MPNFL: Top 40 Division 2 players of the 2021 season revealed
With nine rounds of football played in MPNFL Division 2 this season, we’ve listed the best players in the competition so far.
Mornington
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It’s been a cracking start to the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League Division 2 season, with no shortage of influential players through the opening nine rounds
Stars from ladder-leader Langwarrin, Seaford and Mornington feature prominently in our top 40 of 2021.
Those who had played less than four games this season were ruled ineligible.
Here’s our best — in alphabetical order.
Zach Andrewartha, Langwarrin
After making Sandringham’s VFL list last year, the dedicated 21-year-old has established himself as one of the comp’s premier midfielders this season. Supremely fit and driven to be the best he can be.
David Barton, Chelsea
Running machine. Quality midfielder who works his backside off both ways.
Mark Baguley, Langwarrin
The former Essendon 134-gamer has played mainly up forward, kicking 12 goals. He’s also spent time in the midfield and has been terrific. Good ball user and quality teammate.
Ishak Bashir, Seaford
Enjoying a breakout year, the 21-year-old is the Tigers’ most important midfielder. Superb at the stoppages. He’s a member of the Frankston Dolphins’ academy.
Connor Benwell, Pearcedale
A tall, wiry half-back who can play key position, or small. Possesses pace and can jump. Reads the play exceptionally well and has no fear. Takes intercept marks.
Nick Braund, Seaford
Smooth-moving wingman, who is quick and agile and doesn’t get sucked into the contest. He’s averaging about 25 disposals a game. Very consistent.
Tim Broomhead, Seaford
The former Collingwood midfielder has been superb for the Tigers. Classy, damaging and the best kick in the team, Broomhead also kicks goals — he has 20 so far.
Jackson Calder, Mornington
The rangy spearhead came straight out of a splendid summer season in Darwin and has run hot, kicking 50 goals from his nine games, including bags of 11, nine and eight. His improved marking has been a feature.
Tom Curren, Karingal
The former AFL Saint has been brilliant for the Bulls and is probably leading the league medal. He cops plenty of attention but is good enough to still find plenty of the ball. Brings professionalism to local footy, and works harder than any bloke sitting on him.
Zane Carter, Chelsea
Seagulls watchers suggest the half-back flanker with an elite left-foot kick has been the club’s most consistent player this year. Capable of playing at a higher level.
Mitch Cuthbert, Langwarrin
Arguably the best defender in the competition. Tall, athletic and rarely beaten.
Luke Daniel, Pearcedale
Exciting mid-size forward who has slotted 32 goals in his nine games, including six and seven in successive weeks. Big bodied, really good goal awareness and good at working his opponent under the footy. Give him two steps and he will kick a goal.
Jack Francis, Chelsea
Been playing wing, midfield and as a high forward. His running capacity is huge and has relished an opportunity to play around the ball more. Has kicked 27 goals in his nine games this season, including a bag of nine against Tyabb in a sizzling display.
Todd Gardiner, Chelsea
The league medallist and four-time club best and fairest winner continues to set high standards in the Seagulls midfield. Has been in the best players in nearly every game.
William Goosey, Mornington
Versatile customer enjoying a cracking season. Started down back but has made an impact in the middle and up forward. Understands the game and takes a good mark, Goosey leads the Bulldogs in marks and tackles inside fifty. Had 20 tackles against Chelsea.
Nathan Gray, Hastings
Premiership Blue who has taken on a midfield role this season and excelled, impressing all with his skill, pace and execution.
Sam Glenn, Karingal
Plays half forward, finds plenty of his own footy and works hard up and down the ground. Is up to 15 goals.
Matt Hill, Rye
The running defender racks up a lot of possessions and uses the ball well...influential off half-back for the Demons, negating attacks and then creating them.
Joel Hillis, Devon Meadows
Highly skilled midfielder who has all the tricks. Polished on both sides of his body, the Panthers do well when he’s got the ball in his hands.
Rory Hillis, Devon Meadows
The in-and-under ball magnet has been in the Panthers’ best players in nearly every game this season. Coach Neil Craig would love another 16 of him.
Scott Jansen, Karingal
Inside mid averaging 30 touches a week, he also kicks goals. Works well with his best mate, Tom Curren. They bring out the best in each other.
