Named: 20 players to decide the MPFNL Div 1 premiership

With four rounds of the MPFNL Division 1 season remaining, we identify the 20 most influential players on the run to the finals.

Big games are a stage for big players.

With four rounds of the MPFNL Division 1 season remaining, it’s time to identify the 20 most influential players on the run to the finals.

These men are likely to decide the 2024 premiership.

DIVISION 1

Jake Aarts, Dromana

The former Richmond gun is having another outstanding season, getting stacks of the ball and impacting games.

Finlay Bayne, Mt Eliza

Leads the competition in disposals; a real smooth mover who is pivotal to the Redlegs’ flag tilt with his skill and class.

Jack Beverley, Sorrento

Jack Beverley of Sorrento. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

The former Subiaco midfielder has been a consistent and vital player in Sorrento’s rise to fourth spot this season. A tackling machine, he gives the Sharks grunt.

Liam Buxton, Sorrento

Buxton’s strength and big frame at stoppages gives the Sharks first look at a lot of the contests.

Chris Carey, Mt Eliza

A key reason why the Redlegs are sitting in second spot. The star ruckman has played every game. He makes his teammates walk taller.

Jake Carosella, Rosebud

One of the best clearance players in the league and fast establishing himself as a top-class midfielder.

Dylan Clarke, Sorrento

The ex-Essendon midfielder has hit the MPFNL like a meteor, helping to put the Sharks into finals contention. He’s due to return from a brief overseas holiday in the coming weeks.

Stephen Cumming, Rosebud

Liam Buxton of Sorrento and Stephen Cumming of Rosebud compete in the ruck. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

The ruckman is crucial to the Buds; he gets them going in the middle and never stops.

Riley D’Arcy, Frankston YCW

Riley D'Arcy in action for Frankston YCW. Picture: Alan Dillon

Strong, competitive, passionate…D’Arcy has been one of the recruits of the season with 51 goals. One of the best marks in the league. His influence will be vital over the next six weeks.

Sam Fowler, Dromana

Sam Fowler of the Tigers celebrates kicking a goal. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

In a team stacked with X factor, Fowler is the player who makes you go, ‘Wow’. He’s got speed, footy smarts and exceptional game sense.

Billy Geurts, Dromana

Billy Geurts of Dromana. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

The champion ruckman has had another exceptional season and he always goes to another level when the stakes are high.

Luca Goonan, Frankston YCW

Luca Goonan with the ball for Frankston YCW. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Powerful onballer who is YC’s barometer. So much of their attack starts with him in the middle.

Michael Griechen, Red Hill

The tough and determined left-foot midfielder has racked up possessions and pressure acts, helping to rally the Hillmen this season.

Johnathan Haidon, Pines

The former VFL player is in the midst of an exceptional season; he’s invariably in the best when Pines win.

Billy Hartung, Rosebud

Billy Hartung of Rosebud runs with the ball. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

The ex-AFL speedster has been terrific for the Buds and he’ll be relied on to show the way in the coming weeks as the Buds endeavour to snatch a finals berth.

Oliver Jackson, Red Hill

Has kicked 32 goals to emerge as an important part of Red Hill’s finals quest. A strong target inside 50.

Fraser Phillips, Mt Eliza

The former Carlton-lister can play forward or back and was best-on-ground in the Redlegs’ win over Sorrento. Hitting his straps at the right time.

Billy Quigley, Dromana

The Tigers captain is building into top form and he’s the man to inspire the defending champions over the next two months.

Charlie Robinson-Cay, Red Hill

Charlie Robinson-Cay is an exciting talent. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Regarded by some as the best young player in the league, the skilful midfielder will be key as Red Hill looks to hold onto its spot in the top five.