Rising stars: The best young players in MPFNL in 2025
The Mornington Peninsula league is bursting with young talent. We’ve named the best rising stars. Here’s who made the list.
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The next generation has arrived.
Exceptional young players are making their mark throughout the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League, and we’ve spotted the cream of the crop.
These are the standout “young guns’’ from both MPFNL divisions in 2025.
Jayden Adams, Pines
The big bodied midfielder started the season strongly but broke his collarbone in Rd 5. Returned last week and continues to develop nicely after learning his craft down back. He’s one to watch in the future.
Tyson Anic, Langwarrin
The Stingrays midfielder made an impressive senior debut in Rd 12, showcasing midfield skills and strong tackling.
Robbie Arnott, Pearcedale
Has a raking left foot with outstanding endurance levels, maintaining high-intensity performance throughout matches.
Tyson Barry, Frankston Bombers
The Cranbourne premiership player has been one of the recruits of the season in the MPFNL, kicking 33 goals and injecting X-factor into the Bombers’ dangerous forward line.
Heath Bidgood, Frankston YCW
The Box Hill VFL listed defender excels at launching attacking moves from half-back with clean skills and precise disposal.
Justin Barnes, Rye
Won Rye’s senior best and fairest as a 17-year-old two years ago and is having another cracking season, with 11 goals and eight mentions in the best in 12 games, with his speed and marking power a stand out.
Fletcher Bayne, Mt Eliza
The strongly-built defender attacks the ball aggressively, uses it well to turn defensive plays into attacking opportunities for his team.
Patrick Bloink, Frankston YCW
Under-19 eligible half-forward who impressively debuted as a bottom-ager last year and continues to excel after successful pre-season knee surgery recovery.
Mitch Bluhm, Mornington
Versatile key defender with strong hands and a booming kick who aggressively blankets elite forwards. 2023 premiership ruckman while still under-19s eligible.
Lachie Bryce, Frankston YCW
Athletic player with a booming kick who splits time between VFL and YCW, rotating forward/wing, hitting targets or shooting from outside fifty metres.
Sonny Campbell Farrell, Rye
The classy teenager has been put on Frankston’s VFL list, impressing in 11 games with Rye’s seniors this season.
Diesel Cavalcante, Bonbeach
The U19 player demonstrates exceptional ball handling skills, remaining clean and assured in possession while possessing explosive pace that threatens opposition defences.
Harry Collins, Mornington
The versatile 18-year-old tough inside midfielder has become a regular senior player, excelling forward when needed with strong scoring ability.
Ty Cull, Mornington
The versatile 20-year-old played in Mornington’s 2023 premiership and continues to excel as high-marking forward and aggressive midfielder, consistently delivering huge tackles while using his sharp left foot to hit lead-up forwards and the scoreboard.
Will Dalgleish, Pearcedale
The developing 6’2” wingman possesses a nice left foot and excellent height advantage, consistently showing impressive improvement and potential.
Noah Davies, Sorrento
The courageous 19-year-old small defender is strong, composed and skilled. Will develop nicely into a smooth moving mid. Sharks assistant coach David Flood says Davies reminds him of a young Taylor Duryea.
Jack Dickson, Edithvale-Aspendale
Tall marking defender playing consistent senior footy while learning on the run. He’s getting a grasp of when to go for his marks, building crucial self-belief, and possessing all necessary tools to become an outstanding senior footballer.
Jordan Doherty, Sorrento
The raw but super-athletic 20-year-old ruckman is on Frankston VFL’s list but has played every game for the Sharks. Runs like a midfielder and takes strong grabs consistently.
Alex Dimic, Pearcedale
The small defender in his second senior season ranks among the side’s best performers, recently showcasing impressive versatility by going forward and slotting goals.
Daniel Eason, Dromana
The versatile half back flanker provides excellent run and uses the ball well, improving every week with strong ongoing development.
Owen Everts, Bonbeach
An U19 eligible speedster with elite pace who cracks in without fear and kicks goals consistently. Very exciting developing young football talent.
Kade Foster, Hastings
Exciting talent with 29 goals in 12 games this season. Has endurance, speed, plays tall and attacks the ball at its highest point consistently.
Isaac Freene, Rosebud
The 19-year-old is a hard-working midfielder who has had back-to-back games of 20+ disposals in the seniors.
Bailey Fry, Frankston YCW
The talented 21-year-old intercept marking defender has become a crucially important and vital part of the Stonecats’ defensive structure this season.
Angus Giddings-Constable, Seaford
One of the best backs in Division 2, he’s taken some big scalps this season. Always plays on the best forward. Strong and possesses a thumping kick.
Toby Geurts, Dromana
A genuine utility who can go forward, play in the midfield, on a wing or perform a shut-down role in the backline as he did in last season’s grand final.
Ben Hopkins, Langwarrin
The North Melbourne VFL-listed player excels across half back, competing well in senior football while getting plenty of ball and using it effectively.
Finn Jakstas, Pearcedale
The talented half-back has significantly elevated his game this season, becoming one of Pearcedale’s most reliable and impressive performers.
Ben Kaddatz, Somerville
The hard-working left footer is highly competitive at the contest, uses the ball well and knows how to kick goals.
Caden Kappe, Tyabb
The tough 19-year-old midfielder starts every week for Tyabb, consistently displaying exceptional hardness and relentless determination at contested ball situations.
Fraser Marino, Bonbeach
The Stingrays ruckman made his senior debut last week, looking comfortable and composed.
Bailey McIndoe, Seaford
Tough inside mid, always farming the ball out, hard tackler and has carried responsibility without established midfielders around him.