Kane McKenzie, Somerville
Versatile, elite defender who prepares better than anyone. Strong competitor. Rarely beaten and sets the standard for the Eagles.
Chad Mulvogue, Langwarrin
The former Under 19 gun has made a smooth transition to senior ranks. Has got some real x-factor, is a high possession winner and loves to kick a goal. And his best is still ahead.
Matthew Naughton, Langwarrin
The man known as “Big Red’’ stands tall at the league’s No 1 ruckman. Wins a stack of hit-outs, is a tower of strength and rarely plays a bad game for the Kangas.
Matt North, Mornington
Has established himself as one of the best centre half-forwards in the comp since crossing from Balwyn. Kicked the winning goal against Devon Meadows.
Blake Peach, Langwarrin
Gun midfielder, his fitness has gone to another level and he’s so consistent and reliable, setting the standard for the undefeated Kangaroos. Has elite endurance.
Macklin Raine, Seaford
Been an outstanding addition for the Tigers in the ruck. Big and strong, and repeatedly gives the likes of Broomhead, Bashir and Rayson first use.
Damien Rayson, Seaford
The former Coburg VFL onballer oozes class, wins the ball on the inside and outside and forms a powerful double-act with Tim Broomhead.
Tom Roberts, Somerville
The former Stingrays ruckman is having a splendid season. Highly skilled, a beautiful kick of the footy and is a strong mark. Huge upside.
Luke Rowe, Somerville
Rangy, running centre half-back with long arms who runs like the wind. Reads the ball well, is good one-on-one and has the height to worry most forwards. Has a high reputation and he’s upheld it this season.
Kalani Ryan, Rye
Big, strong midfielder who goes in hard, possesses a good tank and tackles better than most.
Adrian Speedy, Mornington
Quality midfielder who gets a heap of clearances. Well balanced, hunts the ball and a reliable shot for goal.
Nick Strickland, Rye
The former Mt Eliza defender likes to take a dash and drive the ball long, and he’s done it countless times for the Demons.
Lachlan Susovich, Mornington
One of the Bulldogs’ premier defenders who is outstanding one-on-one and can attack. Takes great intercept marks and can lock down, plays tall and small. He plays above his height.
Kaolan Thornton, Pearcedale
Tall, skilful on-baller who has been a model of consistency this season. One of those players who wins praise at all clubs, not just his own.
Nicholas Tuddenham, Langwarrin
The former VFL-Dolphin did his knee three years ago but is back to his best, figuring in Langy’s best in most games this season.
Kevin Van Den Berghe, Crib Point
The Cora Lynn recruit has been a solid midfielder for the Magpies,
Aaron Walton, Seaford
Has kicked plenty of goals for the Tigers and has started this season strongly, with 21 in seven games. Did his hamstring last month but made a blazing return on the weekend with a best-on-ground display.
Cruiz West, Pearcedale
Teenager with a huge future. Very raw but can play anywhere, exceptional hands, and can play half forward or half back. He kicked four goals against Devon Meadows and has the uncanny ability to take huge marks regularly.
Lachlan Williams, Somerville
The former Frankston Dolphin is an elite runner who has been strong over the footy in the middle and spreads superbly. Silky skills.
EMERGENCIES
Matt Blair, Karingal
Quality young young ruckman who dominates the hit outs and gives his midfield first use. When the ball hits the deck he’s almost like another onballer; an endurance runner, dominates around the ground.
Matt Herbert, Seaford
The smooth-moving wingman and half-back runs strongly and is a good kick…he’s having a top season.
Brodie McConnell, Devon Meadows
Has been a great pick up for the Panthers across the backline. Takes telling marks and uses the ball well.
Jordan Pomeroy, Karingal
Big midfielder, plays the grunt role, gets a lot of contested possessions and kicks goals. Tough.
Nick Rowson, Rye
Tough 20-year-old on-baller who bores in for the ball, brings it out, and gets the Demons going.
Miles Shepherd, Crib Point
On Casey Demons’ VFL list. Classic half-back flanker who can run and mark. Big future.
Kyle Van Der Pluym, Pearcedale
A decorated midfielder who has won B&Fs and league medals, he’s class. His awareness of when to go and when not to compliments his skill set, and he makes good decisions under pressure.
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