Country footy: North Central, Loddon Valley, Heathcote, Central Murray and Golden Rivers best players
They’re the hidden country footy gems from the Central Victoria region in multiple competitions. Here’s 40 of the best.
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The Central Victoria region is home to some of the best hidden gems in country footy.
From those competitions based near Bendigo to those further up north near the border and the River Murray, there is plenty of talent on show.
Here’s a look at some of the best players from across five competitions who call Central Victoria home.
Hassan Ahmat-Watkins, Nyah Nyah West United (Central Murray)
A late move to Nyah Nyah West has paid dividends for Ahmat-Watkins. He kicked 40 goals in 11 games.
Harrison Allen, Mallee Eagles (Central Murray)
A former best and fairest winner in the Central Murray league, who is having another stellar season. Has been among the best for the Eagles in 12 of 15 matches with the midfielder helping the team to three wins this season.
Kaiden Antonowicz, White Hills (Heathcote District)
The former South Bendigo star has been a fantastic acquisition for White Hills with 69 majors. He’s kicked a goal in every match except one.
Adam Baird, Mount Pleasant (Heathcote District)
Has played with the club for the last two seasons becoming one of the more impressive players in the competition.
Tom Bull, Ultima (Golden Rivers)
Returned to the club this season and continues to be one of the Roos most important players.
Mitchell Carson, Elmore (Heathcote District)
Carson is backing up an impressive first season at the club with more consistent form. He was awarded the club’s best first year player award last season.
William Collicoat, Woorinen (Central Murray)
Collicoat has impressed in the Central Murray league after playing for Quambatook in their last season in 2022. Has 40 goals in 15 outings.
Dylan Collis, Pyramid Hill (Loddon Valley)
Sometimes it is quality over quantity which counts. Collis has only played nine games for Pyramid Hill but has been among the best seven times and kicked 17 goals.
Sam Dunstan, Donald (North Central)
The leading goalkicker in the North Central competition. Dunstan has been prolific in front of goal, kicking 93 goals in 17 matches.
Amos Farrell, Moulamein (Golden Rivers)
Fresh off a one-year stint with Craigieburn, Farrell has made a major impact for the Swans. In 16 games, he’s booted 25 goals and been in the best 12 times.
Rhys Free, Cohuna (Central Murray)
One of the leading kickers in the Central Murray league. Free kicked 47 goals.
Laine Fitzgerald, Colbinabbin (Heathcote District)
Arrived with his three brothers before the 2021 season and has continued to go from strength-to-strength. Another impressive season in 2023 with 20 goals and 10 mentions in the best.
Ethan Gant, Balranald (Central Murray)
The former SANFL player has been one of the best for Balranald this season. Kicked 22 goals and in the best 11 times.
Matthew Gillbee, Tyntynder (Central Murray)
The Tyntynder recruit has been impressive in his first season back in the competition. The defender has been part of the best players in 13 games.
Brandyn Grenfell, Marong (Loddon Valley)
Last year he led country footy in goals kicked for the year. Grenfell reached triple figures again this year.
Corey Grindlay, Heathcote (Heathcote District)
Arrived from Wallan with a big reputation and has delivered to help propel the Saints to the top of the ladder. The star forward has 62 goals in 13 outings.
Gedd Hommelhoff, Wycheproof-Narraport (North Central)
The forward has been one of the best for Wycheproof-Narraport this season.
Jordan Humphreys, Nullawil (North Central)
The Maroons captain has been one of the best for Nullawil in their first year in the North Central league.
Justin Hynes, Calivil United (Loddon Valley)
The ruckman has provided a vital role in the midfield. Hynes was among the best in all eight games he played.
Josh Jenkins, Sea Lake Nandaly (North Central)
Been huge for the premiership contender with 36 goals in six outings.
Jye Keath, Leitchville Gunbower (Heathcote District)
The star defender returned to the Bombers at the start of the season from Bunyip and has been among his side’s best players. Keath has been in the best 14 times out of 17 games.
Dylan Klemm, North Bendigo (Heathcote District)
One of the most consistent players in the competition, Klemm has shown an ability to impact the game in different ways.
Luke Lougoon, Mitiamo (Loddon Valley)
The half back is the only player in the competition to be named in the best players every round this season.
Mitch Makepeace, Ultima (Golden Rivers)
Arrived from Swan Hill at the start of the season and has rewarded the Roos with an impressive debut season. Has kicked 10 goals for the season.
Joshua Martyn, Bridgewater (Loddon Valley)
One of the leading forwards in the Loddon Valley league and has been pivotal in Bridgewater’s attack.
Billy McInnes, Sea Lake Nandaly (North Central)
The leader goalkicker for the ladder leading Tigers and is on track to repeat his effort last year of more than 60 goals. He’s kicked 46 goals in 16 games.
Josh Nitschke, Kerang (Central Murray)
The Kerang captain has again led from the front. The midfielder has been among the best in 13 of 16 games this season.
Braden Padmore, Heathcote (Heathcote District)
In his second season with the Saints, Padmore continues to play a key role in their pursuit of a premiership. Won the club’s best-and-fairest last season while finishing second in the league medal.
Tyler Phillips, LBU (Heathcote District)
Last year’s league medallist is enjoying another fine season for the Cats. He’ll be right in contention for another club best-and-fairest.
Russell Rich, Wandella (Golden Rivers)
The 2022 best-and-fairest has showed no signs of slowing down in the Bombers midfield this season.
Nicholas Rippon, Birchip Watchem (North Central)
The former VFL best and fairest winner and North Ballarat and North Melbourne player has been one of the best players in the North Central competition. The midfielder has kicked 26 goals in 12 games and been in the best players in 15 of them.
Lachlan Ritchie, Macorna (Golden Rivers)
The former VFL player has gone to another level this year with 35 goals to date and 10 mentions in the best.
Jordan Rosengren, Wedderburn (North Central)
A key pillar in both attack and defence for the Redbacks. He’s been in the best 12 out of 16 games and has also kicked 17 goals in his time in the forward line. Rosengren has also been pivotal at the back, stopping key North Central forwards.
Jacob Simpson, Lake Boga (Central Murray)
The Magpies ruckman is having another superb season after winning clubs best and fairest last year. He’s been in the best in all but two games.
Rylee Smith, Kerang (Central Murray)
Another vital midfielder for the Blues as they continue to dominate the Central Murray league.
Dylan Stevens, Newbridge (Loddon Valley)
One of the standouts for Newbridge this season in the midfield. Stevens has been among the best in 10 of his 14 games.
Matthew Wade, Swan Hill (Central Murray)
Last year’s best and fairest in the competition is having another stellar season at Swan Hill. The midfielder is averaging a goal a game and has been in the best players at the club in all but two games.
Nicholas Waterson, North Bendigo (Heathcote District)
Able to break the game open with his leg speed, Waterson is enjoying a strong season for the Dogs. He’s a five-time best-and-fairest winner with Maiden Gully.
Ben Weightman, Mt Pleasant (Heathcote District)
The competition’s leading goalkicker with 67 for the season, his form has also seen him named in the best 12times.
Harry Whittle, Huntly (Heathcote District)
After returning to the club at the start of the season as co-coach with Jayden Cordy, Whittle has been a shining light in a difficult campaign where the Hawks won just one game.
Josh Williams, Tooleybuc Manangatang (Central Murray)
Booted 54 goals in 15 games as one of the competition's most dominant forward.
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