We name the 50 young guns to watch in the Northern Football Netball League
The Northern Football Netball League is stacked with exciting young talent. We’ve picked out the 50 top talents to keep an eye on.
Northern
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The northern suburbs have been a rich breeding ground for footy talent since footy was invented.
So it should be no surprise when it comes to the amount of talent running around in the Northern Football Netball League.
And this isn’t even counting the many more young guns to have played VFL or Coates Talent League this year.
The likes of Adam Carafa, Finnbar Maley, Jack Maruff, Jason McCormick, Jonathan Tomasiello and Mitchell Moschetti have all played VFL.
Felix Bell, Jed Wallace, Josh Carelli, Parker Heatley, Aleksandr D’Arro and Ethan Fitzpatrick are some of the future stars in the CTL.
Check out some of the best under-23 talent to watch in the competition below.
Harrison Andronaco (Greensborough)
The young forward is on Coburg’s list but has played every game at Greensborough this season. In his first season at War Memorial Reserve, the 20-year-old has earned nine bests (third most at the club) and booted 13 goals in an impressive campaign.
Kaiden Arthur (Laurimar)
The young gun burst onto the scene last season to earn a spot on the interchange in the Division 3 Team of the Year. Has missed a couple of games this season but looms as an important part of Laurimar’s premiership push.
Nathan Baccega (Mernda)
Has entrenched himself in the Demons line-up this season, playing all 15 matches, one of only five players to do so. The 21-year-old is one of several young players that have helped Mernda end its lengthy finals drought and put it on the path to a premiership.
Zane Barker (Bundoora)
Made just two senior appearances last season but has upped that to 12 so far in 2023, making the most of his opportunities in a stacked Bulls line-up. The 22-year-old has been a solid contributor, kicking four goals and earning three mentions in the best. A critical depth player.
Zane Barzen (Heidelberg)
The 22-year-old was on Carlton’s VFL development list has year but is full-time with the Tigers this season. After playing a key defensive role in last year’s premiership win, Barzen has shifted forward in 2023 and leads Heidelberg’s offence with 35 majors in 13 appearances, including a bag of seven against Greensborough.
Ethan Bateman (Laurimar)
Turned 21 this month but despite his youth is one of the best key position players in the competition. Played mainly in the ruck last year as the Power made the grand final but has settled more at centre half-back this season. Versatility is critical to Laurimar’s premiership hopes.
Matt Bawden (Mernda)
The Division 3 Under-19 league medallist last year is only 20 but has become a key player in the resurgent Mernda team. Can play in all areas of the ground and belies his age with his ball-winning ability against bigger bodies.
Brody Bell (North Heidelberg)
Arrived from Whittlesea in the off-season and has played every game in an impressive season. The 23-year-old has become a key member of the Bulldogs’ backline with his ability to defend and generate offence. Earnt best-on-ground honours in the big Round 11 win over Bundoora.
Jayden Bell (Mernda)
The 20-year-old has played every game this season and impressed with his forward pressure and ball-winning ability when given the opportunity up field. Doesn’t mind the big games having earnt mentions in the best against Kinglake, Laurimar and Heidelberg West.
Brock Binion (Montmorency)
The younger brother of captain Sam is quietly becoming a key player at Montmorency. At just 19, Binion has played all 16 games this season. Played seven games for Northern Knights and was awarded the grand final medal in the Magpies’ stunning Under-19 Division 1 premiership last season.
Mitch Brownhill (Watsonia)
The 21-year-old played all 21 games in the reserves at Montmorency last season and crossed to Watsonia for a senior opportunity. Has taken it with both hands, playing all 17 games so far. Has been an important addition that’s seen Watsonia close in on a Division 2 finals spot for the first time since 2008.
Blake Charles (Watsonia)
The leading goalkicker in Division 1 reserves last season joined Watsonia looking for more senior opportunity and immediately become a key member of the Saints attack. The 23-year-old has formed a potent combination with James Lucente this season and has 29 majors to his name in 16 appearances.
Brock Chircop (North Heidelberg)
A key player in the Bulldogs’ attack, even more so now without Shane and Brent Harvey. Has 32 majors (sixth in Division 1) in 15 appearances, with bags of seven and five against West Preston-Lakeside this season.
Charlie Cleary (Panton Hill)
Burst onto the scene with 18 games last season and has continued to impress in 2023. The 21-year-old defender has blanketed league legend Gary Moorcroft twice this season and kept several other key forwards quiet in what could be a Team of the Year campaign.
Will Cookson (Hurstbridge)
One of only six Bridges to play all 16 games so far this season and leads the club with nine mentions in the best, highlighting his stellar 2023 campaign. The 22-year-old has cemented his place in the Hurstbridge midfield and could be in line for a club best-and-fairest run.
Jordan Corelli (Macleod)
Has been hit by injury this season and been limited to just eight games but is one of Macleod’s most important players when fit. The 22-year-old will be looking to get back to full fitness in 2024 and help the Kangas back into finals.
