MPNFL 2021: We name the best under 21 players in Division 1
There’s been some red-hot young talent playing senior football in MPNFL Division 1 this season. Here are 37 of the best.
Mornington
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Division 1 of the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League is bursting with young talent.
It’s been a stop-start season but there’s still been time for the young guns to fire.
Here are some of the best players under the age of 21.
Jayden Adams, Pines
The 17-year-old played 11 senior games this season as a creative half back, with his neat ball use particularly impressive.
Jeremy Burton, Mt Eliza
Quick, skilled and dangerous around goal, Burton’s ability to break lines and leave a stoppage untouched make him a genuine 75m player. He’s had a standout, injury-free season to reward his dedication to be his best.
Taj Barber, Sorrento
The Under 19-eligible forward is as tough and clean as they come for his age. Has a knack of kicking goals and will move into the midfield next season which will only better suit his style of play.
Cooper Bryan, Pines
Gutsy backman who puts his body on the line week in, week out. The former Beleura junior has made a smooth transition into senior ranks.
Jason Carter, Bonbeach
The former Under 19 captain has brought great pressure to the senior side. Known as a “tackling machine’’, he’s become an important senior player for the ladder-leading Sharks.
Brayden Chapple, Bonbeach
A quality young player who is composed with the ball, tackles hard and has the versatility to play as a midfielder or forward.
Ben Davys, Red Hill
Classy defender with dynamic speed and a damaging foot to match his ability to defend one-on-one and then work his opponent over offensively. Can be extremely damaging.
Kaiya Deas, Frankston YCW
The 2019 league best and fairest winner has taken huge strides this season, going from
a learning midfielder to legitimately one of the Stonecats’ prime movers.
Tate Dennis, Dromana
The mobile forward is still eligible for the Tigers’ under-19s but coach Matt Price believed he was ready for senior football and promoted him to the Division 1 team. He’s been a spark for the side with his skill, strength and courage, slotting 10 goals in nine games.
Connor Eardley, Red Hill
Up and coming ruckman whose tap work is impressive but it’s his ability to work around the ground that makes him an exciting prospect.
Luca Goonan, Frankston YCW
The Casey Demons-listed midfielder has had a big impact with the Stonecats, earning four mentions in the best players in six appearances. Knows how to find the ball and is damaging.
Seth Harris, Frankston Bombers
Played nearly every game in the seniors as a 16-year-old. He’s a hard-running half back, extremely fit and highly skilled on both sides of his body. Lightly framed but tough and super competitive.
Kane Hawkins, Red Hill
Played in Red Hill’s under-19 flag in 2019 as a midfielder but has found a position as a defender in the seniors, taking the most dangerous mid-small forward each week. Not only has he defended well but he’s also found the footy — a lot. Also a gifted cricketer, a swashubuckling batsman.
Rhys Hogan, Bonbeach
Has a touch of class to go with his speed, making him an impact player either on a wing or up forward. Has over 20 games of senior experience.
Blake Kuipers, Rosebud
A national under 19 beach volleyball champion, he is relatively new to football and has huge upside. Played in most positions this season and turned heads. Was one of the Buds’ best in their win over Frankston YCW.
Zac Maynard, Rosebud
The teenager has had the responsibility of picking up the second or third tall in games this season, and he’s done it beautifully. Played every game, has silky skills and is good overhead.
Tom McLean, Bonbeach
Fit, strong and courageous, the developing defender has attributes to play both ends of the ground. Has been among the Sharks’ best players in their past three games.
Ned Moodie, Pines
At just 17, he is one of the most talented players on the Peninsula, with super hands and great goal sense. The son of former Dandenong VFA defender and prominent local player Shane Moodie, young Ned debuted for the Stingrays earlier in the season.
Max Mourney, Mt Eliza
Emerging ruckman who has all the attributes to be a dominate player in this competition. Still learning his craft in the ruck and he can also be a key figure deep forward, twice kicking multiple goals this season.
Tyson Murray, Bonbeach
The agile former Sandringham Dragon takes a strong contested mark, is a reliable set-shot kick and is athletic.
Reece Orchard, Edi-Asp
Despite injuries, the former Stingray has shown his value when using his explosive speed and laying aggressive chase-down tackles that can change the course of the game.
Aden Phillips, Red Hill
Skillful and tough as nails mid-sized defender who is as good offensively as he is defensively, with his ability to read the play and position himself to have an impact among his many assets.
Aaron Philp, Pines
Reliable, tenacious on-baller who is a tackling machine. Can also go forward and kick goals.
Spencer Robertson, Frankston Bombers
Has come through the elite pathway program and played some excellent senior games for the Bombers either side of breaking his collarbone. A wing/forward with strong hands and is a good decision maker under pressure.
Blake Ross, Edi-Asp
After starting the season in the under 19s he got his chance in the senior side, and hasn’t looked back. Has a huge tank and speed which helps him find space. He’s also a good decision maker with ball in hand, running at 66 per cent efficiency. Puts enormous pressure on the opposition.
Jack Slattery, Dromana
Inside mid who has played every game, only small but puts his head over the ball. Tipped to be a dominant player over the next decade.
Tom Slattery, Red Hill
Tough inside mid who has a consistent ability to get first hands on the footy and his strength inside the contest allows him to get the ball to the outside. He also goes forward and kicks goals which makes him extremely dangerous.
Roan Steele, Frankston YCW
The teenager has elite skills, is adept on both sides of the body and he’s a clean, one-touch player who hits everything at high speed. Only needs a handful of touches to make an impact. Has kicked 24 goals in 12 games.
Jaxon Stuart, Edi-Asp
A quick, one-touch inside midfielder who has shown huge development this season. His clean hands and speed give him time to execute his skills. Averaging 17 disposals at 70 per cent efficiency per game, and has hit the scoreboard regularly.
Jack Sullivan, Bonbeach
He was the Sharks’ leading small forward up until a concussion in Round 8. Fast and classy, he’s booted 16 goals in eight games this season.
Liam Tidd, Rosebud
Has been highly impressive at half back this season after starting out as a half forward-wing. Uses the ball well, tackles hard and is courageous in the air.
Noah Turner, Red Hill
Tall midfielder who is both comfortable and damaging inside or outside the contest. He has fantastic line-breaking speed and a great goal sense.
Max Urwin, Pines
Smart footballer who uses the ball really well. Played 12 senior games this season, kicking three goals.
Michael Walker, Sorrento
The dashing defender has probably the biggest tank at the club and is one of its quickest players. Has amazing closing speed and can kick it a mile. Bring on next season!
Sam Webster, Mt Eliza
Speed and a bag of tricks the envy of many make Webster a fine player. Playing mainly as a small forward, his ability to connect the mids to forwards is a measure of his hard running and team work.
Lachlan Williams, Mt Eliza
The former Stingray is an athletic beast, who runs, jumps and kicks at an elite level. Has earned oppositions respect during the season and continues to deliver in key forward roles.
Taj Westworth, Pines
The classy left-footer is a former Beleura junior who had a year at the Stingrays in 2019. He debuted for Pines this year and played 10 games, mainly at half-back and on a wing. A beautiful kick of the footy, he was a designated kicker out from full-back. Has a bright future.
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