Central Highlands)

The ruckman has been one of the best players in a tough season for the Crows. McDermott has been among the best players in his past six matches and been in the best in 10 of 14 games.

Jude McGuire, Talbot (MCDFNL)

A standout talent for his club. Shows composure beyond his years when he gets the ball in his hands. Was a big goalkicker at junior level.

Andrew McKay, Hepburn (Central Highlands)

Continues to kick goals for fun in the competition. Is the leading goalkicker for Hepburn with 40 goals in 13 matches.

Brady Neill, Carisbrook (MCDFNL)

Returned to the club at the start of the season and has been one of his side’s most important players.

Mick Nolan, Gordon (Central Highlands)

Continues to be one of the best midfielders in the competition. Nolan has been among the best in nine of 13 games to be one of the leading players for Gordon this year.

Joel Ottavi, Buninyong (Central Highlands)

No surprise Ottavi has made the list. The former VFL player has dominated on his return to the Central Highlands. The forward/ruckman has kicked 48 goals in 14 games and been among the best in nine of them.

Declan Phillips, Skipton (Central Highlands)

The former Skipton junior has been great in his return to the club from Redan last year. Phillips has been among the best in 10 of 13 games and would be right in contention for the clubs best and fairest.

Kynan Raven (right). Picture: David Caird

Kynan Raven, Carngham Linton (Central Highlands)

A multiple best and fairest winner already at his club, Raven is having one of his best years in the midfield. One of the favourites to take out the CHFL best and fairest and has been among the best players in 11 of 14 games.

James Regan, Trentham (MCDFNL)

A fresh face at the club this season and the current leading goalkicker with 61. Joined from Old Melburnians in the VAFA.

Anthony Robins, Newstead (MCDFNL)

As he has in recent seasons, Robins has proven to be one of the most consistent players in the competition.

Mack Rivett, Rokewood Corindhap (Central Highlands)

The former VFL player has been one of the best for the Hoppers this season. The midfielder has been among the best in nine of 12 games and kicked 10 goals.

Jed Rodda, Harcourt (MCDFNL)

One of several young players who joined Harcourt in 2021 and has since emerged as one of the leading forwards in the competition.

Matt Ryan, Clunes (Central Highlands)

Has impressed in his first full season of seniors. Has been in the best players in 12 of 14 games. Last year the midfielder represented Central Highlands in under-18 interleague competition.

Sean Willmott, Newlyn (Central Highlands)

The former Lake Wendouree midfielder continues to be one of the best in the Central Highlands. Has been one of the best in nine of 14 games.