The best under-21 footy players in MPNFL Division 2
Talent ran deep in MPNFL Division 2 this season. We’ve named 30 of the best under 21 players. Here’s who made the list.
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The MPNFL Division 2 season was building to an exciting finals series before lockdown hit.
The standard of the competition improved in 2021 with the emergence of a heap of exciting young talent.
Here are the top 30 under 21s we’ve rated this season.
Isaac Barassi, Devon Meadows
A distant relative of the legendary Ron Barassi, the small forward and on-baller served the Panthers well this season after coming across from Doncaster, kicking 13 goals.
Ishak Bashir, Seaford
The inside midfielder has had an immense impact with the Tigers as a gun stoppage player. Was a member the Frankston Dolphins’ development squad.
Jett Bauer, Crib Point
The Magpies’ starting midfielder had a taste of senior footy in 2018 and ‘19 and has gone to another level this season. Has skill, strength and courage and is regarded as a future leader of the club.
Corey Battams, Karingal
The reliable defender averaged 23 possessions per game for the Bulls, pinging off half back and setting up attacks. He also nailed six goals.
Tom Buckley, Hastings
The 17-year-old made a sparkling debut late in the season, slotting four goals to help the Blues to a rousing win over Karingal. Bring on season 2022!
Matthew Caine, Mornington
Has had a splendid season as a key back, he’s super competitive and rarely beaten. Brave, reads the ball well and can play on all sizes.
Luke Daniel, Pearcedale
Exciting mid-size forward who kicked 42 goals in his 13 games, including six and seven in successive weeks. Big bodied and good at working his opponent under the footy. “Give him two steps and he will kick a goal,’’ Dales coach Boris Hamilton says..
Joel Filippone, Seaford
The midfielder and half forward is a strong, powerful player who has the physical attributes to change a game really quickly. Great evasive skills and knows where the goals are.
Tom Finn, Hastings
A wingman and forward who has pace, footy smarts and is strong for his age. He played a mix of under 19s and seniors this season, with his best game coming in the last round.
Josh Guinea, Tyabb
Classy left-footer who started the season in the under 19s, came into the senior side in Round 7 and held his place as a wingman and backman. Has great finishing skills and can seriously play.
Lachy Haskett, Somerville
Has developed into a vital player for the Eagles. He’s agile, tough and a great decision maker who uses the ball well, tackles hard and enjoys a goal.
Nathan Heath, Mornington
Bulldogs coach Simon Goosey sparks up when talking about Heath. “He’s a jet,’’ he says. “Midfielder or half back, he’s one of the best ball users in the comp.’’ Rival clubs are starting to get to know how damaging he can be.
Tom Hughes, Rye
The small forward had a superb start to his senior career, topping the Demons’ goal tally with 28, including two bags of five. He flourishes under pressure, too, as he showed when he slotted the matchwinner in the last minute against Chelsea last month.
Jaiden Jakubenko, Langwarrin
Made his senior debut at the start of the season and hasn’t looked back. He’s filled every hole required, including going into the midfield where’s he’s stood up. Played his best footy down back but has done well up forward, too. No frills, runs straight and is courageous.
Ty Kirkwood, Devon Meadows
The big power forward played nine games in the seniors even though he was eligible for Under 17s. Was named Devon’s best player against Langwarrin. Has a bright future.
Seth Kelly, Karingal
The Under 19-eligible high half forward played every game for the Bulls, kicking 18 goals. He always has a goal assist and has four or five score involvements every week on the back of his pressure. Accumulates the footy well, too.
Mitch Mantell, Somerville
The rangy defender, who played 16 senior games in 2019 and 10 this year, is rarely beaten in the air. He’s also a neat ball user, making him a key Eagle.
Nick Mason, Somerville
The Eagles’ 2019 best and fairest winner has been one of their best players again this season and was in blisterring form before the latest lockdown. An elite ball user and decision maker. “Pure class,’’ as coach Brad Canavan says.
Jayden Macnab, Crib Point
The son of Cameron, a Cribby 2001 premiership player, 20-year-old Jayden has now played 28 senior games as a composed, skilled midfielder. He’s a player to watch.
Chad Mulvogue, Langwarrin
Exciting talent who takes the game on with genuine leg speed and good skills. Gets forward and kicks goals and has huge upside. A player of the future.
Luke Oborn, Crib Point
The 18-year-old ruckman made his senior debut in 2019 but only played four games this season due to injury. Raw but talented and has presence. He is part of the Frankston Dolphins academy.
Tom Panich, Crib Point
Burst to prominence when he fired off nine goals in a game in 2019. At just 20 he’s the Magpies’ best forward and capable of big things in the future.
Campbell Robbins, Rye
Quick, skilled and dangerous around goal, Robbins also gets plenty of the ball, keeps his feet and has a good footy brain. Reads the play well.
Nick Rowson, Rye
Fearless inside midfielder who wins his own ball. Very fit and has a knack of getting to a lot of contests. Sometimes too brave for his own good, he’s missed a few games in the past three years due to concussion.
Lee Sheehan, Crib Point
The 18-year-old forward made a lively start to his senior career, kicking multiple goals in his first three games. Very impressive in all areas.
Miles Shepherd, Crib Point
Strong marking key forward with a penetrating right foot kick. He played a game with Casey Demons in the VFL this season. Regularly impacts games, as he did with four goals against Pearcedale late in the season.
Kaolan Thornton, Pearcedale
Tall, skilful on-baller who has been a model of consistency this season. Was named in the Dales best players in nine games. Sets up goals and kicks them too.
Jon Watson, Tyabb
Quick, skilled and has sharp acceleration as he changes direction. Just like his twin, Keiren, he has a knack of leaving opponents in his wake
Keiren Watson, Tyabb
The Yabbies’ under 19s captain has blistering speed, is really agile and loves to tackle. Highly competitive and knows where the goals are.
Cruiz West, Pearcedale
Teenager with a huge future. Very raw, 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.
Patrick Wilson, Hastings
A classy forward with X-factor who the Blues think can turn into a midfielder. Good on both sides of his body.
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