Rising stars: The top 68 young players in MPFNL in 2024
The Mornington Peninsula league is bursting with young talent. We’ve named 68 of the best 22yo-and-under players. Here’s who made the list.
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The future is here.
Young talent runs deep in the Mornington Peninsula league, and we’ve identified it.
Here are the best players aged 22 and under in the MPFNL, across both divisions, in season 2024:
Fynn Ackerley, Red Hill
Has a great football brain; understands and reads the game well. He works equally well inside or outside the contest. And he’s displayed leadership qualities too.
Teddy Banks, Karingal
Debuted in Round 1 this season and played every game. A dashing half back who breaks the lines and turns offense into attack. Now stands as an important senior player.
Justin Barnes, Rye
Won Rye’s senior best and fairest as a 17-year-old last year and this season has played every game for the Stingrays on a wing as well as managing five games for Rye’s seniors, thrilling the home crowd with his marking and speed at the ball.
Ethan Bayley, Bonbeach
Has played only a handful of senior games but is quick and versatile. He can break away on a lead quickly and has a great leap. Just learning to play senior footy but is off to a strong start.
Mitch Bluhm, Mornington
An undersized ruckman who was a 17-year-old premiership player last season. Can play key position and very good by foot and hand.
Tynan Bresnan, Red Hill
A hard, uncompromising and skilful defender who can play tall or small. A future leader in the making.
Heath Bidgood, Frankston YCW
The small defender played in last year's grand final and is putting together another strong campaign this season.
Taj Campbell-Farrell, Rye
Tied for the Morrish Medal in 2022 after a wonderful season with the Stingrays. Has played a handful of games for Rye this year while doing great things at the Frankston Dolphins in the VFL, including a break-out game against the Sydney Swans where he accumulated 23 touches and an amazing 20 tackles.
Angus Cripps, Crib Point
A recent addition to Cribby and already shown immense promise. Knows how to find the ball and knows where the goals are.
Lachie Bryce, Frankston YCW
A booming kick of the ball and athletic. Rotates between forward and wing and when he gets the footy he’s either hitting a target or having a shot at goal from outside fifty, making him a damaging player.
Matthew Caine, Mornington
Premiership wingman who has gone forward this season and kicked multiple bags of goals. Very good above his head with elite agility. In the Dogs’ leadership team.
Nick Collier, Dromana
Premiership defender who made his VFL debut with Richmond in May (after playing the first five games at Dromana) and has held his position, looking comfortable at the level.
Will Conlan, Edithvale-Aspendale
Tall wingman who has had made a real impact since coming back into the senior team, high work rate both offensively and defensively.
Ty Cull, Mornington
Tough as nails and can play as a mid, forward or back. Strong contested player with exceptionally good hands. Left footer who thrives on contact. Premiership player as a 17-year-old.
Nathan Drew, Devon Meadows
The classy back pocket/half back flanker is having another excellent season, continuing his rise as an exciting prospect.
Justin Davies, Mt Eliza
Frankston VFL listed. Big, strong full-back having an excellent season with the Redlegs.
Kade Foster, Hastings
Versatile talent who can play on ball, half forward and even full forward...he can play tall or small, possesses a big leap and can take a strong contested mark, but he’s also zippy on the ground. Very consistent, too.
Bailey Fry, Frankston YCW
Only played 17 games of senior footy but as a tall defender he’s going to be a good player for a long time.
Jarrod Gatt, Pines
Skilful, quick, good game sense and uses the ball well. Super fit. A midfielder, half back. And rival clubs are starting to get to know how damaging he can be.
Clayton Gay, Dromana
Crossing over from Hastings, he has quickly become an important player in the reigning premier’s forward line. Has slotted 25 goals to sit fifth on the competition goal chart, working well alongside Ethan Johnstone, Jordy Andrews and Sam Fowler.
Luca Goonan, Frankston YCW
Strong midfielder who is probably leading YCW’s best and fairest. He’s been doing some work with Carlton’s VFL side, getting more speed in his legs.
Will Gown, Rosebud
The 190cm athletic intercept defender and wingman with an elite kick is averaging 20 disposals a game in 2024. He has slotted in seamlessly in his first season at the club after being at Sandringham in the VFL.
