Local and country footy: Victoria’s top goalkickers of 2022 named
The big forwards are making up for lost time with several well on the way to triple figures. Here are the top goalkickers in metro and country footy.
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Victoria’s best goalkickers are enjoying the return of local footy with interruption in 2022.
Across the state, several players are well on their way to reaching triple figures as the halfway point of the season quickly approaches.
Danny Brewster has made a smooth transition to country footy with Natte Bealiba in the Maryborough Castlemaine District competition from the Southern league to lead all comers with 63 goals.
Marong’s Brandyn Grenfell is just one behind on 62 majors while Josh Mellington, a former AFL-listed forward, is again among the leaders.
Here’s a look at the leaders across metro and country footy.
METRO
Shaun Buttigieg-Clarke (Braybrook, Western Region) – 57
The star forward has been a class act wherever he has played in the WRFL. He kicked 107 goals in the 2014 season for Caroline Springs and is leading the way in Division 3.
Dean Cachia (Suns, Western Region) – 46
Cachia has enjoyed his opportunities in front of goal this season especially against the weaker sides having hit double figures on three occasions.
Leigh Kimpton (Silvan, Eastern) – 41
The Cats spearhead started the season with a bang, a 10-goal haul against Croydon North-MLOC, and hasn’t slowed down. Bags of nine against Nunawading, five against Kilsyth, six against Forest Hill and Croydon North-MLOC have followed.
Matt Perri (Wallan, Riddell District) – 40
The Magpies’ goalkicking superstar loves a bag. He booted 10 against Melton Centrals, eight against Western Rams and five against Lancefield. Booted seven majors against Macedon in the final game before the break to lead the competition goalkicking charts.
Steve Tolongs (Murrumbeana, Southern) – 40
Built his lead at the top of the SFL Division 3 goalkicking charts with an 11 goals against Clayton but also has an eight-goal haul against South Yarra.
Aaron Cloke (Oakleigh, VAFA) – 40
The Oakleigh star has been brilliant this season with multiple goals in every D1 game.
Jake Parente (Mitcham, Eastern) – 39
A last-start haul of 12 goals against Upper Ferntree Gully has catapulted Parente to the top of the EFL Division 1 goalkicking charts. Booted seven the week before against Beaconsfield.
Jarryd McGrath (Lydhurst, Southern) – 39
Has rocketed to the top of the SFL Division 4 goalkicking charts with an unbelievable fortnight. A last-start nine-goal display against Moorabbin Kangaroos followed an 11-goal showing against Lyndale.
Marc Holt (Cranbourne, Southern) – 38
It comes as no surprise the legendary Eagles spearhead tops the SFL Division 1 goalkicking charts. Cranbourne has made a stunning start to life in the Southern league and Holt has led the way with seven majors against Cheltenham and six against East Malvern, plus three bags of five.
Jack Sharlassian (Hallam, Southern) – 38
Has only kicked less than three goals once this season but has cashed in against every other team in the competition, highlighted by bags of eight against Hampton and seven against Lyndale.
Jacson Cecil (Laurimar, Northern) – 38
Put Lalor to the sword with a stunning 14-goal outing — the biggest single haul in the Northern league this season. Also has five-goal hauls against Heidelberg West, Mernda and Reservoir to top the NFL Division 3 goalkicking charts.
Richard Mathers (Frankston Dolphins, Southern) – 37
Leads the Dolphins one-two forward punch, ahead of Liam O’Donnell, thanks to a 12-goal day out against Doveton Eagles and seven more followed against Hampton the following week.
Joel Perry (Powelltown, Outer East) – 37
The ex-AFL man leads the Division 2 goalkicking charts after a strong start to the season. After missing out in Round 1 responded with a bag of eight against Warburton Millgrove, 11 against Broadford, six against Yarra Junction and five against Kinglake.
Stephen Muller (St Paul’s McKinnon) – 37
Muller started off with a bag of five against Bentleigh and has taken a liking to the top teams, kicking six against Port Melbourne Colts and seven against St Kilda City.
Riley Alexander (La Trobe University, VAFA) – 36
Alexander has taken his game to another level this season with 36 goals from seven games. His best effort was 10 against Swinburne University.
