EFL: Who is the best player in the EFL’s Division 1?
A dynamic mover who never has any trouble finding the footy has been ranked the best player in EFL Division 1. And there’s plenty of quality among our top 20 footballers in what is renowned as the most even competition in the league. Did we get it right?
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It’s far and away the most even of the EFL’s five divisions.
Just four points separated fourth to seventh positions on the ladder at the conclusion of 2019 with upsets aplenty, and the average winning margin was around four goals. Meanwhile, six wins - hardly a paltry amount - was enough for relegation. And these are just a few reasons why ranking the EFL’s top 20 players in Division 1 is no easy task, and why plenty of names were stiff to miss out.
Players were chosen based on their 2019 seasons, and given the evenness of the comp, those relegated or promoted to Division 1 for 2020 were unable to be considered for selection.
It speaks volumes of how exciting the league’s second tier was last year when all eight of the clubs that competed in the division and will again next year, have been represented among the list. No club has fewer than two players listed.
East Ringwood leads the charge with four players named, followed by Lilydale and Mooroolbark with three, and a host of clubs each with two; Bayswater, Croydon, Park Orchards, Upper Ferntree Gully and Wantirna South.
1. KURT LOPO (BAYSWATER)
The former Sandringham Zebra was a runaway winner of last year’s league Division 1 best and fairest - the Wright Medal - by a whopping 12 votes. Dynamic mover playing predominantly as a rover/midfielder, never has any trouble finding the footy and his disposals rarely go to waste. Winner of Bayswater’s senior best and fairest award in 2019 and a Team of the Year representative.
2. TOM MEAGHER (UPPER FERNTREE GULLY)
The former VFL Coburg-listed mid is the linchpin of the Kings’ on-ball brigade, evidenced by his impact on games. Big-bodied presence around the ball is invaluable in close, and has no trouble winning contested possessions. Top-three in the Wright Medal in 2018 and runner-up in 2019, with Team of the Year honours.
3. JAMES BELO (EAST RINGWOOD)
Classy ex-Coburg midfielder who last year topped the ‘Roos’ goal-kicking and won his second club best and fairest award, finished equal-fourth in the league best and fairest and was named in the centre in the Team of the Year. All this after missing five matches, which tells you all you need to know about Belo’s influence.
4. MATT POLKINGHORNE (MOOROOLBARK)
Tough, inside midfielder who has resumed his role as a key to the Mooroolbark engine room since returning to the club via Wandin in 2018, where he featured in a flag and won the comp best and fairest. Premiership player with Mooroolbark in 2009 and is revered as a club-great, adding a fifth Mustangs best and fairest to his name last year. Getting on a bit, but age hasn’t slowed him down having had a stellar 2019 season.
5. AARON MULLETT (MOOROOLBARK)
Former North Melbourne and Carlton forward made the move back to local level in 2019, linking up with his junior club as a playing-assistant. Didn’t have it all his own way in his debut season for the Mustangs injuring his knee during the year, but he was a key reason the club went six from eight mid-year. Topped the Division 1 goal-kicking in 2019 with 47 majors and was named at full forward in the Team of the Year.
6. LINCOLN WONG (WANTIRNA SOUTH)
Had his best season to date in 2019 playing in the midfield, finishing third in the Wright Medal and taking out the Devils’ senior best and fairest. Quick mover and superb by hand and foot. Played all 18 matches for the club last season and was among the best in 13 of those.
7. BEAU MITCHENER (LILYDALE)
Ruckman in last year’s Division 1 Team of the Year. Covers the ground well for a player of his size, and can swing forward where he has no trouble taking contested grabs. Top-five finish in the Wright Medal last season.
8. LUKE WILLIAMS (WANTIRNA SOUTH)
The Devils’ captain was somewhat hampered by injury last season and missed four matches, but when he did take the field, he made his presence felt with a string of best-on performances. Has been a consistent performer for a decade, having previously starred for Knox in the EFL’s top-flight taking out the league’s highest individual honour, the Chandler Medal, in 2015. Premiership player with Knox in 2017 before crossing to Wantirna South.
