We rank the top 40 players in NFNL Division 1
The NFNL Division 1 is stacked with talent. Ahead of a blockbuster grand final, we’ve handpicked the top 40 talents of the year. See who makes the cut.
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The NFNL Division 1 is stacked with elite talent.
It’s no easy task to whittle it down to the top players of 2024.
Ahead of a blockbuster grand final between Heidelberg and Montmorency on Saturday we’re celebrating our picks for the best of the best.
It might surprise to see Greensborough lead the way with six selections, while Heidelberg has five players included.
Such is the depth of talent, the likes of Lewin Davis and Riley Loton (Banyule), Lachlan Smith and Jesse Tardio (North Heidelberg), Joel Naylor (Hurstbridge) and Brody Tardio (Heidelberg) can consider themselves desperately unlucky.
40. Mitch Hymus (Hurstbridge)
Arguably a career year for the Bridges midfielder. One of the leading ball-winners in the competition, who used his elite kicking skills to consistently put his team on the attack. Played 18 games and was in the best 10 times, highlighting his influence.
39. Patrick Fitzgerald (Montmorency)
The legendary goalkicker’s lowest return since 33 goals in 2011. However, he still booted 40 majors – good enough for fifth most in the competition – with bags of seven against Macleod and five against Eltham and Greensborough and added two more in two finals. Would be heartbreaking for the Magpies great to miss Saturday’s grand final.
38. Sam Green (Bundoora)
Only played the two VFL games at Port Melbourne, much to Bundoora’s benefit. The Tasmanian ruckman was excellent in his first season at Yulong Reserve. Won plenty of the ball around the ground, impressing with his athleticism. Clearly impressed the Bulls’ coaching staff, earning eight bests in 15 matches.
37. Darcy Hogg (Macleod)
Only played the 12 games, restricted due to VFL duties at Carlton, but was still among the best ball-winners in the competition. Such was his impact when he was available, the young gun was in Macleod’s best in nine of 12 games. Also kicked seven goals.
36. Tim Martin (Banyule)
Returned to Beverley Oval with a bang, immediately stamping his authority on the competition as one of the best big men. Played 14 games and was in the best just the five times but that’s probably underselling his value a bit as he consistently gave his onballers first use.
35. Felix Dreher (West Preston-Lakeside)
Could have been much higher but his excellent early-season form saw him picked up by VFL club Northern Bullants. Dreher ended up playing six games and was in the best four times there. For the Roosters, he finished with 12 games and was in the best six times.
34. Angus Seivers (Greensborough)
Another who’s strong play saw him drafted into the VFL ranks, this time at Collingwood. The gun defender played five games for the Magpies. Played 17 games for the Borough, returning for the club’s finals run starring in the semi-final win and preliminary final loss. Had a strong impact across the season though, in Greensborough’s best eight times in 14 home-and-away appearances.
33. Jack Stewart (Hurstbridge)
One of the unsung guns of the competition and has been improving every year. Produced arguably a career-best season in 2024, showcasing his ability to intercept the ball and help turn defence into offence for the Bridge. Was in the best seven times in 19 matches.
32. Jack Langford (Banyule)
Tied for the Bears’ goalkicking award with Daniel Owen on 25 majors but did it in 14 games to McCormick’s 17. Langford’s versatility is such a weapon for Banyule, able to use him back, forward and in the ruck and know he’s produce. Was in the best eight times in those 14 games, highlighting his impact.
31. Brody Glenn (Greensborough)
A breakout season for the 20-year-old, playing all 21 games and kicking 44 goals. Finished seventh in the league goalkicking with 34 majors before exploding in the finals with 10 goals to help fire Greensborough all the way from fifth to the preliminary final. The No.1 small forward in the competition.
30. Jackson Davies (Bundoora)
Had far more work to do this season in Bundoora’s defence and stepped up strongly when the club needed him most. Missed a couple of games early in the year but returned to be one of the Bulls’ best on a weekly basis. Was in the best eight times in the last 11 games as he played a key role in keeping his club in the top flight.
29. Zach Hudson (Macleod)
Another big year leading the way for the Kangas in the ruck. Macleod coach Craig Hayes said the club’s season could have been even tougher without its gun big man. That influence reflected in his 13 mentions in the best – fifth most in the league – in 17 matches. Also hit the scoreboard with nine goals.
28. Kristian Ferronato (Greensborough)
Played six VFL games for Carlton but when he was wearing green, the 19-year-old took his game to another level. Won plenty of the pill, inside and outside, and thrives on the contest. Ended up playing 15 games for Greensborough, kicked 10 goals and was in the best a staggering 11 times. Would be higher if not for 12 home-and-away matches.
27. Declan Ayres (Eltham)
One of the best, if not the best, defender in Division 2 last season and brought that form with him to the top flight. Was a consistent saviour for the Panthers as its defence was often under the pump this season. That impact showcased by being 11 times in the best in 18 matches.
