MPNFL: top 40 Division 1 players of the 2021 season
Who have been the standouts in the first seven weeks of the season? We name the top 40 MPNFL Division 1 players.
Mornington
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The big names have not disappointed in MPNFL Division 1 so far this season.
But there’s also been a stack of “under the radar’’ players emerge.
We’ve made a top 40 list after seven rounds.
It’s been picked on form and players had to have played at least three matches.
In alphabetical order, here’s our squad of Peninsula stars:
Danny Allsop, Red Hill
Was an integral part of Red Hill’s 2019 flag and has made a dynamic start to the season. He has speed to burn and silky skills and, although he’s been tagged in recent weeks, he’s worked his way through it to remain a key player.
David Armitage, Bonbeach
The ex-AFL Saint has been consistent, with his ability to set up behind the ball and coach and direct players on the ground outstanding. And his strong body makes him hard to beat.
Nick Batsanis, Rosebud
The Doncaster East premiership captain has been excellent for the Buds with his leadership and skill. Booted nine goals in seven games.
Bailey Breen, Mt Eliza
Has been a key factor in the Redlegs’ rise this season. A strong inside midfielder who wins contested possessions and lays crunching tackles. He’s also dominant in the forward fifty and loves a goal.
Corey Buchan, Frankston Bombers
Made his name as a defender with Frankston in the VFL but has been a revelation up forward this season, kicking 15 goals. He’s consistent wherever he plays, forward, back or middle, and always seems to dominate. His size makes him hard to match up on.
Michael Bussey, Edi-Asp
The experienced forward has been a strong target in attack, taking many contested marks. Also pinched-hit in the ruck when his side has needed to steady the ship.
Josh Butland, Frankston YCW
Underrated by some opposition sides but highly regarded by his Stonecats teammates, Butland is one of the best forwards in the comp. Has really good hands and is also an elite kick for goal who rarely misses. Has slotted 17 goals this season, including a bag of seven against Edi-Asp in round four.
Jeremy Burton, Mt Eliza
Super quick and competitive, he’s been outstanding in the Redlegs’ wins this season. A real spark.
Nick Carlon, Edi-Asp
Key defender who takes a good opponent every week and invariably wins his duel. Plays with class and composure and takes a lot of intercept marks.
Nick Corp, Sorrento
The experienced key forward has played several cracking games this season, including a best-on-ground performance against Dromana. Strong hands and has kicked 14 goals.
BJ Credlin, Frankston YCW
The former VFL defender played as a wingman in the first five rounds but has starred since pushing back behind the footy into the backline, his natural habitat.
Lachlan Croad, Sorrento
Young ruckman enjoying a cracking season. Was in Sorrento’s best players in five successive games. Has a heart as big as you’d find and gives a contest all day. He’ll keep improving, too.
Stephen Cumming, Rosebud
Big, strong, young ruckman who works hard around the ground and has started 2021 impressively.
Trent Dennis-Lane, Bonbeach
The former Saint and Swan has only played four games but his influence has been immense — he tops the league goalkicking with 21.
Matt Douglas, Bonbeach
The Sharks full-back has only had five goals kicked on him in seven games. Goes about his job quietly and is very underrated.
Liam Frazer, Sorrento
The ex-Balwyn wingman/on-baller has made a strong start with the Sharks, his hard-running and skills impressing all.
Mitch Gent, Bonbeach
The former VFL 100-gamer has been the Sharks’ most consistent player this season in a midfield role. It’s his workrate that sets him apart from most — he works both ends of the ground.
Sam Gilbert, Bonbeach
The ex-Saint has really hit his straps in recent weeks, highlighted by his ability to cover a lot of ground. One minute he’s taking a mark in the backline and the next he’s marking in front of goals. His workrate has been elite.
Billy Geurts, Dromana
The Tigers premiership ruckman is a star. He hurts sides because he plays like a ruck rover, always working hard to get around the ground. And he kicks goals. Plays in the right manner, too — hard but fair.
Sam Geurts, Dromana
The former MPNFL interleague ball magnet has been in sizzling form, including two best-afield performances. One of those players who wins praise at all clubs, not just his own.
Luca Goonan, Frankston YCW
The powerful Casey Demons midfielder has given the Stonecats a real boost in the three games he’s played. Played with Nightcliff in Darwin over summer, along with mate Jeremy Burton.
Mitch Hallahan, Sorrento
The former AFL midfielder continues to dominate in the MPNFL. Crucial to the Sharks’ success.
Alex Harnett, Frankston Bombers
A clearance beast, the ex-Dolphin has been in the best players in nearly every game as he’s shown himself to be one of the premier onballers in the competition. Strong and determined.
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 and is averaging 25 disposals per week.
Guy Hendry, Pines
Big, strong and versatile, he rarely plays a bad game for the Pythons. Has booted 16 goals.
Ethan Johnstone, Dromana
Speedy, adventurous and brilliantly skilled, Johnstone has kicked 18 goals in six games, including two bags of five. Always has defenders looking over their shoulder.
Tom Kelly, Mt Eliza
Classy left-footer who has footy smarts and can influence a game with ease. Been very impressive this season.
Steve Mannix, Edi-Asp
The Eagles captain is a midfield bull with elite stoppage craft. Reliable and tough.
Jackson McRae, Rosebud
The powerful Buds centre half back has had a terrific start to the season, negating attacks and then creating them.
Jake Mold, Red Hill
Tough as nails and can also get to the outside and win his own footy, and uses it well. Has been setting the standard at Red Hill for a while now.
Blake Mullane, Frankston YCW
The former Frankston Dolphins captain has quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league. Sets high standards and is the first player opposition sides try to cover, hence he’s had a heavy tag in most games. Despite the attention he’s been outstanding.
Sam Pickess, Frankston Bombers
Pickess rarely gets mentioned when discussion turns to the leading players in Division 1. But he’s been a big improver and has done some big jobs this year, including negating Blake Mullane and Shane McDonald.
Myles Poholke, Sorrento
The former Adelaide Crows midfielder has made a smooth transition back to the MPNFL, racking up the possessions and also kicking 10 goals.
Harry Prior, Frankston Bombers
The former Dolphins ruckman is clearly one of the best big men in the competition and he’s versatile, capable of playing ruck, back or forward.
Billy Quigley, Dromana
Tigers watchers suggest the determined centreman has been the club’s most consistent player this year. Has kicked handy goals, too.
Jordan Rouse, Mt Eliza
The former Wodonga Raiders defender and elite junior distance runner has excelled in a range of positions for the Redlegs, including as a key back and tall forward. Supremely fit and very team focused.
Roan Steele, Frankston YCW
The 19-year-old small forward flies under the radar but has made an excellent start to his senior career. He possesses 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.
Jack Sullivan, Bonbeach
The 19-year-old has slotted 12 goals as a small forward. He’s also laid a heap of tackles and shown pace, and lots of it. Gone under the radar but is a young gun.
Shane Tennant, Mt Eliza
The Redlegs skipper is the general in defence. His teammates play better when he’s around and he doesn’t need to get the ball a lot to have a big impact. Directs and tells teammates where they should be.
Dean Waugh, Dromana
The dual premiership player started the season strongly with a best-on-ground performance against Red Hill and has maintained a high standard in the backline.
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