Reuben Hanson, Karingal
A 6’4” competitive athlete who can play tall and small. Takes a strong contested mark and is good below his knees. Has played on ball/ruck this year but can also float forward and kick a goal.
Seth Harris, Frankston Bombers
Played in the Northern Territory league over summer and won a premiership with St Mary’s. Plays inside for the Bombers, accumulates a lot of the ball and is hard working.
Nathan Heath, Mornington
Elite player. Inside midfielder and one of the best in the competition. Should be playing VFL. His numbers this year are as good as any player in the competition. So driven and prepares better that any.
Archie Hough, Seaford
The 17-year-old has been named in Seaford’s best players six times this season, going from strength to strength. His intent at the contest is elite and he’s courageous, tough and has polish on the outside.
Finn Jakstas, Pearcedale
He’s developing into a nice player. Can play at either end, possesses endurance, a big tank, covers the ground well and is good overhead.
Josh Geurts, Dromana
A senior premiership player already, he has racked up the possessions in Dromana’s midfield this season. Sets up goals and kicks them too.
Sam Latreille, Frankston Bombers
The Sandringham VFL-listed wingman has played every game this season at the Bombers and really improved. Confident and capable at the level.
Ben Kaddatz, Somerville
Left-foot wingman, small in stature but hard at the contest; really calm with ball in hand, good user and plays his role well.
Caden Kappe, Tyabb
The 18-year-old midfielder made his senior debut early in the season and has been a spark for the side with his skill, strength and courage.
Will Lambert, Mt Eliza
The zippy goal-kicking forward is North Melbourne VFL listed. Always gives the Redlegs a spark.
Pat Lowe, Bonbeach
A developing defender who reads the game well and is courageous under the ball. Has great voice and calmness for such a young player.
Sam Mackinder, Seaford
A versatile midfielder who has been a spark for the Tigers. Had a big game against Hastings and also played a disciplined game on Edi-Asp star Kurt Lopo recently.
Bailey McIndoe, Seaford
The Tigers under-19s co-captain has mainly played seniors this season, and impressively so. He’s averaging 20 disposals and 10 contested. Plays as a burst mid.
Riley McDonald, Devon Meadows
Dashing wingman who has played good, consistent footy all season…only small but goes in hard — a hundred-miles-an-hour at the contest type of player.
Archie McGuiness, Pearcedale
Has been playing senior footy since he was 16 and continues to impress as a consistent and competitive midfielder.
Kylan Mitchell, Langwarrin
Leading goal kicker in Langy’s under-19s and has made an excellent start to his senior career, hitting the scoreboard in all five games he’s played. Doesn’t need to have a huge amount of the footy to make an impact. Deadly around goals. Only 18.
Darcy Murr, Frankston YCW
In his second year out of under 19s and has taken his footy to another level. Was probably leading YCW’s best and fairest until he injured an ankle.
Darcy O’Neill, Edithvale-Aspendale
Under-19, left footer, back pocket dasher who runs and carries the ball well.
Jack Orchard, Langwarrin
Has had a massive season, with 11 goals in 12 games including four mentions in the best. An inside midfielder who can go forward and kick goals.
Tom Payne, Mornington
Quality mid-size defender who played for Somerville against Mornington in the grand final last year. Reads the play well and often matches up against the best forwards in Division 1. Hard to beat one-on-one and rebounds with astute ball use.
Oliver Pfister, Mt Eliza
An inside midfielder, really aggressive, physical type of player who had a taste of finals footy last season as a bottom-age under-19.
Max Poulios, Langwarrin
Under-19 eligible but has played every game in the seniors this season. He’s starting in the midfield week in, week out and playing on some pretty good players.
Hudson Rigg, Mt Eliza
Small, zippy forward who applies pressure and is a good user of the ball. Dangerous around goal. Still under-19 eligible.
Callum Robertson, Bonbeach
The 17-year-old has a huge future. Can play key position or midfield, has great hands and already played some big roles for the Sharks.
Charlie Robinson-Cay, Red Hill
The highly skilled and hard-working midfielder wins his own ball and has great speed which allows him to take the game forward quickly. A future leader.