Mitch Day (Diggers Rest, Riddell District) – 34
The Burras recruit has clearly enjoyed the move to a new club this season. Has two bags of five, seven against Western Rams and hit Lancefield for 11 to sit second on the competition’s goalkicking charts.
Ben Robertson (Boronia, Eastern) – 34
The Hawks star started the season with a bang, booting seven goals against Mulgrave, then followed it up with five against Oakleigh District and added another seven against Heathmont to lead the EFL Division 2 charts.
Oliver Dufficy (South Melbourne Districts, VAFA) – 34
Dufficy has again proven himself to be a consistent goalkicker this season having multiple goals in every game so far.
Sam Grimley (Uni Blues, VAFA) – 34
The former AFL big man sits well clear of the Premier goalkicking charts, 12 clear of his nearest challenger.
Tyrone Vickery (Springvale Districts, Southern) – 33
Has been a dominant force for Districts as they step up to the top flight. Has been immense in the past three weeks with six goals against East Malvern, five against Cheltenham and an incredible seven against Port Melbourne Colts.
Josh Fox (Cheltenham, Southern) – 33
Booted an impressive seven goals against Bentleigh in Round 3 but took St Paul’s McKinnon apart with a superb nine-goal showing the following week in one of the individual performances of the season. Also kicked six against Springvale Districts.
Aaron Williams (Point Cook Centrals, Western Region) – 33
After crossing from Hoppers Crossing, Williams has benefited from Point Cook Centrals start to the season kicking goals in every game.
Corey Grindlay (Wallan, Riddell District) – 32
Has been terrorising opposition defences in tandem with Matt Perri this season. Grindlay has kicked eight goals twice this season – against Western Rams and Melton Centrals – and also has a bag of six against Riddell.
Liam Montrose (Albanvale, Western Region) – 32
Montrose‘s efforts have come despite missing several games through injury.
Luke Scuderi (Old Ivanhoe, VAFA) – 32
Scuderi has been fantastic this year with goals in every game, already setting a personal best for a season at senior level.
Paul Tsoucalas (Clayton, Southern) – 32
How’s this for consistency … four, four and five goals before being kept off the scoresheet against Carrum Patterson Lakes then four, a season-high seven against South Yarra, four and four goals. Superb.
Justin Ficorilli (Silvan, Eastern) – 32
Part of the one-two behemoth alongside Leigh Kimpton. Ficorelli hasn’t missed out though with an impressive 10-goal performance against Kilsyth, eight against Croydon-MLOC and five goals against Chirnside Park.
Clint Johnson (Wandin, Outer East) – 32
Has been in red-hot form this season with 32 majors in seven appearances. Had the bye last weekend after booting eight the week before against Pakenham. Also has a seven-goal haul against Woori Yallock and has three or more in six outings.
Nathan Johnson (Albanvale, Western Region) – 31
Despite starting the season late with the Cobras, Johnson has made an immediate impact in Division 3.
Daniel Owen (Eltham, Northern) – 31
The 19-year-old Oakleigh Chargers graduate has produced a series of impressive performances for the Panthers. Put eight majors on Watsonia in Round 4 and followed it up with five goals against Epping. Leads the NFL Division 2 goalkicking charts.
Ned Gentile (Airport West, Essendon District) – 31
Gentile is flying for the Division 1 premiership favourites having two double figure efforts to his name already this season.
Matt Clifford (Prahran Assumption, VAFA) – 30
After being held goalless in round 1, Clifford has gone from strength-to-strength in his second season with the club.
Daniel Wood (Whitefriars, VAFA) – 30
Wood has already bettered his 29 goals from last season and is yet to be held goalless. He has kicked five majors three times.
Tim Smith (South Belgrave, Eastern) – 30
Heads into the mid-season break with a bag of five next to his name to reach the 30-goal mark. Started the season in fine form with hauls of seven against Knox and six against The Basin in the opening month.
Byron Wright (Black Rock, Southern) – 30
Booted eight goals in a last-start appearance against Narre South to launch into SFL Division 3 goalkicking award contention. Netted seven majors against South Yarra earlier in the season as well.
