Local footy’s best young talents ahead of season 2023
Melbourne’s footy fields are being taken over by the next generation of stars - here are just some of the up and comers to keep an eye on.
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On the eve of the new local footy season, there is always a buzz about the up and coming stars who could be set to take the competition by storm.
For some players, they’re set to take their first steps into senior footy while others are like veterans given their experience beyond their years.
Melbourne’s footy fields will be taken over by the next generation of stars throughout 2023 and these are just some of the names you need to keep an eye on.
Alipate Bryant, Caroline Springs
Played an important role for the Lakers in last season’s minor premiership and in his second year of senior footy could emerge as one of the WRFL’s best.
Angus Cramer, Waverley Blues
Touted as a dynamic midfielder/half-forward, the emerging talent played a handful of senior matches last year and shown plenty of promise. Holds his ground exceptionally well according to coach Tom Langford, is clean with the ball on both sides of the body, and boasts pace and a ferocious attack on the ball.
Angus Seivers, Greensborough
Had an eye-catching season in the Borough‘s defence last season and the responsibility will only increase this year after a couple of key departures. Strong mark and good speed off halfback. Turned 19 in December. A surprise he isn’t on a VFL list.
Anthony De Lorenzi, Oak Park
Impressed during his side’s run to the Essendon District league grand final last season and will again play a key role.
Ashleigh Snow, West Preston-Lakeside
Only 21 and the reigning NFNL Division 1 Women’s league best-and-fairest winner. Covid robbed the young midfielder of the chance to better press her AFLW Draft prospects but she has been training with Footscray’s VFLW squad over the summer.
Ben Charles, Langwarrin
Had a fantastic season as a rebounding defender. Plays wiser than his years and makes great decisions with ball in hand.
Ben Horsnaill, Blackburn
Played as a half-forward last season but has previously been earmarked for a role in the middle of the ground.
Benjamin Bilston-Mcgillen, Old Xaverians
The midfielder played the last month in the seniors in 2022. He was named in the best players in some of those matches. Surprised onlookers by the impact he had at the level. Bilston-Mcgillen is good in tight areas of the field with his pace and explosiveness.
Blake Simondson, Berwick Springs
The teenager uses his explosive speed to instigate run down tackles. Has plenty of running bounces each match and often sets up the Titans’ attacks.
Brock Coleclough, Rowville
The in-and-under midfielder is as tough as they come and very rarely loses a one-on-one contest.
Brodie Gilchrist, Wallan
The young midfielder played all 19 matches in the seniors and then helped the Magpies claim the RDNFL under-19s premiership with a best-on-ground display. Will play a major role for Wallan this season after several key players departed.
Chance Doultree, Old Melburnians
Provides good run and dash off halfback. An outside player who can also play on the wing. Likened to Brodie Smith.
Charlie Peters, South Belgrave
Was still eligible for under-19 football last season – but instead played every senior game, making his name as one of the club’s key on-ballers.
Chris Buttner, Seaford
He’s tall, athletic and can jump. Kicked 24 goals last season and will be a key figure in the Tigers’ forward line.
Connor Brown, Point Cook
One of many exciting talents emerging at the Western Region league club after playing plenty of senior games last year.
Cooper Dunkinson, Boronia
The midfielder proved his worth at senior level last season with 19 appearances. Previously on Eastern Ranges’ list.
Cooper MacDonald, Rowville
Genuine gun. A “super quick” defender that can play tall or small and will again play an important role for Rowville.
Corey Pertzel, Romsey
Played all 16 senior games – as well as six in the under-19s – and won the Redbacks‘ best-and-fairest in just his second season of senior football. The young gun picked up 14 mentions in the best last season.
Dakota Villiva, Kew
A ball-winner who plays midfield but can also push forward and score goals. Villiva won the VAFA Premier best and fairest last season.
Daniel Didomenicantonio, Frankston Bombers
The determined former Dandenong Stingray is always happy to take the ball and then try to take a dash. Has strong leadership qualities.
Eliza Straford, St Kevin’s
The midfielder-forward is a talented youngster who has the ability to take a good mark. Straford also knows how to go forward and kick goals with her strong right foot.
Ethan Wright, Mordialloc
Wright has missed 18 months through injury but Mordialloc is confident he will be a sound player running through the midfield this season.