9. CHRIS CERNI (EAST RINGWOOD)
The courageous East Ringwood skipper has been a mainstay for the club across his 12 years at senior level. Continues to feature among his club’s best each week through the midfield, and has finished top-five in the club best and fairest nine years in a row – which he won in 2015, and was runner-up 2011 and 2013. Put together yet another dominant season in 2019, where he was again tough to match out on the field with his brute strength at the contest.
10. BEN CARDAMONE (CROYDON)
The lively Blues defender only made his senior debut for the club last season, but what an impact he’s had so far. Spent two seasons with the Eastern Ranges before heading back to his junior club where he’s slotted in nicely across half-back. A fierce competitor who doesn’t give an inch, Cardamone was integral to Croydon’s rise up the Division 1 ranks in 2019 on its way to a grand final appearance.
11. MATT LEE (UPPER FERNTREE GULLY)
The Kings midfielder previously spent time with VFL outfit Port Melbourne and top-flight club Balwyn, before making the move back to his junior club in 2018. Has since figured as one of his club’s most damaging through the middle, finishing in the top-10 of the league best and fairest for the past two years, and selections in the Team of the Year across 2018-19.
12. ANDREW RENTON (EAST RINGWOOD)
Has long been the ‘Roos’ premier big man, plying his trade in the ruck. Enjoyed another successful season in 2019, finishing top-three in the club best and fairest and earning selection in the Team of the Year. Continues to impress in the engine room, but can make the switch forward when needed, clunk marks and kick goals.
13. DENNIS ARMFIELD (PARK ORCHARDS)
As the playing-coach for the Sharks, the former Carlton half-back/half-forward’s experience from a higher level of footy stands out, and he hasn’t lost any of his dash and grunt out on the field, causing regular headaches for opposition. Leads by example with a team-first, selfless attitude. Played 145 games for the Blues from 2008-17.
14. JOEL GALVIN (BAYSWATER)
One of the great captains of his era, having served in the role for almost a decade. Tough as they come, never shirks a contest, mobile and versatile boasting size and height making him a difficult match-up. An official league legend with three comp best and fairest awards to his name, and a two-time premiership player at Bayswater, including one as captain in 2016.
Continues to stand out as a leader with another strong showing in 2019.
15. SAMUEL BAKER (LILYDALE)
Enjoyed a breakout season in 2019 where he became one of the division’s best small forwards. Quick, smart user of the ball with no trouble finding the goals, but his defensive side shouldn’t go unheralded. Applies enormous pressure to opposition backmen, often causing turnovers resulting in goals for his side.
16. DYLAN BELO (EAST RINGWOOD)
Finished runner-up in the ‘Roos’ club champion award last season, after a breakout season down back which saw him become one of the division’s top defenders. Fierce, relentless competitor who earned selection in the back pocket in the Team of the Year.
17. MICHAEL PROSENAK (PARK ORCHARDS)
Dangerous half-forward for the Sharks, winning the club champion award in 2019 following 36 majors from 21 appearances and Team of the Year honours. Club captain, and a premiership player with the Sharks in 2017.
18. LACHLAN WILSON (LILYDALE)
Determination in spades with pace to burn, and can play through the midfield or in attack. The club co-captain has become one of the most exciting players to watch in Division 1, cutting opposition teams to ribbons with his speed and work inside 50. Stands up under pressure in the clutch moments.
19. TROY WRIGHT (MOOROOLBARK)
The ever-reliable, experienced Mustangs defender put together another top campaign in ‘19 to earn selection in the Team of the Year and finish runner-up in the club best and fairest. Boasts size and clean skills, a great set of hands, with a knack for flying for marks. Set to go around again next season at Heights Reserve.
20. JUSTIN FICORILLI (CROYDON)
Exciting small forward and a master at creating goals for the Blues. Brings immense pressure to his role and was one of the key contributors to Croydon’s rise up the Division 1 ranks, with returns of 26 and 43 goals respectively across the past two seasons. Finished a solitary vote off a top-10 finish in the league best and fairest last year, too.
