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.

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 30 of the top players from across the Murray, Kyabram District and Picola and District competitions.

Kydan Atkinson, Rumbalara (Murray)

Back at the club where he played some senior footy, Atkinson has been a standout in a Rumbalara side which has battled.

Brent Arho, Tallygaroopna (Kyabram)

Has impressed in his return to the Kyabram District league. In 2016 he kicked more than 100 goals for Tallygaroopna and currently has 51 in 12 matches this season. Could replicate the feat this year with some big goal hauls in the final few games.

Braydon Avola, Avenel (Kyabram)

Won last year’s best and fairest in the Kyabram District league and is having a better season this year. He’s kicked 19 goals in 12 games and been among the best players in eight. The midfielder could once again win the award.

Blake Azzopardi, Picola United (Picola)

Been a standout for the club this season across halfback. Azzopardi has also averaged almost a goal a game for Picola United. He’s been in the best players in nine of 14 games.

Sam Beasley, Cobram (Murray)

The Tigers skipper has been an impressive player over several seasons to be one of the most respected players in the competition. Controls the game across halfback for his side.

Sam Beasley continues to be an impressive player. Photo: Facebook.

Kris Bextream, Barooga (Murray)

A senior regular since 2019 after his junior career and is putting together arguably his best season.

Cameron Bishop, Katunga (Picola)

Been one of the best players at Katunga for the past three years. In 2022 he won the club’s best and fairest and is on track to do it again. The midfielder is averaging almost a goal a game and been among the best players in nine of 14 games.

James Boyer, Congupna (Murray)

The former best-and-fairest winner has been brilliant again for the premiership favourites.

Aron Burns, Mathoura (Picola)

Been a standout in a tough season for Mathoura. Has kicked 62 goals, which almost equates to half of the score kicked by the Timbercutters this season.

Charlie Burrows, Waaia (Picola)

Having another strong season in front of goal for the reigning premiers. Burrows has kicked 68 goals in 15 matches.

Dylan Callard, Katamatite (Picola)

Has averaged more than two goals a game for the Tigers this year, helping the team to become a premiership threat. He’s been among the best players in more than half of his games.

Zac Cerrone, Lancaster (Kyabram)

On track for the best goalkicking haul of his career. Cerrone has kicked 64 goals in 13 matches and been among the best players in 10 of them.

Jayden Dhosi, Shepparton East (Kyabram)

A move to Shepparton East has done wonders for Dhosi this season. He’s been one of the best in the clubs rise up the ladder. Been among the best players in 11 of 13 games.

Jack Donnell, Stanhope (Kyabram)

Been one of the best for Stanhope in his first season at the club after winning a premiership last year with Lancaster. Been among the best in seven of 13 games.

Jye Formosa continues to be one of the best players in the Kyabram District league. Picture: Longwood Football Netball Club.

Jye Formosa, Longwood (Kyabram)

Suspension cost Formosa the best and fairest last year after he got the most votes in the league. This year, he’s been just as good in the midfield, being in the best players in 12 of 13 games and kicking 11 goals.

Connor Griffiths, Mulwala (Murray)

In his second season with the club and has found more consistency in his form through the middle.

Charlie Hillier, Deniliquin Rams (Murray)

Back with his home club this season and proving why he is one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

Tom Holman, Moama (Murray)

A big name recruit who has delivered on his potential. Crossing from Kyabram, the versatile tall has added power at either end of the ground.

Joshua Kezerle, Katandra (Picola)

The midfielder has been one of the best players for the club this season. Has kicked 21 goals in 11 games and been among the best in seven of them.

Charlie Lang, Finley (Murray)

Joined at the club at the start of the 2023 season and has consistently been among the better players.

Tom Lang, Finley (Murray)

Since joining the Cats last season, Finley has emerged as one of the better players. He almost kicked triple figures last season but hasn’t quite reached that mark.

James Lloyd, Murchison-Toolamba (Kyabram)

Currently the leading goalkicker in local footy in Victoria. Lloyd has kicked 109 goals this season and it is the first year he has hit the 100-goal milestone.

Tim Looby, Strathmerton (Picola)

Was the second footballer in local footy to reach the 100 goal milestone this year. He currently has 108 goals this season and is averaging more than seven a game. Looby is a former rookie listed AFL player with Port Adelaide.

Kyle Mueller leads the competition goalkicking.

Kyle Mueller, Congupna (Murray)

The former Kyabram flyer has been arguably the best recruit of the season, currently leading the competition’s goalkicking award.

Tom Nihill, Nathalia (Murray)

Consistently one of the better players as an inside midfielder. Has played all of his footy for the Purps.

Jordan O’Dwyer, Numurkah (Murray)

Back with the Blues this season and has become one of the competition’s best ball winners.

Reilly Old, Nagambie (Kyabram)

The young gun has taken his game to a new level this year at the Lakers. Has been among the best in nine of 13 games and kicked more than a goal a game.

Jack Russell, Moama (Murray)

A long-time servant of the footy club who continues to impress. Was superb last year and has been equal to that form in 2024.

Bailey Sawyer is a reliable player for Echuca United. Photo: Facebook.

Bailey Sawyer, Echuca United (Murray)

Has developed into a consistent key position prospect since returning to the club at the start of last season.

Alex Williams, Tongala (Murray)

One of the more consistent seasons he has put together in his career.