Matt Rulach, Sorrento
The former league U17 medallist has really caught the eye in the past six weeks as a small forward/mid with slick skills and lightning pace.
Patrick Sinnema, Devon Meadows
Been very consistent; good goal sense, high footy IQ, strong overhead and just a smart all round player who knows how to get into the right spots.
Mitch Smith, Mt Eliza
A medium forward who is an excitement machine with lots of X-factor.
Luke Settineri, Pearcedale
Underrated by some opposition but the Dales regard him as a star. Few can match his repeat efforts and averages about 15 tackles; his pressure is elite.
Will Slattery, Dromana
The under-19s eligible Slattery has done a good job to break into the powerful Tigers line-up, playing the past four matches.
Zane Snowden, Pines
On the Stingrays list as a 19-year-old and has been holding down key position for Pines, either forward or back, and doing an excellent job of it. A developing tall, got a good motor and once he builds a body he’ll be a very good player.
Miller Stewart, Somerville
The former Stingray is still eligible for under-19s but has played 12 games in the seniors this season, with five mentions in the best players.
Charlie Stokes, Sorrento
Skilful, classy and composed…a smart footballer who is on his way to another high finish in the Sharks’ best and fairest.
Archie Stringer, Mt Eliza
The intercept defender has played nearly every game in the Redlegs’ seniors this season even though he’s still under-19 eligible. Bright prospect.
Ziggy Toledo, Mt Eliza
Casey VFL-listed tall, athletic key forward who moves well and can take a strong contested mark. Has kicked 21 goals for the Redlegs this season.
Liam Tidd, Rosebud
Went directly from junior footy to seniors and has played over 50 senior games already. Highly talented utility with a strong set of hands and an elite kick. Averaging 20 disposals a game in 2024.
Jack Turner, Edithvale-Aspendale
The 20-year-old has played every senior game this season. A forward/midfielder with a clean left foot, hits the scoreboard and hard at the ball.
Christian Tsiampas, Frankston YCW
Lightning quick over 20m, the small forward makes the Stonecats so much better when he’s out there. Knows how to find the ball and knows where the goals are.
Max Urwin, Pines
Mature young man and dedicated footballer who is an assistant coach in the St Kilda NGA. Plays half back or midfield, fit, super skills and strong body.
Joel Vincent, Somerville
Mobile key forward who is athletic, quick and kicks the ball well.
Harrison Tully, Langwarrin
Joined Langwarrin from Frankston YCW as an under-19 last year and has been a great addition to the senior side as an inside midfielder.
Sam VanBrummelen, Langwarrin
Has come through Langy’s under-19s, reserves and now making an impact in seniors; blossoming this season as a high leaping, big marking forward.
Max Walker, Edithvale-Aspendale
Played a bit of footy on the wing and up forward, really mobile, athletic...a third tall forward who hits the scoreboard most weeks he plays.
Zac Weller, Edithvale-Aspendale
Played the first eight games of the season in the under-19s and the last four in the Eagles seniors. “He is going to be a serious player for a long time,’’ Edi-Asp coach Kris Pendlebury said. “He’s a bit of a old fashioned footy player. He’s one of these rare kids now who can go left and right…he’s really strong in the hips, uses the ball really well, good goal sense.’’
Patrick Wilson, Hastings
Tall, strong and courageous, Wilson is also fast and athletic, making him Hastings’ best back man. After playing all his juniors forward he’s made the move to defence and excelled...against Devon Meadows he had 40 touches.
Cruiz West, Pearcedale
Uber talented forward who is a match winner. Overhead, he’s unbelievable for his size. Well and truly capable of going to the next level.
Owen Williams, Mt Eliza
Ex-Stingrays tall key forward who clunks strong overhead marks. Has slotted 12 goals in 11 senior games this season.
Jack Wilson, Devon Meadows
A stand-out talent, the teenager has been dominating this season and would be high up in Devon’s best and fairest. He’s got leg speed, footy smarts and hits the scoreboard. Had 35 disposals against Bonbeach and kicked three goals in Round 11.
Josh Young, Somerville
Reliable, wholehearted defender who performs week in, week out. Brave in the air and has pace.
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