26. Zak McCubbin (Greensborough)
Returned to War Memorial Reserve this season and was a major factor in the club’s return to finals and then dream preliminary final run. Kicked 31 goals in 18 home-and-away matches and added another seven majors in three finals but more importantly set up so much of the Borough’s attack. Was a creative force this season.
25. Zane Barzen (Heidelberg)
We don’t play for individual awards but you could argue an overseas holiday denied the Tigers key forward a crack at the league goalkicking award. Finished the season with 43 majors in 13 home-and-away appearances, ranked third in the league. Kicked a season-high five goals four times, against West Preston-Lakeside, Hurstbridge, Macleod and Banyule.
24. Darcy Barden (Macleod)
Gave everything for the Kangas this season as it tried to stave off relegation. Last year’s Team of the Year centre half-back was used in a variety of positions this season but his influence was always the same. Was in Macleod’s best 14 times in 18 appearances and kicked 26 goals. Another Team of the Year nod wouldn’t surprise.
23. Nick Matthews (North Heidelberg)
The Bulldogs defender is a forward’s nightmare, strong enough to win one-on-one battles and still quick and agile enough to keep up on the ground. Didn’t miss a game this season, playing 20, and was in the best six times but key defenders rarely get the plaudits they deserve.
22. Will Cookson (Hurstbridge)
After a breakout season in 2023, Cookson continued to be one of the Bridges’ most productive midfielders. Capable of finding space and then hurting teams with his run-and-carry and delivery inside attacking 50m. Didn’t miss a game and was in Hurstbridge’s best eight times, while also hitting the scoreboard with 11 goals.
21. Matt Harman (West Preston-Lakeside)
The 2022 Rosbrook Medallist was arguably the business this season before going down in Round 13. Was superb in the middle of the park, winning taps and clearances, but also showed his athleticism around the ground, racking up possessions and providing an important marking target. Only played the 11 games, which hurts his ranking, yet was still running sixth in the Coaches’ MVP at Round 14.
20. Peter McEvoy (Bundoora)
The Bulls warrior played through the pain this season to make sure his club retained its Division 1 status. Didn’t seem to faze him though as he kicked 42 goals, ranked fourth in the competition, and dominated the air with his marking prowess. Was an ever-present feature in Bundoora’s best – named 11 times in 17 matches, including season-saving wins over Banyule and Macleod.
19. Tom Keys (Heidelberg)
A brilliant return to form for the 2021 Division 2 league best-and-fairest and four-time Team of the Year gun. Is a fifth nod on the cards? Started life as a Tigers with a bang, earning a perfect 10 Coaches’ MVP votes for his dominant Round 1 performance against North Heidelberg. Incredibly versatile, Keys didn’t miss a game this season and finished the season with 22 goals and 12 mentions in the best.
18. Brodie White (North Heidelberg)
Was good last year, his first at Shelley Reserve, and was superb this season, taking his game to a new level. Thrived at the contest, winning inside ball and clearances at will sometimes but showed he can also be creative when given the opportunity, consistently setting up North’s attack. Earned a perfect 10 Coaches’ MVP votes in the win over Bundoora and was in the Dogs’ best 12 times in 20 outings – including both finals – and kicked 11 goals too.
17. Dante Colosimo (West Preston-Lakeside)
Who said stepping into senior Division 1 football was hard? Colosimo, the reigning Division 1 under-19 league best-and-fairest winner and leading goalkicker, made a seamless transition in 2024. An ever-present threat in the Roosters’ forwardline, the 20-year-old finished the season as the league’s second-leading goalkicker with 53 majors in 18 matches. Was held goalless just once, and kicked bags of five four times – against Montmorency, Greensborough, Eltham and Macleod.
16. Keenan Posar (Heidelberg)
Took over the captaincy reins from Sam Gilmore and produced a classy season, helping guide the Tigers to a third straight grand final and within reach of a premiership three-peat. Moved up the ground this season and won plenty of possessions, showcasing his intercept ability as well as creativity with ball in hand. Played 18 games and was in the best seven times.
15. Lachie East (Bundoora)
Last year’s Team of the Year full-back certainly had more work to do this season and did it superbly. Arguably the competition’s No.1 key defender, a third straight Team of the Year selection looks good. The Bulls could have been in far more trouble if not for East’s intercept-marking ability and leadership in defence. That influence recognised with 15 mentions in the best in 18 appearances – second most in the league. Will be a massive lost having confirmed a return to Hurstbridge in 2025.
14. Alex Bellchambers (Eltham)
Revelled in the Panthers’ move to Division 1, returning to the club from Banyule. Was prolific, winning plenty of disposals, clearances but also doing the dirty work when his team needed him. So often involved when good things happened for Eltham this season. Was in the club’s best 11 times in 16 matches, including four of the team’s five wins as it cemented its place in the top flight.
13. Mackenzie Hogg (Macleod)
A shining light in a tough year for Macleod. Coming across from Heidelberg, the 22-year-old proved his class with an opportunity to lead the Kangas’ midfield. Featured highly in a number of statistical categories this season, often double-teaming with his brother Darcy. His influence highlighted by 12 mentions in the best and 17 goals in his 17 games.
