Country footy: Millewa and Sunraysia league’s best players of 2022

The Sunraysia region is home to some brilliant footballers with the talent pool continuing to deepen. Here’s our top 20 for 2022.

The state’s northwest is home to some brilliant country footballers.

Home to the Millewa and Sunraysia leagues, the region has produced plenty of top line talent throughout the years including players who have gone onto enjoy success in the AFL.

Here’s a look at the top 20 from this year.

Nando Cirillo (Irymple, Sunraysia)

Has grown up playing for Irymple and at the weekend played a key role in helping bring premiership success to the club. Played 19 games this season and was named in the best 10 times.

Brad Congress (Bambill, Millewa)

The leading goalkicker in the Millewa League and one of the best with the boot in country Victoria this year. He kicked 142 goals in 17 matches, including a club record haul of 24 goals in one game earlier in the season. A standout forward for the premiership team.

Bradley Congress kicked over 100 goals for the season. Photo: Supplied.

Jack Cottrell (Wentworth, Sunraysia)

Showed a nice balance throughout the season impacting most games. Finished with 20 goals and 10 appearances in the best after a strong season in the midfield.

Damien Ford (Cardross, Millewa)

The Cardross co-coach has averaged more than two goals a game for the club this season. The midfielder was one of the best for the grand finalists, being in the best in 13 of his 17 games he‘s played.

Wade Hancock (Wentworth, Sunraysia)

Finished as the league’s leading goalkicker in 2022 with 76 majors in 17 matches. The former NEAFL talent had a season high 10 goals against Redcliffe.

Wade Hancock finished as the league's leading goalkicker. Photo: Facebook.

Colby Mannix (Robinvale Euston, Sunraysia)

Put together a brilliant back half of the season as the Eagles reached an elimination final. Appeared in the best nine times.

Mackenzie Mayne (Imperials, Sunraysia)

Consistently appeared among the better players for the Imperials. Named in the best 10 times and kicked two goals.

Dylan Murphy (Mildura, Sunraysia)

Despite the struggles of Mildura, Murphy battled tirelessly throughout the season. He was named in the best 12 times and kicked 11 goals.

Dylan Murphy (left) was the vice-captain of Mildura last year.

Nathan Nolan (South Mildura, Sunraysia)

Nolan was one of the best performers in a South Mildura side who failed to win a game all season. Worked tirelessly for a struggling side.

Nick Pezzaniti (Irymple, Sunraysia)

Brilliant throughout the season for the premiers. Pezzaniti saved one of his best performances of the year for the decider as he finished with five goals.

Vincent Rodi (Merebin, Sunraysia)

One of the most consistent players for Merebin this season. Rodi consistently found himself among the best while also showing he could hit the scoreboard.

Luke Stanbrook (Bambill, Millewa)

The forward kicked 85 goals in 17 games to be the second leading target up forward for the premiers. Has kicked five or more goals in 11 games this season.

Kaine Stevens (Ouyen United, Sunraysia)

Took home the league’s best and fairest, the McLeod Medal, seven votes clear of his nearest challenger after a brilliant season. Was able to impact games across the ground finishing with 33 goals and eight mentions in the best.

Adam Thomson (Gol Gol, Millewa)

Another forward who dominated in front of goal this season, kicking 135 goals from 17 matches. This included a 33 goal outing against Meringur to be one of the greatest hauls ever in country football.

Mark Thomson (Werrimull, Millewa)

The Werrimull captain has had a similar season to 2019 when he won the best and fairest award in the competition. Can play in defence or in the forward line and has done both well for the club. He kicked 35 goals in 15 games and has been among the best in each game this year for the club. Recently celebrated his 100th game for Werrimull.

Gol Gol coach Adam Thomson. Picture: Glenn Milne.

Vas Tuifao took out the Red Cliffs best and fairest. Photo: Facebook.

Vas Tuifao (Red Cliffs, Sunraysia)

In a mixed season for Red Cliffs, Tuifao continues to be a brilliant player for his side. A multiple best and fairest winner, recently taking out the 2022 award at club level.

Braidyn Turner (Robinvale Euston)

A player who has come right through the club’s junior system and is now impressing in the senior side. Turner kicked 20 goals for the season.

Andy Wall celebrated his 150th game earlier this season. Photo: Facebook.

Andy Wall (Wentworth, Sunraysia)

Finished second in the league best and fairest with 15 votes after a strong and consistent season. His surname only compliments his presence in defence.

Zac Wandin (Irymple, Sunraysia)

Ended the season in the best fashion possible with a premiership medal around his neck. Has been at the club since 2017 and has developed into one of the most consistent performers.

Dallas Willsmore (Ouyen United, Sunraysia)

The former AFL man was at his brilliant best in his second season with the club. He kicked 44 goals and was named in the best 13 times.