Colm Culligan (Eltham)
An Eltham junior, Culligan returned to Central Park this season after playing in the AFL Sydney competition, where he won a Rising Star nomination with UNSW Eastern Suburbs. Still only 19 but a strongly build young forward, he will be a handful for opposition defenders for years to come.
Arben Dani (Banyule)
The flying Bear has been slightly down on his stellar 2022 season but that’s to be expected with Banyule having a harder time of it as a whole in Division 1. The 22-year-old has still played 14 games and been a key playmaker for the club.
Ethan Derrick (Kilmore)
Cemented himself as a senior player last season with 19 appearances and 14 goals but has gone to another level this season. The 21-year-old leads the Blues’ attack with 26 majors in 15 matches, taking the baton from the sidelined Bailey Taylor-Egan.
Dane Dmitrovic (Heidelberg West)
The 21-year-old flyer arrived at Heidelberg Park looking for senior football after playing at Macleod in 2022 and has showcased his exciting attributes. One of only five Hawks to play all 15 games and has improved greatly with opportunity.
Andrew Elward (Diamond Creek)
Played six senior games last season but the 20-year-old has exploded this year and become a key part of Andrew Tranquilli’s side. Has missed just the one game with injury and slotted straight back in when fit. Internal development a key factor in Diamond Creek’s rise.
Ben Fisher (Greensborough)
The 20-year-old has been given the unenviable task of trying to fill Nick Riddle’s boots at full-back and done a fine job. Missed eight weeks earlier in the season but has returned and will be a key player if the Borough are to make an impact come finals time.
Blake Fitzgerald (Hurstbridge)
Already one of the best young talents in the NFNL, Fitzgerald crossed from Whittlesea in the off-season and has continued his outstanding form for Hurstbridge. The 21-year-old has played all 21 games and been an important part in the Bridges finals push.
Seb Francis-Perkins (Old Eltham Collegians)
Cemented his place in the Turtles senior line-up as a 17-year-old and is now arguably the club’s No.1 midfielder at 18. Francis-Perkins was running third in the Division 3 Coaches’ MVP voting when it went behind closed doors.
Josh Hamilton (North Heidelberg)
On North Melbourne’s VFL list but hasn’t played a game this season. Fresh off the Northern Knights list, Hamilton is already a key member of North’s defence with his eye-catching run-and-carry. Has earnt seven mentions in the best in his 15 appearances, fourth most at the club.
Jordan Hollow (Epping)
Returned to Epping after a year off and has arguably been its best player this season, highlighted by his 10 mentions in the best in 14 appearances. The 23-year-old has been impressive in midfield, fighting uphill in a team that is regularly beaten.
Nathan Howard (Greensborough)
The 21-year-old big man swapped Bundoora for Greensborough this season and has blossomed with opportunity. Won the Division 1 reserves grand final medal when left out of the Bulls senior team and has played 13 senior matches this season, forming a strong ruck combination with Jamie Smith.
Zach Hudson (Macleod)
One of the recruits of the year having crossed from St Mary’s looking for a higher standard of football. Has adapted to Division 1 with aplomb, tackling some of the best rucks in local footy. The 23-year-old has been in the Kangas best in seven of his 14 appearances.
Liam Jolly (South Morang)
The young tall burst onto the scene last year as the Lions won the Division 3 premiership and has continued to play a key role in their stunning rise up the Division 2 ladder. Has 23 goals in 15 appearances and is an important back-up to ruck Nathan Stefanile.
Kyle Kankaanpaa (Montmorency)
The former Northern Knight made six senior appearances last season and was part of the Magpies’ Under-19 Division 1 premiership. Kankaanpaa has made the leap to the senior team this year, playing 13 games and was instrumental in the win over reigning premier Heidelberg.
Deacon Kalpakis (South Morang)
One of only two Lions to have played every game this season, a terrific achievement at just 19. Plays a key role for Gary Hall too, underlined by his best-on-ground performances for Morang against competition heavyweights Diamond Creek and Eltham.
Mitchell Kalpakis (South Morang)
Hard to believe Kalpakis is still only 20 (he turns 21 on August 18, so happy birthday). A bona fide star of the competition as a two-time Team of the Year centre half-back in Division 3 and it wouldn’t surprise if he’s in the running against this year in Division 2. Has played all bar one game and is a rock in defence.
Dayne Kellett (Mernda)
Kellett’s, along with several other young guns’, improvement is a major factor in Mernda’s rise this season. After eight games last season, the 22-year-old has played 14 matches this season and been among the best in seven of them.
Jai Langford (Laurimar)
Made his senior debut this season at just 17 and has cemented his place in the premiership favourites. Now 18, Langford provides fierce forward pressure and has 14 goals in 13 appearances.
Joel Lawson (Laurimar)
Burst onto the scene last season with 31 goals in 17 appearances, finishing ninth in the competition goalkicking award, and has carried on this year. Lawson, 19, is Laurimar’s second leading goalkicker with 24 majors in 13 appearances and seven mentions in the best.
