Country footy: Kyabram District, Murray and Picola and District top players
The Goulburn Murray region is home to some of the state’s best country footballers. Here’s 30 elite talents in northern Victoria outside of the GVL.
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The Goulburn Murray region is home to some of the best hidden gems in country footy.
Outside of the Goulburn Valley League, the region’s premier competition, the football talent continues to grow.
Here’s a look at the top 40 players from across the Murray, Kyabram District and Picola and District competitions.
Tyron Baden (Cobram, Murray)
Has enjoyed a fine season in front of goal with 58 majors from 19 games. Looms as a potential matchwinner in next weekend’s grand final for the Tigers.
Kris Bextream (Barooga, Murray)
Despite the Hawks finishing in the bottom half of the ladder, Bextream cemented his place as one of the rising stars of the competition. He appeared in the best on 14 occasions.
James Boyer (Congupna, Murray)
The former Murray Bushranger has put together an impressive season together for the Road. Kicked 15 goals and was named in the best 14 times.
Charlie Burrows (Waaia, Picola and District)
One of the most dominant forwards in his recent seasons, Burrows took his game to another level this season with 88 goals in 17 matches. Will contest the grand final this weekend.
Isaac Corvo (Finley, Murray)
A former VFL player for Aspley, Corvo showed plenty of positive signs in his first season with the Cats.
Damian Cupido (Girgarre, Kyabram District)
In his first season as Kangaroos coach, Cupido was a nightmare for opposition defenders on his way to 105 goals. He helped guide the Roos to their first finals series since 2001.
Jake Ellery (Strathmerton, Picola and District)
Crossed from Mathoura at the start of the season and has picked up where he left off with the Timbercutters. A classy player with an ability to break any game open.
Jack Exell (Violet Town, Kyabram District)
Enjoyed a standout year in his first season with the Towners going onto kick a competition high 110 goals from 16 matches. His teammate Josh Mellington kicked a remarkable 92 in one of the league’s most potent forward lines. Previously played for Stanhope in the same competition.
Todd Gallagher (Deniliquin Rams, Murray)
Missed the middle part of the season but when he has been on the field, he’s been a strong influence for the Rams. Booted 45 goals in 11 games.
Jackson Gash (Mulwala, Murray)
A former league best and fairest, Gash has enjoyed another strong season for the Lions with 10 appearances in the best.
Matt Gorman (Mulwala, Murray)
After crossing from Mooroopna, Gorman has established himself as a key pillar in the Lions’ premiership dream. Has kicked 22 goals for the season.
Ash Holland (Waaia, Picola and District)
Took out the league best and fairest earlier this week after a stunning season. Holland definitely caught the eye after being just 15 games in the home-and-away season.
Cameron Ilett (Tongala, Murray)
Ageing like a fine wine. The Northern Territory superstar played just 11 games for the Blues this season but went onto be named in the best 10 times.
Nicholas Jamieson (Tongala, Murray)
The Footscray VFL premiership player has been a sensation since arriving in northern Victoria. Once again played a key run in the Blues’ finals push.
Fergus Lappin (Katunga, Picola and District)
In his first season with the Swans, Lappin has been brilliant with 89 goals in 18 matches.
Andrew Lloyd (Murchison Toolamba, Kyabram District)
Has enjoyed a fine first season with the Hoppers with 27 goals. Lloyd will face his former side, Shepparton East, in a preliminary final this weekend. A rising star.
Coby McCarthy (Tongala, Murray)
Brings plenty of x-factor to the footy field with his goal sense. A really classy operator who played an important role for the Blues.
Lewis McShane (Cobram, Murray)
In a Tigers side full of stars, McShane has enjoyed a brilliant season as one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition. He has kicked 37 goals.
Nicholas Pavlou (Moama, Murray)
Made the move from the VAFA this season and hasn’t looked out of place in country footy. Has 28 goals to his name with appearances in the best a regular feature of his season.
Kane O’Dwyer (Numurkah, Murray)
Produced a fantastic season for the Blues who showed great improvement. O’Dwyer was named in the best in 14 out of 17 matches.
Tyler Pedretti (Shepparton East, Kyabram District)
Was one of the big arrivals from Shepparton United and Pedretti has delivered in spades. Has played 15 games this season and been named in the best 14 times. Will play in a preliminary final this weekend.
Samuel Poole (Katamatite, Picola and District)
Poole’s back half of the season was brilliant especially. Consistently found himself in the best as the Tigers reached an elimination final.
Brodie Ross (Nathalia, Murray)
Ross has been named in the best 16 times this season, the most of any player in the competition. Part of Nathalia’s all conquering premiership teams, he remains a dominant force.
Jack Russell (Moama, Murray)
Russell is one of those players where you know what you’ll get from him every week. Has played an important role in the Magpies’ rise up the ladder this season.
Nicholas Ryan (Lancaster, Kyabram District)
One of the most consistent performers in the Wombats’ line-up this year, Ryan has impressed most notably against the better teams in the competition.
Ashley Saunders (Tungamah, Picola and District)
Has missed several games this season and if that hadn’t of been the case, there’s every possibility we would have been talking about another century goalkicker in country footy. Saunders has 80 goals from 13 games. Will play in a grand final this weekend.
Ryan Semmel (Stanhope, Kyabram District)
A former contestant on reality TV show, The Recruit, Semmel is a seriously talented country footballer. After joining the Lions from Huntly, the powerful midfielder has quickly become one of the most dominant players in the competition.
Jack Sinclair (Merrigum, Kyabram District)
In what’s been a mixed bag for the Bulldogs this season, Sinclair has been a shining light. He’s kicked 32 goals and been named in the best 13 times.
Mitch Tobin (Avenel, Kyabram District)
New to the Swans in 2022 after crossing from Northern league powerhouse West Preston Lakeside. Tobin has been brilliant in Avenel’s midfield to be named in the best 14 times.
Jonty Wardle (Katandra, Picola and District)
In his first season with the club, Wardle enjoyed a standout year. He finished second in the league best and fairest earlier this week.
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