We rank the top 30 players in the Riddell District
After a cracking year of Riddell District footy, we’re celebrating our pick for the season’s best 30 players. Who makes the cut and who misses out?
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What a Riddell District season it’s been.
With the grand finals on Saturday, we’re celebrating our pick of the players of the year.
It’s no surprise to see premiership rivals Riddell and Wallan dominate our top-30.
However, such is the strength of the talent in the competition some big names miss out for various reasons – VFL commitments or injury-interrupted seasons.
The likes of Jack Jedwab and Justin Waldron (both Romsey), Mitch Jensen (Diggers Rest), Harrison Huntley (Kyneton), Marcus Stapleton (Woodend-Hesket) missed out, while Tommy Alkemade (Riddell) was also unlucky.
Check out the list below.
30. Ryan Pretty (Kyneton)
After just six senior games last season, the Tigers’ veteran produced a fine season in the club’s move to the Riddell District. Pretty bagged 28 goals in 16 appearances, kicking off the season with a bang with five goals in a match-winning display against Woodend-Hesket.
29. Matt Burkett (Romsey)
Restricted to 11 games this season, which includes the Redbacks’ elimination final, but his impact was profound. The star midfielder was in the club’s best in nine of those games and kicked 13 goals as well with a season-high four against Kyneton.
28. Jonny Ferri (Melton Centrals)
Bounced back from a couple of interrupted seasons to be one of the best defenders in the competition this season. Had plenty of work to do too with Centrals up against it most weeks. His influence highlighted by being named in the Blues’ best in 10 of his 16 games.
27. Lachlan Giles (Lancefield)
Was named in just about every position on the ground this year, from midfield to forward and back pocket and flanks at both ends. However, that didn’t stop him having an ultra consistent season in a struggling team. Giles was in the Tigers’ best in 12 of his 15 matches this season and kicked seven goals too.
26. Cody Young (Kyneton)
The 19-year-old ruckman looms as a big part of Kyneton’s future. Backed up his under-18 club best-and-fairest award last season by with 14 senior matches this season and earning a mention in the best in seven of them. Clearly enjoyed the challenge of facing the big teams, earning bests against Wallan twice, Riddell, Romsey and Macedon.
25. Lachlan Hay (Macedon)
After bursting onto the scene last season with 12 senior games, Hay cemented himself as a key player this year with a string of impressive performances. Still only 17 but already a creative spark for Macedon. He played 14 home-and-away matches and kicked 14 goals but took his game up a notch in the finals. Kicked a goal in all three finals and was among the team’s best in the shock semi-final win over Diggers Rest and preliminary final loss to Wallan.
24. Will Wiseman (Woodend-Hesket)
Arrived at Gilbert Gordon Oval this season and made a strong first impression. The key forward was a reliable target for the Hawks and finished with 25 goals in his 16 appearances. Booked ended his campaign with five goals in the opening fortnight and six in his final two appearances.
23. Brodie Gilchrist (Wallan)
Continues to rise in standing, now a bona fide senior star rather than a rising star. Still only 21, Gilchrist can make an impact either in the midfield or dashing off half-back. Didn’t miss a game this season and was in the Magpies’ best in 10 of 16 home-and-away matches, plus two big performances in the qualifying final win over Diggers and preliminary final win over Macedon.
22. Brodie Meyers (Diggers Rest)
Had to wait until Round 4 to make his Burras debut after crossing from Tatura and delivered a superb season. In 13 matches, the star forward bagged 30 goals, netting bags of five against Lancefield and Woodend-Hesket. Did his part in Diggers’ two finals, kicking two goals in each.
21. Brodie Hoyne (Macedon)
Ever reliable but Hoyne produced arguably his most consistent year of footy in 2024. Didn’t miss a game and was in the best nine times, before playing a major role in the Cats charge from fifth to the preliminary final – particularly in the stunning wins over Romsey and Diggers Rest.
20. Kamen Ogilvie (Riddell)
Returned to Melbourne after a couple of years in Queensland and Riddell would have been counting its blessings he chose it this season. The star midfielder was superb this season and in a deep pool of talent is a strong chance to earn Team of the Year honours. Played all 16 home-and-away matches and was in the best seven times. Showed his ability to hit the scoreboard too with 12 goals.
19. Riley O’Meara (Lancefield)
Showed all his class in a struggling Tigers outfit, the first-year captain never stopped trying to lift his team. Played all 16 games and was in the best in 12 of them, highlighting his influence. If Team of the Year selectors are keen to have at least one representative from every club, O’Meara is the man to be rewarded.
18. Ryan Mullen (Diggers Rest)
A career-year for the versatile Burra. Mullen played 17 of 18 matches and was in the best an impressive 10 times. Seemed to be at his best when the team’s chips were down, playing some of his best games in the final months of the season – particularly Diggers’ shock straight sets finals exit.
17. Jason Cooke (Macedon)
Only played the 10 home-and-away matches but still managed to kick 31 goals, finishing third in the goalkicking award. An ever-present danger in the Cats attack. The first-year captain then took his game to another level in Macedon’s stunning semi-final upset of Diggers Rest, bagging seven goals in a match-winning display. Kicked another two in the preliminary final loss to Wallan to finish an interrupted year on a high.