Mitch Jensen (Diggers Rest, Riddell District) – 30
A noted goalkicker during a short stint with Romsey in 2019, Jensen has made an impressive return to the RDFL. Started with a bag of five against Melton Centrals, slotted 10 against Lancefield and another five against Western Rams while playing mainly in the midfield.
Charlie Haley (Balwyn, Eastern) – 30
Leads the Eastern’s Premier Division goalkicking award despite missing a couple of games. Has been remarkably consistent this season with two bags of five and another of six. However, his 10-goal haul against North Ringwood was an undoubted highlight.
Kyle Wheatley (Watsonia, Northern) – 30
Only booted 19 goals in seven appearances last season but has starred for the Saints up forward in 2022. Kicked five in the stunning Round 1 upset over Lower Plenty and added another five against Eltham and Epping and six against Fitzroy Stars.
Jai Jordan (Mooroolbark, Eastern) – 30
Returns to the Mustangs after a four-year break and has been in excellent form upfront. A haul of six against Baywater is the only big bag, underlining his consistency week-to-week.
Nathan O’Keefe (Seville, Outer East) – 30
Travelling beautifully with 30 goals in seven outings, including a nine-goal haul against Gembrook Cockatoo before injury struck. The Seville captain will miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee against Belgrave.
Liam O’Donnell (Frankston Dolphins, Southern) – 30
The Dolphins’ goal-machine’s last three games has delivered a phenomenal 23 goals. A 10-goal masterclass against Hampton was the highlight with bags of eight goals against Hallam and five against Moorabbin Kangaroos either side.
Ryan Goodinson (Kilsyth, Eastern) – 29
A bag of nine against Nunawading was the season highlight and has been remarkably consistent across the season with three or more goals in six of eight appearances.
Sam Morton (Yarra Junction, Outer East) – 29
Has built a strong campaign on the back of a 14-goal masterclass against Yea in Round 2. Also has a five-goal haul against Powelltown.
Omar Saad (Westmeadows, Essendon District) – 29
Saad has been held goalless in just one game this season and has become one of the most important players for the Tigers.
Ryan Allan (Caroline Springs, Western Region) – 28
One of the Lakers‘ big recruits in the off-season, Allan has been a delight to watch. Despite missing a couple of games, he is the equal leader in Division 1.
Elliot Cavallaro (Altona, Western Region) – 28
On his return to the club, Cavallaro hasn‘t disappointed, already producing several big performances. His best effort was seven goals against Spotswood.
Sam Rexhepi (Craigieburn, Essendon District) – 28
Despite playing in a struggling Craigieburn side, Rexhepi is playing a key role in the Eagles push for survival. He has been one of the big recruiting successes.
Matthew Turcinovich (Braybrook, Western Region) – 28
Turcinovich has kicked multiple goals in all but one game this season highlighted by a season best of nine against Laverton in the opening round.
Ashan Wijayakumara (Melbourne High, VAFA) – 28
A consistent goalkicker in D2 having only been held goalless once this season.
Max Donegan (Healesville, Outer East) – 28
Had a day out against Belgrave with an 11-goal haul but only has one other bag of five to his name – against Berwick Springs – highlighting his consistency across the season.
Jack Langford (Banyule, Northern) – 28
Continues to kick goals for fun with hauls of seven against Fitzroy Stars, six against Watsonia and five against Thomastown. Held off the scoresheet in Round 1 but not since and looms as a major player in the Bears’ premiership run.
COUNTRY
Danny Brewster (Natte Bealiba, Maryborough Castlemaine District) – 63
The former Southern league talent has taken like a duck to water in country footy, kicking no less than three goals in a game this season. His best effort came against Campbells Creek where he booted 16.
Brandyn Grenfell (Marong, Loddon Valley) – 62
Grenfell normally plays his footy for Marong where he has 58 goals in eight games but at the weekend bobbed up for Ballan in the Central Highlands league where he kicked four to move second into the country goalkicking charts.
Josh Mellington (Violet Town, Kyabram District) – 59
A familiar name in these goalkicking lists. Mellington continues to perform with three double figure bags already this season.
Dominic Dare (Alvie, Colac and District) – 57
Opposition defenders have had nightmares about Dare this season who has 57 goals in nine games including a best of 11 against Birregurra.
