Ranked: Eastern league’s best 25 players since 2000
From modern-day marvels to all-time greats, we’ve named the top 25 players to grace the Eastern league this century. Who made the cut and who missed out?
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Given the talent that can be seen dominating the Eastern league every Saturday, it’s no surprise that it is one of the strongest suburban footy leagues in the state.
But who have been the greatest to have played in the league since 2000?
Ranking the best wasn’t an easy task and a galaxy of stars were stiff to miss out ...
HONOURABLE MENTIONS ...
Joel Galvin (Bayswater)
One of the great captains of his era. Tough as they come, never shirks a contest, mobile and versatile boasting size and height making him a difficult match-up. He’s an official league legend with three comp best and fairests to his name in the second tier (2012, 2016 and ‘18), and a two-time senior premiership player at Baysie (one as a 17-year-old in 2005, the other as captain in 2016), winning several club champion awards along the way. Recently celebrated game 300 to add to a glistening football CV rivalled by very few modern-day players.
Charlie Haley (North Ringwood, Balwyn)
Arguably as mercurial a forward as we’ve seen in the Eastern league this century, the current Balwyn captain has nearly 600 career goals – and one heck of a highlights reel. His skills are as silky as they come, while his knack for turning the slightest opportunities into goals has been a unique weapon across a long career. Premiership captain of Balwyn in 2024.
Stuart Hill (Norwood)
One of the top defenders of his era standing the best forwards of the time, Hill was a key post in Norwood’s 2014 top-division premiership when it denied juggernaut Balwyn a threepeat. He later captained Norwood in Eastern’s Premier Division and won a best and fairest at the club. Perhaps one of his biggest honours was as captain of Eastern’s star-studded 2018 interleague side, when he led the league to the state’s No. 1 ranking.
Ryan McMahon (Balwyn)
After more than 200 games at VFL club Port Melbourne, the tough, uncompromisng on-baller landed in the Eastern league where he slotted straight into a champion Balwyn team – lifting it to further success, adding plenty of grunt.
As his former Balwyn coach Dan Donati recalled in 2023: “I think his season in 2013 ... that year was as good a season you will see any local footballer put together, he did anything and everything an on-baller could have that year and, in my mind, put himself on a pedestal as one of the greats.”
Jackson Sketcher (Noble Park)
He was long one of the league’s most consistent performers, with the former ‘The Recruit’ star impressing across halfback and through the midfield. Winner of the Eastern league’s top individual honour, the Sir Gilbert Chandler Medal in 2023, and Noble Park’s best and fairest the same year, interrupting the great Kyle Martin’s run. Premiership player with the Bulls in 2022.
Grattan Stephens (Vermont, South Croydon, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park)
Affectionately known as ‘Sticks’, the long-sleeved marvel carved out more than 300 games – no mean feat for a ruckman – winning senior premierships with Vermont (2005) and South Croydon (2009). In fact, from 2009 all the way through to the time of his 300th match in 2023, he missed just two matches – that’s how durable he was, despite his lean build. Success in some shape followed the big man from club to club – marked by two best and fairests at Mooroolbark (senior, reserves) and a reserves flag, before crossing to Chirnside Park where he helped drag the club out of the doldrums and into premiership contention again for the first time in more than a decade.
Luke Williams (Knox, Wantirna South)
Consistently stood out for more than a decade, winning seven best and fairests with Knox – in sides that often bounced between the divisions.
It was, however, during the club’s nine-year stint in the top division that he would take out the league’s highest individual honour – the Chandler Medal – in 2015, playing in a side that finished ninth of 12 teams; a testament to how influential Williams was. He not only commanded the footy, but damaged opposition sides by hand and by foot.
Moved to neighbouring club Wantirna South at the end of 2017 following a flag at the Falcons, and stepped straight into the captaincy — that’s how revered he was around the traps.
TOP 25 ...
25. Leigh Williams (Norwood)
An explosive forward as strong in the air as he was at ground level. Could convert half-opportunities into goals, and won plenty of games off his own boot during his time with the Norsemen.
His goalkicking prowess wasn’t the only string to his bow, however, as he created many scoring opportunities for those around him, which made Williams one of the great modern-day forwards.
Was an integral part of the Eastern senior interleague matches across 2017 and 2018 kicking bags to propel the league into top spot in the state.
Best on ground in Norwood’s 2014 top-flight premiership.
24. Jeff Gobbels (Balwyn)
The Balwyn great was for a long stretch the club’s ‘go-to’ man in attack — especially during its golden run of four flags in five seasons.
The West Australian was as complete a forward as we’ve seen across the past two decades, more than capable at ground level, quick on the lead, great set of hands and a defensive side to his game.
Let’s not forget his booming right boot, though — and his 60m torp for goal on halftime of the Tigers’ 2013 grand final win.
Won the medal for best afield in Balwyn’s 2012 premiership victory.
23. Nick Cox (Bayswater, Rowville, South Belgrave)
Tough and uncompromising inside player who knew how to find the footy and gather possessions.