16. Evan Donoghue (Melton Centrals)
A Team of the Year contender after a superb season at centre half-back. If he hadn’t missed four games he’d be a lock and probably a little higher on this list. The move to defence this season, after making a name for himself in the ruck, proved a masterstroke as he showcased his intercept marking and ability to shut down his man. In the Blues’ best nine times in 12 games.
15. Matt Perri (Wallan)
After 33 majors last season, the evergreen spearhead up his output to 36 this season to finish second behind Dean Galea in the goalkicking charts. Perri played 15 home-and-away matches and was in the Magpies’ best seven times. In three finals, he added three goals and was in the best, despite not kicking a goal, in the semi-final loss to Riddell.
14. Corey Pertzel (Romsey)
Has been super consistent since bursting onto the scene in 2022. Pertzel has played 51 of 52 games in that time, kicked 40 goals and been in his club’s best 37 times. Extraordinary for a 21-year-old. Played all 17 games this season, kicked 11 goals and was in the best 11 times. In the running to win his second club best-and-fairest.
13. Josh Grabham (Riddell)
Returned from a knee reconstruction with a bang this season. The Bombers skipper and star big man hasn’t missed a game as his club has marched to the minor premiership and now prepares for Saturday’s grand final. Was in the best eight times.
12. Sean Morris (Wallan)
A warrior in the Magpies’ midfield, racking up possessions and tackles. Didn’t miss a game during the home-and-away season, playing all 16 games, kicking 13 goals and earning a mention in the best 10 times. An untimely injury saw him miss Wallan’s qualifying, semi and preliminary finals but no doubt he’ll be doing everything in his power to be ready for the grand final.
11. Campbell Wearne (Diggers Rest)
Came across from Essendon Doutta Stars and brought Premier Division class with him. Was super consistent in his first season at Bloomdale Oval, playing all 16 home-and-away matches and earning a mention in the best 11 times, as well as both of Diggers’ finals.
10. Caleb Fisher (Kyneton)
All class leading the Tigers’ midfield in its Riddell District debut season. Reading into basic stats, clearly took his game to a new level in the new competition, going from two mentions in the best and zero goals in 18 Bendigo league matches to 10 bests and 13 goals in 16 outings this season.
9. Reuben Rode (Wallan)
The dashing midfielder joined an already elite Magpies midfield and elevated it with his outside run and delivery. Played all 16 games in the regular season, hit the scoreboard with 15 goals and was in the best eight times. Team of the Year beckons.
8. Ben Sonogan (Riddell)
Arguably the top defender in the Riddell District. Sonogan is just as strong shutting down his opponent as he is flying for intercept marks to repel opposition attacks. Played 14 home-and-away games and was in the best in 10 of them, marshalling the competition’s most stingy backline.
7. Dean Galea (Riddell)
Add another medal to the tally. Galea kicks goals for fun and has been doing it for decades. At 39, he’s done it again, claiming the Riddell District goalkicking title with 50 goals. Played all 16 games, highlighting his durability, and kicked at least one goal in every game. Booted bags of eight against Macedon and six against Kyneton and Romsey.
6. Nathan Blair (Romsey)
The Redbacks skipper – and newly announced coach – bounced back superbly in 2024. After just 10 games last year, Blair didn’t miss a game this season and was named in the best 13 times. Another club best-and-fairest and RDFNL Team of the Year nod look strong chances and given the club’s successful home-and-away season, a Bowen Medal chance too.
5. Dylan Tarczon (Riddell)
We named him the No.1 player last year but slides back to fifth after being limited to 12 games this home-and-away season. Still booted 21 goals and was named in the best in eight of those appearances, highlighting his impact. Loves the big stage and is sure to play a critical role in Riddell’s grand final plans.
4. Matt Dick (Macedon)
No coincidence the former AFL-listed gun returned and Macedon returned to finals. A game-breaker wherever he plays. Played 13 home-and-away games and was in the Cats’ best eight times. Was huge down the stretch, among the best in the final five games of the season to lift the club into finals and the elimination final win over Romsey too. However, in a significant blow, missed the club’s preliminary final loss.
3. Chris Stewart (Wallan)
Little argument Stewart was the dominant ruckman in the RDFNL this season. Brought untold class and leadership to the Magpies, a key factor in the club’s rise to grand finalists on Saturday. Didn’t miss a game this season and kicked 18 goals, plus five more in three finals, and was named in the best 11 times. A Team of the Year lock and a major contender for the Bowen Medal.
2. Shaun Campbell (Diggers Rest)
Was leading the league goalkicking in the opening month, booting 12 goals in four games, including seven against Melton Centrals. Then settled into a more consistent midfield role, given free-rein to roam the ground. Finished the home-and-away season with 13 games, 20 goals and was named in the best 10 times. Was also among the Burras’ best in both its finals. Takes the coaching reins next season.
1. Daniel Toman (Woodend-Hesket)
Was super in a strong Hawks team last season – 10 goals, 12 bests in 20 games. Was superhuman this season when his club needed him most – 20 goals and 14 bests in 16 games. The reigning Bowen Medallist is odds on to go back-to-back despite Woodend’s struggles. Was a constant Premier Data Player of the Week winner, averaging close to 40 touches a week.
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