Local footy: Best 20 players in EFL Premier Division ranked
There’s no shortage of champions in the EFL’s Premier Division, widely considered the strongest suburban football comp in the state. But who is the best of the best, and which players are stiff to miss out?
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There’s certainly no shortage of talent in arguably the state’s premier suburban football competition.
From ex-VFL and AFL talent, long-time loyal clubmen and league best and fairest winners, the EFL’s Premier Division continues to showcase why the competition is held in such high esteem among local footy pundits.
Naming a top 20 is always a challenge, but when the strength of the talent runs as deep as it does in the Eastern league, there will always be a number of players stiff to miss out.
Departing stars such as 2019 Chandler medallist Brett Eddy, along with forwards Charlie Haley and Leigh Williams have all moved on to different leagues, and are obvious omissions.
But among those unlucky to miss include, but are not limited to, South Croydon midfielder/forward Daniel Cooper, ever-reliable Vermont defender Matt Willcocks, Norwood pair Mitch O’Donnell and Rhett Jordon, Balwyn trio Cooper Sharman, Jeff Gobbels and Ryley Monkhorst, Rowville duo James Gwilt and Lachlan McDonald, and North Ringwood’s Aaron Fenton – to name just a few.
Vermont and South Croydon lead the charge with five names apiece, followed by Blackburn, Noble Park and Rowville each with two. Balwyn, Doncaster, Doncaster East and North Ringwood each have one.
1. KYLE MARTIN (NOBLE PARK)
Widely regarded as not only the EFL’s best, but the top player in the Victorian local footy scene, and here’s why. Has won 11 of a possible 12 past best and fairest awards – including two in the VFL – and in between, has lived out the AFL dream with a short stint at Collingwood. Prolific ball-winner with a large tank to run through the midfield, and an outstanding user of the ball. Never takes a backwards step, either.
2. MITCH HONEYCHURCH (VERMONT)
The former Western Bulldog played 35 matches at the elite level from 2014-18 before heading back to Vermont in 2019. He slotted in seamlessly to a star-studded midfield that already included the likes of Johns and Schneider and featured among the best on most occasions in a side that lost just one match all year, with quality standing on every line. VFL premiership player with Footscray in 2014 and 2016. Runner-up in Vermont’s best and fairest count last year, and equal-third in the EFL’s Chandler Medal.
3. ANTHONY BROLIC (ROWVILLE)
The former Rowville junior returned to the club full-time for the 2019 season after a successful stint with VFL outfit, Box Hill. A VFL Team of the Year representative in 2017 was followed by a Box Hill flag in 2018. Made an immediate impact in the EFL’s top-flight through the midfield, winning the Rowville best and fairest and finishing in the top-three in the league’s Chandler Medal count. Ball magnet.
4. LACHIE HOWE (BLACKBURN)
The former Collingwood VFL big man has become, arguably, the premier ruckman of the EFL’s top division after landing at Morton Park last season. Mobile, damaging around the ground and for a player of his 200cm size, exceptional below the knees. Gave ‘Burners midfielders an armchair ride with his tap-work on the way to the 2019 Premier grand final.
5. TOM SCHNEIDER (VERMONT)
The former Box Hill Hawk forms part of Vermont’s formidable midfield brigade, often winning the hard ball on the inside and bringing others into the game. Best on ground in Vermont’s 2019 premiership win and a best and fairest winner at Box Hill.
6. MATT JONES (SOUTH CROYDON)
Covers the ground like very few in the league and is a crucial cog in the South Croydon engine room. Played 61 matches in the AFL for Melbourne before landing at Cheong Park in 2017, where he played a significant role in the club’s historic top-flight premiership win.
7. JACKSON SKETCHER (NOBLE PARK)
The Bulls’ run and carry midfielder has been among his club’s most consistent in recent years. Right-footer who can kick goals on the run and brings leadership to a youthful Bulls outfit. Has represented two state leagues – VFL and WAFL – and won a Morrish Medal in the NAB League in his underage years. Equal fourth in the league’s Chandler Medal count last season.
8. LACHIE JOHNS (VERMONT)
The dual Vermont premiership captain continues to lead by example as a goal-kicking 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. Captain of the 2019 Premier Division Team of the Year, named in the centre. Three-time best and fairest winner at the Eagles, including 2019 in a premiership year.