Lachlan Thompson (Benalla All Blacks, Ovens and King) – 52
After crossing from neighbouring GVL club Benalla, Thompson has lit it up for his new club. He kicked 12 on debut.
William Ford (Bell Post Hill, Geelong and District) – 51
Ford has been in tremendous touch this season with two games in double figures for his new club. He crossed from rival GDFL club Winchelsea for 2022.
Matthew Butler (Edenhope-Aspley, Horsham District) – 50
Butler’s efforts so far this season have been helped by hauls of 20 and 10 goals in consecutive weeks which puts him on track for a ton.
Bradley Congress (Bambill, Millewa) – 50
Congress has continually kicked big bags this season to put him among country footy’s best forwards.
Jason Rowan (Warrnambool, Hampden) – 49
Rowan propelled up the standings on the weekend on the back of 15 goals against the struggling Port Fairy.
Jake Keogh (Trentham, Maryborough Castlemaine District) – 48
Keogh has kicked 24 goals in the last two games to highlight his importance to the Saints.
Brandon Scott (Swan Reach, Omeo District) – 46
Scott is enjoying a fantastic season for the fourth placed Swan Reach with two efforts of 11 goals already this season.
Ben Kearns (Churchill, North Gippsland) – 45
Despite having two goals where he has just one goal, Kearns is still enjoying a fantastic season with 45 majors from seven games.
Joel Brett (Golden Square, Bendigo) – 44
Brett is enjoying a dominant season as one of the Bendigo leading’s best forwards. His goal tally already better his effort of last season.
Robert Hare (Allansford, Warrnambool and District) – 43
Hare only kicked 11 goals last season, an effort he beat on the weekend alone with 13 goals against Timboon.
Damian Cupido (Girgarre, Kyabram District) – 42
Cupido has been a source of goals wherever he has played and it’s no different in his new coaching role with the Roos. His best effort was 16 against Longwood.
Callum Moore (Wangaratta, Ovens and Murray) – 42
Off the back of a league medal, Moore continues to shine for the premiership favourite. He already has two games with 11 and 10 goals to his name.
Brent Arho (Nyah Nyah West United, Central Murray) – 41
Arho has been damaging for United throughout the season especially in the last two games with 17 goals.
Ethan Boxall (Chiltern, Tallangatta and District) – 41
A former Ovens and Murray league player, Boxall has been in stunning form this season with 41 goals from seven games.
Jack Exell (Violet Town, Kyabram District) – 40
Formerly a player in the Southern League, Exell has made an immediate impact in country footy forming a strong partnership with Josh Mellington who also features on this list.
Riley Browne (Lismore Derrinallum, Mininera and District) – 40
Browne has kicked multiple goals in every game he has played this season including a season high of 11 against Moyston Willaura in round 2.
Nicholas Hynes (Dederang Mt Beauty, Tallangatta and District) – 40
Made headlines earlier this season with a 21-goal performance but has consistently put goals on the board in other games.
Michael Lockyer (Lismore Derrinallum, Mininera and District) – 40
Lockyer has kicked a remarkable 40 goals from just five games this season including three double figure bags.
Other notable efforts
There’s a tie at the top of the EDFL Premier Division goalkicking charts with Keilor’s Matthew Clark and Greenvale’s Jordan Thompson locked on 27 goals apiece. There’s also a tie in Division 2 as Taylor Lakes’ Luke Nappi and Hadfield’s Mark Sabatino both have 26 majors.
Montmorency spearhead Patrick Fitzgerald leads the way in the Northern Division 1 having kicked 25 majors, including seven against Whittlesea and six against Northcote Park.
The leading goalkicker in the Eastern Division 3 is Waverley Blues recruit Josh Williamson. The star forward has 27 majors to his name thanks largely to seven goals against Coldstream and nine against Donvale in his last two outings.
Doveton’s Michael Cardamone leads the way in the Southern Division 2 goalkicking charts having kicked multiple goals in every game with a season-high seven-goal haul against Heatherton.
In MPNFL, former Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns player Jarrad Grant has kicked 28 goals to lead the Premier Division table, along with Sorrento playing-coach Leigh Poholke.
In Division 2, Rye sharpshooter Andrew Dean has fired off 36 goals to lead all comers.
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