Won the 2000 Chandler Medal when Bayswater was in the top-flight, followed by the league’s third division medal in 2004 and second division honour in ’06 — elevating him to legend status. Also won a best and fairest in a premiership year (2004) at Rowville.
Not too shabby for someone who didn’t take up playing Australian rules until age 16, having previously played soccer.
22. Daniel Sheers (East Ringwood)
Ask many of the forwards of the era who the toughest defender was and the answer will often be Sheers, who played in an era where brilliant forwards were a dime a dozen.
Was twice named captain in the league’s top-flight Team of the Year, and captained the ‘Roos to one of the most emphatic come-from-behind premiership victories in EFNL history in 2002.
Outstanding in the air and one-on-one.
21. Wade Porter (East Ringwood)
Tall, imposing, athletic, versatile — the ‘Roos were blessed with the complete package here.
Could fly for marks, kicking was pinpoint and would make his presence felt, and often masterful at the stoppages all over the ground. Member of East Ringwood’s 2002 premiership side.
20. Adam Slater (East Burwood, Knox, Forest Hill)
The big man was pure entertainment. Whether it was spinning the ball on his finger in front of the fans, ‘saluting’ the crowd or dominating the ruck and taking control of games with his intimidating frame, Slater would bring people through the gates and impose himself on the contest.
Opposition ruckmen would dread matching up with this man-mountain, just as the East Burwood midfielders of their golden era would be given an armchair ride. Four-time best and fairest at the Rams and a premiership player in 2000. Went on to play an integral role in Knox’s extra-time 2007 flag before finishing his career at Forest Hill.
19. Todd Power (Vermont, The Basin)
When people think of the great centre half-backs of the modern era, this man always rates a mention.
Tall but with a wiry frame, a fierce one-on-one competitor and a general down back for the Eagles in a time where great forwards were plentiful.
Defence wasn’t the only string to his bow and showed a presence wherever needed, including up forward. Premierships and grand finals were a common theme for Power throughout his career — he holds the record at Vermont for most consecutive grand finals (1993-2001) including one of those as captain in 2001. Finished his career at The Basin, playing in a Division 4 flag in 2012.
18. Chris Annakis (Doncaster)
One of the premier midfielders of the 2010s — a decade in which he won a Wright Medal as the best and fairest player in the EFNL’s second tier, before elevating himself to official league legend status with back-to-back Chandler medals across 2017-18. At his best he rarely wasted a possession, read the play beautifully and could take a grab.
17. Rennie Gilchrist (Balwyn)
Captained Balwyn to four premierships in five seasons in one of the most remarkable eras in EFNL history.
The hard-at-it, in-and-under Gilchrist led by example on-field, extracting the pill and bringing others into the game.
Twice best on ground in the Tigers’ winning grand finals in 2013 and 2015.
16. Mark Cullen (Vermont, Silvan)
The classy midfielder featured in seven Eagles premiership sides (the equal second-most of any Vermont player) with four of those won in the 2000s.
His 255-game stint saw 84 of those matches played consecutively — the fifth-most at the club.
Best and fairest winner in a premiership year in 2001, Cullen later headed up the mountain to finish his career at Silvan where he would play his 300th match and win the best and fairest in 2013.
15. Dan Donati (Noble Park)
Before he became a four-time Balwyn premiership coach, ‘Nutsy’ was one of the EFL’s premier on-ballers.
A big-game player who would always deliver on centre stage, and would frequently hit the scoreboard as a goalkicking midfielder.
Played in two premierships with Noble Park across 2003-04 and won a best and fairest in 2002.
14. Allan Murray (Balwyn)
On pure talent alone the high-flying Tiger would have most, if not all, of this list covered. The ex-St Kilda and Port Adelaide man played 150 games for Balwyn for four premierships, tearing it up through the midfield and in attack during the Tigers’ golden run. And his highlight reel was a sight to behold – whether it was soaring for marks on the regular, cutting opposition sides to ribbons with pace or simply executing the fundamentals with precision, fans never left disappointed after watching ‘Budgie’. Best and fairest winner with Balwyn in 2007.
13. Lachlan Johns (Vermont)
The ex-Coburg name continues to lead by example as a goalkicking midfielder, winning the ball time and again and standing up in the big matches – and if you play for Vermont, there are plenty of those. Dual premiership captain across 2018 and ’19 with a string of Team of the Year honours, he also holds the record for most best and fairests won at Vermont across its century-long history – seven. Perhaps the biggest individual accolade came in 2021 when he tied for the Chandler Medal as the best and fairest in the division, becoming the Eagles’ sixth winner of the award this century.
12. Daniel King (South Croydon)
Five senior best and fairests, two premierships, more than 300 games. What more can be said for the champion midfielder? Ever-reliable with a knack for standing up when it counts most, tough, hard-at-it and has no trouble finding the footy. And at 38, in his 20th season, he’s still copping a tag – that’s how highly opposition coaches rate him. Also won the 2013 Chandler Medal and captained South Croydon to its 2017 top-flight premiership, claiming the best on ground honour. Fun fact: King once played out a final with a broken leg.