Lawrence Lopiccolo (Thomastown)
Already a bona fide star of the competition after earning a place in the Division 2 Team of the Year last season. The 22-year-old continues to impress as the Bears’ No.1 midfielder and was sitting equal fifth in Coaches’ MVP voting when it went behind closed doors.
James Lucente (Watsonia)
Given the keys to the Saints attack this season and finished the campaign as the NFNL Division 2 leading goalkicker. The 22-year-old came through the Northern Knights and made his senior debut for Macleod before arriving at Watsonia. A big part of the club’s group of talented youngsters.
Ethan Luke (Greensborough)
Didn’t miss a game last season and kicked nine goals but has taken his game to a new level in 2023. The 22-year-old has 19 majors in 16 senior appearances to be the Borough’s second leading goalkicker.
Huon Macgibbon (St Mary’s)
Played all 17 games last year on his way to becoming arguably the Burras No.1 key defender and has featured in every game so far this season too. However, importantly, has upped his influence, going from just two mentions in the best in 2022 to seven this year.
Noah Mooney (Laurimar)
At just 18, the young gun is playing the hardest position in the game – centre half-forward – and doing it well. Mooney has 14 games and kicked eight goals last season and has upped that output to 22 majors (third most at the club) in 15 appearances.
Harry O’Brien (Hurstbridge)
Arrived at Ben Frilay Oval from West Gippsland club Phillip Island and has fitted in seamlessly. The 20-year-old has played 15 games and earned six mentions in the best, including best-on-ground performances in both meetings with reigning premier Heidelberg.
Lachie Potter (South Morang)
Returned to his junior club this season after a Team of the Year campaign with Watsonia in 2022. The former Northern Knight has been a big part of the Lions success this season in stepping up to NFNL Division 2, playing 17 matches and earning a mention in the best five times, including a best-on-ground display in the season-opening win over St Mary’s.
Daniel Rakhlin (Epping)
At just 18, Rakhlin leads Epping’s goalkicking with 23 majors in 16 appearances highlighting his potential. Has three bags of four, the first in the win over Lower Plenty and also against finalists South Morang and Watsonia. Will be an in-demand recruit in the off-season if he decides to leave the Pingers.
Liam Rushton-McCoach (Old Eltham Collegians)
Crossed from Eltham in the off-season looking for more senior opportunities and has cemented his place in the Turtles line-up, playing all but one game. A clean defender who can stop his opponent while also creating bounce off half-back.
Jarred Seiter (Montmorency)
Played seven games for Northern Knights last season and made his senior debut. Was one of Montmorency’s best in its stunning Under-19 Division 1 premiership and has made an impressive transition to senior football, playing all 16 games so far.
Angus Seivers (Greensborough)
Hard to believe he’s still 19 given his size and experience. Is already a leader of Greensborough’s backline and probably gets marked harshly given the expectations. A Team of the Year candidate.
Jordan Smith (Greensborough)
One of only five Borough players to play all 16 games so far. After five games in 2021, the 19-year-old hasn’t missed a game since underlining his importance to the team. Seven goals and five times in the best this year.
Brixton Timewell (Lower Plenty)
The 22-year-old played 10 senior games in a strong Lower Plenty side last season but has stepped up this year in difficult circumstances to play 16. After the departure of several players, Timewell has taken on more responsibility and been a bright light in a tough year for the Bears.
Kai Turner (Mernda)
After 17 games last season has been restricted to 13 appearances this season but remains a key player across half-back for the Demons. At 19, already an accomplished intercept mark and clean user of the ball.
Kobe van Zwienen (Watsonia)
The 22-year-old has been a star for Watsonia for several seasons but has taken his game to a new level this season. The older brother of Teague has played all 17 games and earned a mention in the best eight times – second most at the club.
Teague van Zwienen (Watsonia)
The younger brother of Kobe has had a tougher time of it this season, playing just the six games, after 17 in 2022. When fit Teague, 20, is a key member of the Saints defence and will be desperately hoping to get back for a potential finals campaign.
Micah Vecchio (Laurimar)
In his first full season of senior football, Vecchio has become a key part of the Power’s attack. The 18-year-old has 19 goals in 13 appearances, fourth most at the club, and will be a key contributor as Laurimar hunts premiership glory.
Riley Vincent (Mernda)
Has been a rising star at Mernda for several years and is now one of the leading defenders in the competition. The 22-year-old is one of the few to keep league-leading goalkicker Matt Williamson quiet and a big reason behind the Demons’ premiership campaign.
Dane Whitnall (North Heidelberg)
The 20-year-old has impressed in his first season at the Kennell. Capable of playing at either end, having made his name as a defender at Calder Cannons and Craigieburn, Whitnall has shown he has an eye for goal with 13 majors.
Montmorency captain to be given until final minute
Montmorency is through to its first NFNL Division 1 grand final since 2013 and will give skipper Stef Uzelac until the final second to prove his fitness.
Ex-AFL names star on local footy’s biggest stage
Local footy grand finals were highlighted by stunning performances from ex-AFL names and even a state cricketer. Here’s a full wrap from across Victoria.