Jaxson Mead, Frankston YCW
The talented 20-year-old is an old-fashioned centre half-forward — big, strong and consistently marks well with outstanding competitive spirit.
Jarrod Gatt, Pines
On Casey Demons’ list and has played a VFL game this year. Quick and skilled off half back. His dedication outside of footy is second to none. Hungry to play higher level footy.
Kylan Mitchell, Langwarrin
The teenager is deadly around goals. Has kicked 10 goals in six senior games this season, as well as 21 in three U19 appearances.
Tommy Muscillo, Hastings
Possesses genuine X-factor with strong aerial skills, excellent ball handling and gritty determination that makes him a valuable asset.
Darcy Murr, Frankston YCW
The 21-year-old starting midfielder plays a crucial role in the team’s engine room and provides valuable versatility going forward when needed.
Jonah O’Connor, Bonbeach
U19 playing excellent footy in the seniors, he keeps his feet and plays with poise.
Charlie Orchard, Langwarrin
The U18 Stingray has taken a big step this season, making his VFL debut at Sandringham.
Tom Payne, Mornington
Has developed his game as an exceptional defender in 2024 to an aggressive midfielder in 2025. Has a high football IQ and was added to the club’s leadership team.
Elwood Peckett, Bonbeach
The U19 eligible player has played a couple of games with Sandringham’s VFL side this season, as well as impressing at Bonny.
Noah Powell, Rosebud
The Buds’ U19 captain. Plays at centre half back in the seniors and his leadership qualities and ability to intercept have been vital.
Oliver Pullar, Red Hill
The exciting and developing key forward excels both in aerial contests and at ground level, showcasing impressive versatility and outstanding potential.
Cody Ray, Devon Meadows
The explosive Under-17 eligible has played every senior game this season, excelling as a half-forward and wingman with outstanding speed and truly exceptional skills.
Tristan Rendell, Hastings
Has a basketball background, and is explosive. Has moved into the ruck plays as a fourth onballer. As a big guy, he moves as well as anyone.
Callum Robertson, Bonbeach
The versatile U19 player excels in key positions or midfield roles, possessing great hands and dash.
Spencer Robertson, Frankston Bombers
Former top junior who overcame ACL injury, now making his mark in seniors. Good ball user and an excellent link-up player.
Jordan Robinson, Sorrento
Eligible for Under 17s. But has played the past three games in the seniors. Lightly-built but lightning quick with great skills. Has played a mix of half forward and wing. Had multiple shots on goal in each game. Tackles like a man. And very composed with the footy. He’s going to be a star.
Corey Slefendorfas, Langwarrin
The 17-year-old plays in the ruck, competing with some of the best big men in Division 1. Super competitor, no frills, rises to any challenge and loves the contest, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the group.
Jack Slocombe, Hastings
The six foot five agile player reads the ball well in the air and when the ball hits the deck he plays like a small as well.
Will Stewart, Crib Point
The tough 16-year-old genuine midfielder possesses remarkable footy IQ and hardness, earning praise for his outstanding competitive spirit.
Harvey Stuart, Red Hill
The exceptionally fit inside midfielder can run all day, uses the ball expertly, and displays outstanding balance in both offensive and defensive situations.
Clancy Stuart, Red Hill
The bull inside midfielder loves physicality and thrives on contact, consistently displaying exceptional ball-handling skills and composure especially under intense defensive pressure.
Tom Strange, Bonbeach
The teenager has emerged from nowhere this season, combining impressive speed with a strong physical build.
Archie Stringer, Mt Eliza
Outstanding young defender who leads the Redlegs in intercept possessions and uses handball very effectively to launch attacking plays from defence.
Jackson Tanner, Mt Eliza
Medium forward/midfielder who finds the footy and distributes it with slick handball, and can kick a goal.
Flynn Walker, Frankston Bombers
Has been a forward but is now making his mark in the backline, reads the ball well and his ability to intercept and have an impact aerially has been impressive.
Max Walker, Edithvale-Aspendale
The phenomenally athletic 20-year-old workhorse displays non-stop work rate, excelling overhead and accurately kicking crucial goals with outstanding endurance and commitment.
Jon Watson, Tyabb
The relentless 21-year-old celebrated his 50th game milestone recently, and consistently provides exceptional defensive pressure.
Zac Weller, Edithvale-Aspendale
The exceptionally clean teen excels in his higher half-forward role, displaying elite skills on both feet while being incredibly difficult to tackle.
Cruiz West, Pearcedale
The highlight reel footballer is having his best season, consistently getting plenty of possessions and kicking bags of goals including 10 in one match.
Jack Wilson, Devon Meadows
The dominating smart midfielder resting forward averages 30 touches per game, using the ball exceptionally well. Is among the best players in Division 2. Kicked six goals and had 30 plus touches as a midfielder resting forward in Round 12.
Noah Wisken, Crib Point
The quick 16-year-old has split time between Stingrays and Crib Point, excelling as dangerous forward with exceptional pace and outstanding separation skills. Can sniff a goal.
Ky Williams, Devon Meadows
The teenager is having a terrific season in the midfield; competitive, hard at the footy and excellent skills.
Will White, Seaford
Smooth moving half back and arguably the club’s best kick who kept Cruiz West goalless in Round 11. Ex-Stingrays and Vic Country U16 player who uses the ball well.
Flynn Wood, Frankston Bombers
The up-and-coming inside midfielder with leg speed has increased disposal numbers while showing significant improvement in his contested ball work.
Tarkyn Wyett, Edithvale-Aspendale
The fearless 18-year-old absolute bull midfielder plays like he’s 30, smashes in and courageously puts his head where others won’t. Has impressive left-foot skills.
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