The Sunraysia league’s leading young players in 2025

The future is now in the Sunraysia league with rising stars continuing to make their mark in the competition. See our best from the 2025 season.

The Sunraysia league has a rich history of helping to unearth footy stars.

Players have gone onto reach the AFL, be state league stars or tear up the community competition.

Now we’ve profiled the young guns who are making their mark in 2025.

Bailey Anderson, Irymple

Part of this year’s under-23 interleague team and has played 11 matches for Irymple.

Elijah Brown, Mildura

One of the best small forwards in the competition. Well on track to beat his 26-goal season in 2024. Brings explosive pace to the forward half.

Dion Camera, Robinvale Euston

A talented small forward who is averaging more than a goal a game. He’s also been among the best in more than half of the games he’s played. A vital part of the Eagles forward line.

Mathew Camera, Robinvale Euston

Has natural skills distributing the ball and knows how to evade the opposition. Was part of the under-23 interleague team this season.

Jed Connelly, Red Cliffs

One of the key midfielders at the Tigers. Connelly has played most games this season and is a homegrown talent.

Jack Cottrell, Wentworth

Been a standout for the Kangaroos for the past two seasons since returning from playing SANFL reserves with West Adelaide. The utility is averaging more than a goal a game and been among the best in eight games.

Zac De Rosa, Mildura

A young defender on the rise. Has been among the best in almost half of the games he’s played this season.

Cooper Dodds, Merbein

Been a consistent player in the senior side this season. Has four mentions in the best.

Macey Eaton, Irymple

Made the move from Golden Square in the Bendigo league to Irymple in the off-season. A clearance freak, Eaton has been among the best players in almost all

games. Has also almost averaged a goal a game.

Bohdi Edwards, Wentworth

He’s had an injury interrupted season but recent form has shown why he is such a talent. Edwards was among the best in his return game and has since been spending time with the Bendigo Pioneers.

Bohdi Edwards

Mason Fitzgerald, South Mildura

Returned to the club this season after playing for Balranald last year. A talented young gun who has been among the best in almost half of the games he has played this season.

Toby Galbraith, Imperial

Was a matchwinning forward last year, kicking vital goals to seal victory for Imperial. Played a handful of senior matches this year, without kicking a goal, but is one of the best young guns at last year’s premiers.

Sam Gosman, Mildura

Formerly part of the Bendigo Pioneers squad, Gosman has proven to be a reliable defender when given opportunities.

Josh Goss, Mildura

A skilful left footer with plenty of endurance and speed. He’s played every game this season and has also been among the best in a couple of matches.

Joel Grace, Ouyen United

Recently made his 50th senior appearance for Ouyen United. Has played all games for the Kangaroos and kicked a couple of goals.

Archer Hammond, Irymple

The midfielder has played every game for the Swallows this season and kicked three goals. Was part of this year’s under-23 interleague team.

Noah Hills, Merbein

A young gun who is the co-captain of the Magpies. Can play in a variety of roles and has played in most games for the Magpies.

Giulian Iudica, Robinvale Euston

A running machine through the middle who has spent about half his time with the Eagles along with Coates Talent League opportunities with the Bendigo Pioneers. Iudica’s father, Vince, is a club legend and the coach this year.

Brodie Jones, Mildura

An exciting player at half back for this year’s ladder leader. Has played every game and been among the best in a handful of matches.

Max Kiel, Mildura

Made his senior debut this year despite being an bottom-age under-18 player. Has averaged more than a goal a game. Last year, he played for both Norwood and the Bendigo Pioneers in under-16 competition.

Tarrant Lihou, Mildura

An emerging midfielder for the Demons who is also capable of kicking a goal or two. Has played 12 senior games.

Ricardo Liparota, Robinvale Euston

Limited to just seven games so far this year but has averaged two goals in those.

Bryce Manzie, Red Cliffs

A wingman with plenty of speed to burn. Has played most of the matches for Red Cliffs this season after playing in Northern Territory during the off-season.

Anthony Mezzatesta, Robinvale Euston

A running machine who will do anything to win the ball. Mezzatesta has kicked a five goals this season and was part of the under-23 interleague squad.

Joseph Mezzatesta, Robinvale Euston

A leader on and off the field at the club. The small midfielder is averaging a goal a season and playing an important part in the Eagles becoming a premiership threat.

Anthony Mezzatesta

Ryan Morello, Mildura

Can play in the ruck or up forward. Has played most of the season at the Demons and made the under-23 interleague squad.

Brayth Munn, South Mildura

An exciting youngster who is becoming a large part of the South Mildura team. Munn has played 11 games this season and been among the best in almost half.

Jarvas Munn, South Mildura

Was part of the Bendigo Pioneers squad last year. Munn has featured in 11 games this season and has been one of his side’s most consistent.

Lockjak Nending, South Mildura

Made his senior debut this season after moving to the club ahead of the 2024 season. Has split his time between the seniors and U18s program. Played in the Victorian Diversity All Stars matches earlier this year.

Nick Neyland, Robinvale Euston

Returned to the club for 2025 after playing for Cardross in the Millewa league last year. Isn’t afraid of attacking the contest and has averaged over a goal a game this season.

Archer Olsen, Mildura

A forward who is finding his form in attack for the Demons. Has almost kicked a goal a game this season and been among the best in half.

Achilles Panopoulos, Robinvale Euston

Made his senior debut in the first round of the season and has not looked out of place. Can play either as a half back or as a half forward.

Jackson Penny, Imperial

Averages a goal every two games for the reigning premier in his first full season of senior footy. Penny is a former East Point player in the Ballarat league who made a move to Imperials last year.

Brodie Ryan, Irymple

The captain of Irymple’s under-18 team last year. Has impressed in his first season of senior footy, being among the best in a couple of matches. Has almost averaged a goal a game as well.

Tom Sapuppo, Wentworth

The small forward is averaging a just under goal a game this season. Last year he kicked 16 goals in 20 games.

Toby Scott, Irymple

Won last year’s league rising star award in the league. Has continued the form into this year, not missing a game for the Swallows, and kicked eight goals.

Toby Scott

Blake Smith, Ouyen United

Selected in the under-23 interleague squad for this year. Smith has been an important part of the team, playing all games for the Kangaroos.

Jim Vallance, Ouyen United

Can play in a variety of positions and has transitioned to the seniors well after playing under-18s last year. A tough and classy player.

Edward Waqalevu, Robinvale Euston

Has worked his way to becoming a valuable member of the senior squad over the past 12 months. In 2023, he won the reserves league best-and-fairest, the second Eagle in 25 years to win the medal.