Finnbar Maley, Eltham
Has gone from third in the NFNL Division 1 Under-19s league best-and-fairest in 2021 to Division 2 senior Team of the Year in 2022 and now a VFL contract with Northern Bullants in 2023. Eltham teammate Dan Owens has been just as impressive in earning a spot at Coburg.
Hamish Wild, Old Scotch
A bull in the midfield who can also go forward and pinch hit in the ruck. Has a good ability to win the ball and is a team orientated player. He is a consistent performer who is likened to Patrick Cripps.
Harley Fairbank, Noble Park
The speedy small forward will enter his third year of senior footy as a premiership player.
Hussien Kadour, Newport
Made his senior debut at just 16 last season and found himself right at home at the level. Finished with 17 goals in 10 matches while also playing some under-18 footy.
Jacinta Kondos, Caroline Springs
The teenage superstar was the WRFL’s leading women’s goalkicker last season and looks set to take another big step this year.
Jack Hammerling, Riddell
A key member of Riddell‘s RDFNL premiership winning team at just 18 years old. Booted four goals in the Bombers semi-final win over Wallan, underlining his potential.
Jack Heron, Caroline Springs
The youngster played every game for the Lakers last season, locking down a position in the top Division 1 side. Has been a Caroline Springs junior since under-9s.
Jack Palmer, St Kevin’s
Palmer can go forward and hit the scoreboard. Tasted senior footy last year and will be desperate for more opportunities.
Jack Sullivan, Mordialloc
A small-forward, midfielder who has crossed over from Bonbeach. He lacks a bit of size at this stage but has proven he can match it with bigger bodies.
James Kayrooz, Banyule
Finished a breakout season with 50 goals in 17 matches and helped the Bears win the NFNL Division 2 premiership. Kicked a matchwinning five goals, including the final three majors of the game, in a five-point win over Thomastown in Round 2.
James Ross, Vermont
The former Eastern Ranges skipper has been impressive in his first two seasons of senior footy, becoming a crucial cog in the Vermont defence.
Jayden Weichard, Kilsyth
The youngster, who many consider to be an emerging leader, has made the move to Kilsyth from Mooroolbark but he’s still expected to shine this season.
Josh Clarke, Rowville
The ex-Eastern Ranges captain plays as a midfielder/forward and boasts elite speed and decision-making by foot according to Rowville coach Ben Wise. The left-footer had a brief stint with Frankston VFL before joining the Hawks full-time.
Josh and Sean Lai, Cheltenham
The brothers are expected to play for the Rosellas this season while also juggling commitments with Mentone Grammar. Cheltenham coach Des Ryan has been impressed by the pre-season output from the talented duo.
Josh Meerkotter, Ringwood
Turned 20 last year, but don’t let age fool you. The young prospect held down the centre half-forward role for the Redbacks to great success – playing 16 games – until a knee injury late in the piece ended his campaign.
Josh Tilly, Gembrook Cockatoo
The tall midfielder was Brookers vice-captain in their premiership last season. Great skills, strong mark and mobile.
Kaiden Arthur, Laurimar
Just 18 years old last season but arguably one of the Power‘s most important players as they reached the NFNL Division 3 grand final. Was rewarded for an outstanding debut season with a spot in the Team of the Year.
Kamal Badra, Newport
After making his senior debut last year, the young midfielder quickly established himself as one of the Panthers’ most impressive young players.
Kyle Wheatley, Bundoora
Kicked 43 goals and was named in the NFNL Division 2 Team of the Year as a 20-year-old at Watsonia last season. Will look to step up to Division 1 footy this season with Bundoora where he’ll face far more competition.
Lachie Lamble, Dingley
The former Sandringham Dragon gathered a stack of the footy for the Dingoes throughout 2022, earning himself a selection on the wing in the Southern Division 1 Team of the Year. He’s the type of young player new coach Zach Horsley wants to see take command of the competition this season.
Lachlan Guymer, Warrandyte
Debuted as a 17-year-old last season and played in his side’s last seven matches of the year including two finals.
Lawrence Lopiccolo, Thomastown
Was rewarded for a dominant season in the Bears‘ midfield with Team of the Year honours. The young bull also took home the Thomastown best-and-fairest award and will look to repeat his success in 2023.
Lulu Slater, Macedon
The reigning RDJFNL Youth Girls league best-and-fairest winner will step into the inaugural Riddell District Women‘s competition with Macedon and is sure to be a player to watch after the Cats reached the Youth Girls grand final last season.