12. Max Dreher (West Preston-Lakeside)
Was only listed in the Roosters’ best five times this season but sat fifth in the Coaches’ MVP voting when it went behind closed doors after Round 14. Only played one more game after that, which was disappointing for club and player given his importance. Missing those last three games also drops him just outside our top-10 but you would think a second straight Team of the Year nod is a big chance.
11. Dylan Clarke (Heidelberg)
Was the clear No.1 player in the competition at the half-way mark of the season but then went overseas and missed the next five games. Ended the campaign with 12 home-and-away matches, featuring in the best in nine of them. Despite missing a number of games, his early season form still had him fifth in the Coaches’ MVP voting when it went behind closed doors at Round 14.
10. Nathan Howard (Greensborough)
The No.1 ruckman in the competition and surely a maiden Team of the Year selection awaits. Dominated the centre bounce this season and around the ground with his tap work and second efforts to win clearances or clear a path for his teammates. Didn’t miss a game and was in the Borough’s best 11 times. If he can add a goalkicking string to his bow, he’d be unstoppable.
9. Marcus Lentini (Montmorency)
The reigning Division 1 Coaches’ MVP somehow flew under the radar this season with Holmes and Uzelac stealing the spotlight. However, he never ceases to produce outstanding performances. Won plenty of the ball in-and-under but also showed his creativity and ability to step up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Only played the 13 home-and-away games but was in the best in seven of them and kicked nine goals.
8. Blake Fitzgerald (Hurstbridge)
The most improved player in the competition? Hard to argue he’s not. A breakout campaign saw Fitzgerald win possessions at win, dominating on the inside and proving dangerous on the outside with his endless running. Played all 19 games for the Bridges’ this season and was in the best 11 times. Finished the year strongly, in the best five of the last six games.
7. Liam Hunt (North Heidelberg)
The gun midfielder was a shock omission from last year’s Team of the Year, surely not this season. Among the league leaders in a range of categories, stepping up with Bulldogs midfield mates Jesse Tardio and Tom Wallis restricted to 11 and 13 games respectively. Despite getting plenty of attention from rival midfielders, was still in North’s best 10 times in his 17 outings.
6. Jack Johnston (Greensborough)
Starting to run out of superlatives for the Borough captain. Short odds to earn a sixth Division 1 Team of the Year guernsey after another superb season in defence. Such is his influence off half-back with his ability to intercept but also win his own ball and create attack, oppositions teams have repeated tried and failed to stop him. If the NFNL had a Captain of the Year, he’d be a certainty.
5. Parker Heatley (North Heidelberg)
Followed in his father, and coach, Jason’s footsteps winning the Division 1 league goalkicking title with 59 goals. An incredible achievement for a 19-year-old in his first full season of senior football. Kicked a season-high nine against Greensborough and also bagged six three times, against West Preston-Lakeside, Banyule and Montmorency. Had a quiet finals series but will only be better for the experience.
4. Kye Yodgee (Banyule)
A career-best season for the Bears star, rocketing into the top echelon of midfielders in the competition. Earned a pair of perfect 10s in the Coaches’ MVP – against Montmorency and Macleod – and was sitting equal third at Round 14. Thrived on the contest, getting in and under, winning clearances or farming the ball out to running teammates. Also kicked 13 goals in his 18 matches. A Team of the Year debut is surely guaranteed.
3. Stef Uzelac (Montmorency)
Said on Twitter at half-time of Monty’s Round 1 game against Bundoora that Uzelac would be the centre half-back in the Team of the Year. I’m feeling pretty confident about that prediction at the Magpies’ co-captain produced arguably a career-best year. His flexibility is a huge weapon but his production never waned. Was running third in the Coaches’ MVP voting at Round 14. Is racing the clock to be fit for Saturday’s Division 1 grand final, which would be a huge boost to Montmorency’s chances.
2. Luke Bunker (Heidelberg)
The former Coburg VFL best-and-fairest winner rediscovered that level of form this season and could finish the season with a swag of accolades. Was leading the Division 1 Coaches’ MVP by a considerable 23 points when it went behind closed doors with four rounds remaining. He’s also a warm favourite for the Rosbrook Medal and surely Heidelberg’s best-and-fairest too. His influence highlighted by a remarkable 17 mentions in the best in his 19 matches. Twice earned perfect 10 Coaches’ MVP votes – against Eltham and Banyule.
1. Nash Holmes (Montmorency)
A toss-up between Bunker and Holmes but the Montmorency recruit takes top spot thanks to his significant scoreboard impact. The gun midfielder kicked 25 goals in his 16 home-and-away matches. Holmes was sitting second, behind Bunker, in the Coaches’ MVP voting when it went behind closed doors but was the only player to received three perfect 10 votes in that time, showing out against North Heidelberg, Greensborough and Hurstbridge. An untimely Round 18 suspension though could make for an awkward Rosbrook Medal night.
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