11. Kris Bardon (Vermont)
The prolific on-baller was an integral part of a Vermont outfit which took four flags in five seasons in the mid-to-late 2000s. He twice claimed the league’s Chandler Medal (2008, ’09) as well as a best and fairest at the club in ’08 in a side chock-full of champions. Wherever he went he dazzled, later taking out a Nepean league best and fairest while playing for Rye.
10. Kris Pendlebury (Balwyn)
A key pillar in one of local footy’s most decorated premiership dynasties this century, the stingy full-back helped the club to flags in 2015 and ‘16, amid its run of four in five seasons. Widely renowned as the toughest defender to play against of his era, Pendlebury’s golden fist earned him numerous accolades – including a spot in Balwyn’s Team of the Century. As four-time Tigers flag coach Dan Donati once declared: “You won’t find a better full-back in local footy, the stuff I saw him do from that position is just stuff I’ve never seen.”
9. Bernie Dinneen (Vermont, Bayswater, East Ringwood)
A competitive beast through the midfield who would prepare himself meticulously for matches.
Wasn’t overly quick, but it didn’t matter with his ability to find the footy.
Winner of back-to-back Chandler medals across 2005-06 followed by a Wright Medal (Division 2) in 2010 to etch his name as one of the all-time greats, earning official legend status.
8. Kris Barlow (Vermont, Rowville, Noble Park, Blackburn)
Had built up a strong reputation in the 1990s playing at Vermont before being picked up by Hawthorn at age 25 in 1998, but was just as damaging once he returned to the EFL in 2005 to play in a Vermont flag after 102 games with the Hawks.
A strong-marking forward who had versatility in spades, quick and a reliable kick for goal.
A best and fairest winner at Noble Park and Blackburn, playing alongside some of the all-time greats.
7. Adrian Little (Noble Park)
One of the revered defenders of the 2000s with a golden fist to boot. Stood many of the best forwards of the era at centre half-back as an ever-reliable cog in Noble Park’s 2003 and ’04 premiership sides. The former Springvale and Frankston talent could spoil the pill from anywhere – and as respected journalist Paul Amy once wrote: “A bronze statue of that hand should be in the social club.”
6. Denis Knight (Noble Park)
A crucial cog in the Bulls’ engine room on their way to back-to-back flags in ’03 and ’04 as playing-coach.
A tough inside midfielder and a classy user of the ball, Knight won the EFL’s Chandler Medal in 2003 playing in a premier side which oozed class — a true testament to the respect he commanded.
Best on ground in the Bulls’ ‘03 flag, and would later go on to coach Norwood to a top-flight premiership in 2014.
5. Craig Anderson (Noble Park)
Prolific ball-winner who would will himself from contest to contest, strong in-and-under and a fierce attack on the footy. Twice took home the coveted Chandler Medal (2007 – tied; 2011), captained the Bulls to back-to-back top-flight flags across 2010-11 and has three club best and fairests to his name. About as untaggable as they came.
4. Matt Greig (Vermont)
Goal-machine. The headline act in one of the all-time great goalkicking partnerships alongside Ash Froud, the stay-at-home full forward kicked 716 goals across 172 games from 2003-13 — with an average of 4.2 goals a game.
Topped the EFL’s goalkicking on five occasions, including hauls of 107, 103 and 122 from 2005-08 in the Eagles’ premiership three-peat era. Won Vermont’s goalkicking a record eight times and also holds the club record for most goals in an Eagles senior match, booting a whopping 15.7 (97) in round four of 2008.
A sublime vertical leap and a defender’s worst nightmare.
3. Peter O’Brien (Noble Park)
Pure class, silky skills and always spoken about by former teammates and opponents in the highest regard.
This four-time premiership Bull also took four club champion awards during his time at Noble Park — and earned best on ground honours in his final game; the 2011 premiership win.
All this following a best and fairest and two flags at Springvale. As Paul Amy once described him: “The word ‘champion’ doesn’t do him justice”.
2. Ryan Mullett (Vermont)
The smooth-moving Mullett won the EFNL’s highest individual honour — the Chandler Medal — on three occasions this century, something no other player has done.
The official league legend took four senior best and fairest awards at the Eagles playing in one of the most dominant sides — and midfields — in local football, as the club three-peated from 2005-07.
Finished a five-time Vermont premiership player, saluting in his final match in the 2019 decider. A class act.
1. Kyle Martin (Noble Park)
With the legacy Martin has left, No. 1 simply couldn’t be anyone else. Widely regarded as local footy’s best player for a long stretch, Martin won nine Noble Park best and fairests (and 13 in 14 seasons collectively) winning premierships in 2010, ‘11 and ‘22 – the latter as captain – before calling time at the club at the end of ‘24.
Tougher than a $2 steak, the brilliant Bull could rack the possessions up – inside and out – and make them count. A large tank also made Martin one of the game’s most difficult match-ups.
Earning an opportunity at Collingwood in 2013, he returned to the Bullring in 2015 where he would go on to cement a legacy unlikely to be surpassed.
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