SFNL: The players who will decide the Division 3 premiership race
It’s finals time for Division 3 of the Southern league and we have had a look at the players who could be the difference in the chase for the premiership.
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The wait is over.
The Southern league Division 3 finals are here and a piece of silverware awaits just one of the remaining four.
It’s time for the big game players to step up and lead their club towards premiership glory.
These are the players who will shape the premiership race …
Matthew Baxter, Carrum Patterson Lakes
The spearhead is the key to the Lions’ hopes of bursting through this finals series. He’s followed up his league medal-winning season last year with another 79 goals in 2024.
Tyler Black, Frankston Dolphins
Black has been the finishing boot in many dazzling Dolphin chains this season. He’s kicked a team-high 54 goals, including six in a best-afield performance on Saturday.
Nick Christoforou, Frankston Dolphins
The captain has played every game for the Dolphins this year and will be a crucial leader during the finals.
Shaun Cusack, Heatherton
Cusack’s experience will be incredibly valuable for the young Tunners this finals series. He’s kicked 40 goals and been named in Heatherton’s best on five occasions.
Sam Drake, Heatherton
Drake has been an outstanding addition, bringing experience and poise to the Tunners’. They’ll lean on both of those in their do-or-die campaign.
Travis French, South Mornington
French guided the Tigers to a monumental premiership in 2023 with 88 goals and has slotted another 57 this year. He will be out to rectify two quieter games against the Dolphins on Saturday.
Nathan Gillis, South Mornington
Nathan can turn a game just as quickly as his brother, he just does it further up the ground. Gillis has played only six games for the Tigers but has been among their best in five of them.
Ryan Gillis, South Mornington
The polarising goal kicker could produce just about anything this finals series. Gillis has the best goals per game average in the competition since joining the Tigers, slotting on average 4.5 a game. He enters the finals with 11 goals in the past two weeks.
Anthony Giuliano, South Mornington
The dynamic forward is a part of the Tigers three-pronged attack that will have a huge say on the finals. He kicked 88 goals last season and has 39 to his name this year, including four in Saturday’s big win.
Liam Hickman, Carrum Patterson Lakes
The star Lion has hit the scoreboard in all of his 17 matches for a return of 36 goals. Hickman was named in the best just twice this season but the true figure is much greater.
Justin Kiss, Heatherton
Kiss’ 62 goals have come steadily this season, firing in each of his 17 matches this season with a best of seven. Kiss has kicked multiple goals in all but one game against the other three finalists.
Tom Limpens, Frankston Dolphins
The tough inside midfielder has the opportunity to announce himself this finals series as one of the best young players in the competition.
Pete Mawson, Frankston Dolphins
The Dolphins will need Mawson’s experience in the middle this finals if they are to break their premiership hoodoo. He likes the big games, already claiming the best-on-ground medal on Anzac Day earlier this year.
Angus Oldaker, Heatherton
Oldaker has kicked 30 goals from his 18 home and away matches but is largely important to the Tunners’ finals hopes as his best games this year have come against the top sides.
Sam Shaw, South Mornington
Shaw is in full flight coming into the finals series with three strong performances in as many weeks to round out the home and away season. He kicked two goals and was best afield against Heatherton at the weekend.
Taylor Stratton, Frankston Dolphins
The Dolphins’ playing coach hasn’t hit top gear yet – he hasn’t needed to – but when he does, he will propel his side to another level. His ball use, smarts and composure will be invaluable during the finals.
Steven Robb, Frankston Dolphins
Experience can’t be taught during big finals and Robb has plenty of it. Robb has been named in the Dolphins’ best each week since round 10.
Jacob Rowler, South Mornington
The 25-year-old has rarely not hit the scoreboard or been named in the Tigers’ best this season. He’s kicked multiple goals on four occasions for a return of 15.
Alex Wilson, Carrum Patterson Lakes
The Lions will need plenty out of their captain if they are to go deep into the finals. He’s kicked 42 goals from 18 matches this year.
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