Player-by-player analysis of the senior SFNL interleague side

The Southern league has announced its 24-strong senior side and it’s chock full of talent. Here’s what you need to know about every player in the 2024 senior squad.

The Southern league’s team is in — and it’s full of stars.

Ready to take on the RDFNL in Saturday’s bumper interleague clash, here is a breakdown of each of the Southern league’s 24-man senior side.

Jarryd Barker, Cranbourne

The young big-bodied midfielder suits up for his first interleague after a succession of terrific seasons for Cranbourne. Barker is edging towards a brilliant career at local level with a pair of best and fairests already.

Trent Dennis-Lane, Dingley

Dennis-Lane is one of the Southern league’s assistant coaches while also pulling on the boots. He’s still a mercurial forward at the age of 35, averaging two goals per game for Dingley this season.

Jacob Edwards, Cheltenham

Edwards has shown what AFL recruiters saw in him with a super start to the Southern league season. The 202cm ruckman is also extremely agile and a reliable kick for his size. His reach allows him to access 360 degrees around the centre circle.

Kristen Feehan, Dingley

The defender is a perfect prototype for interleague for his versatility to play on any opponent. Feehan’s height allows him to take the bigger forwards while his athleticism doesn’t put him out of his depth against the more agile players. As a nice kick, he can be dangerous on the spread too.

Kristen Feehan. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Andrew Godfrey, Dingley

Godfrey returned to Dingley this year and has wasted no time in regaining old form. He will most likely play across half back for the Southern league on Saturday.

Andrew Green, Cranbourne

Travelling across the country to pursue the highest level of footy he can, Green has played for the Casey Demons this year and held his own in his early matches. He was one of Cranbourne’s most impressive players last year and will recognise the opportunity interleague provides.

Sean Lai, Cheltenham

Lai was initially in the under-19s squad but, such has been his start to the Southern league season, he earned a called up to the senior side. The young left-footer did a pre-season at Richmond VFL and it has shown with his form for Cheltenham across halfback.

Sean Lai. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Caleb Lewis. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Caleb Lewis, Dingley

Interleague is a huge opportunity for Lewis, who is listed at Casey VFL, to announce himself as a forward that belongs at a higher level. He’s kicked 17 goals this year for Dingley with three hauls of five.

Alec McComb, Cheltenham

The Frankston Dolphins-listed outside player has been in top form for Cheltenham this year, being named in the best in three of his four appearances. He wouldn’t be far away from a game at the Dolphins.

Ben McDonnell, Cheltenham

McDonnell is one of the late additions to the squad but is in form, being named among Cheltenham’s best in his last game.

Ollie Moran, Cheltenham

Much like Caleb Lewis, interleague is an excellent opportunity for Moran to showcase his ability. He’s already had a go at VFL this year for Frankston, but has fallen out of the side in recent weeks. The hard-running winger has a good track record at RSEA Park and a top performance against Riddell’s best could propel him back into Dolphins’ colours.

Oliver Moran (left). Picture: Valeriu Campan

Isaac Morrisby, East Malvern

Morrisby is one of few Division 2 players to have earned a spot in this side but is going to play a key role. The match is a fantastic opportunity to see where the powerful forward stands against top defenders. He enters the match in excellent touch after his contested-marking spree in his last local game.

Sam Michael, Murrumbeena

Michael is a strong clearance player who took out the Division 2 league best and fairest in 2023. He is fresh off a 36-disposal, 14-clearance game last weekend for Murrumbeena.

Brayden O’Toole, St Paul’s McKinnon

Crossing from the VAFA this season, O’Toole has had an immediate impact across half forward for St Paul’s McKinnon. The left-footer has a good tank and is a perfect option as an up-the-ground forward in interleague.

Jackson Peet, Dingley

Peet makes his fifth interleague appearance and will captain the side. He’s been on a heater for Dingley, averaging well over 30 possessions a game while also hitting the scoreboard.

Jackson Peet. Picture: Jam—visuals.

Dareo Rogers. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Dareo Rogers, Murrumbeena

Rogers is one of the players to watch on Saturday as his home club has high hopes for the heights he can reach. He kicked four goals in a best-on-ground performance last weekend but can also lock down on opposition half forwards.

Zak Roscoe, Cranbourne

Roscoe’s best is as good as anyone’s in the Southern league. He hasn’t quite kicked the same goals this year as he did last, but the damaging midfielder will like his minutes rotating forward on Saturday.

Nick Stathopoulos, St Paul’s McKinnon

The clever small will enjoy crumbing from the key forwards in this line up. He doesn’t need too many opportunities to make an impact and is a lethal finisher on the run.

Nicholas Stathopoulos. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Lucas Walmsley. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Kai Stretton, Dingley

When he hasn’t been at Footscray VFL, Stretton has been in grand form for Dingley. The young midfielder balances his ability to win his own ball with a really compact outside game. For a rising player, the difference between his best and worst is noticeably small.

Luke Verma, Cheltenham

Verma is a robust inside midfielder who isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty. He has battled an ankle injury but is back to full fitness in time for the interleague match.

John Walker, Springvale Districts

Walker has worked his way back into this season after a pre-season injury. His first two games have been strong and they follow a Team of the Year campaign in 2023.

Lucas Walmsley, Dingley

A two-time league medal winner in the Southern league, Walmsley is no stranger to the big games. He will likely play on the wing, where he doesn’t stop running.

Nick Waterstone, Cheltenham

Waterstone will relish in the challenge of taking on one of the best Riddell District league forwards. He hates getting beaten and loves an old-fashion battle inside defensive 50.

Alex Windhager, Dingley

One of the Southern league’s best one-on-one defenders, Windhager has few flaws when it comes to locking down an opponent. He’s athletic, strong and will want to take the biggest forward.