9. KRIS PENDLEBURY (BALWYN)
Continues to be the ever-reliable general down back for Balwyn, as he has done so through multiple premiership campaigns. Tough to beat one-on-one, a piercing fist and effective in the air. Has proven his worth as a swingman in recent times should the Tigers need it up forward and oozes leadership.
10. JAKE HAMMOND (BLACKBURN)
Exciting, high-flying, quick and agile – but most of all, he’s taken his place among the ‘Burners most important. Flies for grabs, kicks goals, and works tirelessly without the ball with a high-pressure, defensive element to his game. The star forward booted 54 goals last season and has proven a handful for even the most distinguished backmen in the competition.
11. ZIGGIE ALWAN (ROWVILLE)
Exciting midfielder who can run and carry. Played in two premierships with Noble Park across 2010-11 before making the move to Rowville in 2018. Continued his decade-long stay among the EFL’s best last season with another selection in the Team of the Year.
12. MAX KING (SOUTH CROYDON)
Former Melbourne rookie made the move back to the EFL in 2017 where he has since honed his craft as one of the league’s premier ruckmen, featuring heavily each week for the Bulldogs. Has no trouble finding the goals either, and has become one of his club’s most prominent players. Tough to match up on.
13. CHRIS ANNAKIS (DONCASTER)
The only official league legend still playing in Premier Division. Season 2019 wasn’t his best, so he moves a few places down the list, but he can’t be judged on that alone – two of the past three Chandler medals to his name puts him in rare air, not to mention taking out the second division honour in 2015. Champion midfielder.
14. DANIEL KING (SOUTH CROYDON)
Ever-reliable midfielder with a knack for standing up when it counts most. Tough, hard-at-it and has no trouble finding the footy at the contest. Won the 2013 Chandler Medal and captained South Croydon to its 2017 top-flight premiership, taking the best on ground honours. Age hasn’t hampered this champion Bulldog.
15. ANDREW AINGER (VERMONT)
Tall and athletic forward who works well as a lead-up type in attack but can create goals from half-opportunities and is excellent at ground level. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2018 decider when he sent his side racing towards victory with four first quarter goals. Has enjoyed returns of 45 and 39 majors respectively during his two-year stint with Vermont, on its way to back-to-back flags.
16. CHRIS JONES (SOUTH CROYDON)
Key tall at the Kennel that straightens the Dogs up through the spine at centre half-back, often setting up forward attacks. Jones finished runner-up in the club best and fairest last season after missing seven matches – such is his influence on games when he’s on the park. Selected at centre half-back in the Premier Division Team of the Year in 2019.
17. MAX WARREN (SOUTH CROYDON)
Former North Melbourne-listed defender won the Box Hill Hawks’ best and fairest in 2017 before linking up with South Croydon in 2019 where he slotted in seamlessly at Premier level. Superb skills with pace to match, Warren regularly features among the Dogs’ best.
18. RORY LEHMANN (VERMONT)
Full-back in the Team of the Year last season and a key member of the Eagles’ back six which conceded just 939 points in 2019 - an average of just 51.4 points per game - breaking a 30-year club record. Often takes the best opposition forward each week - and there are plenty of dangerous ones to worry about in the EFL’s top-flight. As the old footy adage goes, ‘defences win premierships’, of which Lehmann’s won two. Finished third in Vermont’s best and fairest award last year.
19. MICHAEL APENESS (NORTH RINGWOOD)
The former Fremantle towering forward/ruck enjoyed a fruitful first season with North Ringwood in the EFL in 2019, staking his claim as one of the comp’s best big men. Named in the Team of the Year in his first season, he booted 26 majors and only missed one match for the Saints.
20. SIMON WHITE (DONCASTER EAST)
The former Carlton defender has made an indelible impact at the Lions in his two seasons, playing an integral role in the club’s last two premiership sides as the general down back, and has become arguably Doncaster East’s most important player. Effective in the air and at ground level, exceptional foot-skills and a great mark. The Lions were promoted following their 2019 Division 1 flag, and while he’s yet to officially take on the top-flight, the now Premier Division player has proven to be a class above with consecutive selections in the Division 1 Team of the Year. And given the strength of Doncaster East’s list, several others look primed to take on the top division once the opportunity presents.