Maykaylah Appleby, Diamond Creek Women
A key part in Diamond Creek Women’s Division 1 premiership last season. Arguably the longest kick in the competition and with her line-breaking run can turn defence into attack in a heartbeat.
Mak Hoskin, Doncaster East
Has continued to go from strength to strength since making his senior debut in 2021 and looms asa key part of the Lions’ forward line this season.
Matt O’Brien, St Paul’s McKinnon
Made his debut for the Doggies in Division 1 of the Southern league last year at the green age of 17. He shows courage and has the ability to hit the scoreboard, he will be a headache for opposition coaches for years to come.
Max Griffin, Maribyrnong Park
After two senior games in 2021, Griffin took a big step in his development to play all 18 games for the Lions last season. Looks a big player for the future.
Mitch Kalpakis, South Morang
A dominant force at centre half-back in the Lions’ premiership team. Despite being just 21, is already a two-time Team of the Year player and will only go from strength to strength as South Morang steps up to NFNL Division 2 this season.
Ned Evans, University Blues
A quality player who is “as hard as a cat’s head” according to his coaches. Evans made his senior debut last season. He is privy to finding the footy and laying strong tackles.
Nick Woods, Ferntree Gully
Held down a key back position at just 20 years old last season, and coupled with his rebounding work off halfback, he cemented his place in the Eagles’ line-up in his senior debut year. Played 15 matches for seven mentions in the best.
Olivia Manfre, Keilor
Dominated for the Essendon District league powerhouse last season and will play a key role in her side’s premiership ambitions.
Patrick McCallum, West Coburg
A player for the big stage. Was only playing under 17s football three years ago before jumping straight into the senior grade.
Poppy Gardner, Frankston Dolphins
Talented with both the round ball and oval ball, Gardner will line up for the Dolphins and the Dandenong Stingrays this season. The Melbourne Renegade listed cricketer will soon be forced to pick between footy and cricket.
Sam Hume, Caulfield Grammarians
Hume kicked the fourth most number of goals last season in the under-19 competition. He has also been in his side’s best players on 10 occasions.
Seb Francis-Perkins, Old Eltham
At just 18, the young key defender stepped straight out of Montmorency‘s under-17 team and into the Turtles senior line-up. Did it with style too, playing 16 matches and earning seven mentions in the best as Collegians reached the preliminary final.
Tessa Boyd, St Kevin’s
The sister of former AFL footballer, Tom, Boyd is a talented forward who has strong skills which can help her find the goals.
Tom Burnell, Old Brighton
An inside midfielder with great endurance and courage. He played several senior matches last season. Burnell can break lines and deliver the ball to his forwards at an elite level.
Tom Gasparroni, Ferntree Gully
Plays a high half-forward role exhibiting a great leap, mark and exceptional pace. Played 13 senior games last year in the Eastern league’s Division 3, earning five mentions in the best.
Tom Nelson, Berwick Springs
Plays local footy the way it should be played — he flies for big marks, plays on, weaves and slots clutch goals.
Tom Schwarzenberg, Diggers Rest
The young Burra played all 20 games – one of only four players to do so – as Diggers reached the RDFNL grand final. Booted 15 goals last season and will be asked to step up again in 2023.
Tom Sheridan, South Croydon
Found his way onto Casey’s VFL list after a standout season in 2022. Took his opportunity with both hands, playing 17 games for 39 majors for South Croydon.
Tyson Barry, Cranbourne
Burst onto the scene last year and again looks to play an exciting role for the Eagles.
Will Bowen, Old Xaverians
A general in the midfield who wins a lot of the ball. Gets the ball to players in better position who is strong likened to Tom Mitchell. He won the best on ground medal in their under-19 grand final win last year.
Will Howe, Narre Warren
Strong marking full-forward who fired off 68 goals for the premiership-winning Magpies last season, including bags of eight, eight and seven.
Winston McGowan, Old Brighton
An inside midfielder who brings other players into the game with his elite handball skills. He has been one of Old Brighton’s best under 19s this season and is one to watch. He will be back in for the grand final this weekend.
Zane Barzen, Heidelberg
Was on Carlton’s VFL development list last season and made four appearances for the Blues. When not at VFL level was a rock in defence for Heidelberg as the Tigers won the NFNL Division 1 premiership. Will be full-time at local level in 2023.
Zen Christofi, East Keilor
The youngster, who has previously played at NAB League level, made a strong impression in his first year at the Cougars. in 2022 and will be looking to go to another level.
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