The 25 players who will decide the MPFNL Division 2 premiership
With two rounds of the MPFNL Division 2 season remaining, we identify the 25 most influential players on the run to the finals.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The pointy end of the season is nearly here.
With two rounds of the MPFNL Division 2 season remaining, it’s time to identify the 25 most influential players on the run to the finals.
These men are likely to decide the 2024 premiership.
Ryan Bastinac, Pearcedale
If the Dales are to snatch a finals berth the ex-North Melbourne midfielder will need to be at the heart of the charge.
Nick Battle, Devon Meadows
The league medallist has had another excellent season and his leadership, ball-winning ability and knack of setting up goals will be crucial in the coming weeks for the Panthers.
Jett Bauer, Crib Point
Runner-up in the Magpies best and fairest the past two years, Bauer is putting together another strong campaign, regularly clunking intercept marks.
Alexander Browne, Edithvale-Aspendale
Has been a dominant ruckman this season, feeding the Eagles’ on ballers. Will be vital in the finals.
Mason de Wit, Somerville
The Eagles co-captain is a barometer for his team. Classy and dangerous up forward, his teammates will look to him to show the way.
Lewis Diggins, Edithvale-Aspendale
Gets a lot of the ball and ignites the Eagles from stoppages with his impressive clearance work.
Matthew Dussin, Chelsea
The former Myrtleford champion has been a stand-out this season with his strong defensive work, influence and leadership.
Brett Eddy, Pearcedale
The ex-AFL player has kicked 60 goals to lead the competition. His bag of 10 against ladder leaders Edi-Asp in Round 14 was one of the highlights of the season.
Oliver Heavey, Somerville
Unheralded but an important player for the Eagles with his willingness to do the one-percenters. His tackling in the back 50 is among the best in the league.
Joel Hillis, Devon Meadows
The Panthers vice-captain has had an enormous season — he’s averaging 28 disposals and has kicked 39 goals. He will relish the big stage of the finals.
Baxter Knight, Chelsea
Gets plenty of the ball and distributes it well. An all-round player who tackles hard and rarely plays a bad game.
Josh Le Grice, Crib Point
The Magpies vice-captain gets his side going from the middle, often getting his hands on the footy first. Averaging 31 disposals.
Kurt Lo Po, Edithvale-Aspendale
The star midfielder’s capacity to dominate games with his speed and relentless attack will be crucial as the Eagles look to cap a brilliant season with a flag.
Michael Meehan, Edithvale-Aspendale
Meehan has kicked 46 goals and has excelled in the big moments, including booting the match winner in the Eagles’ epic one-point win over Pearcedale.
Paddy Ryder, Devon Meadows
This is the former AFL star’s time to shine. He’s had a stop-start season but is said to be focused on making an impact at the business end.
Tom Schneider, Pearcedale
A proven big-game performer, the two-time Eastern league premiership player’s ability to find the ball and be so clean below the knees will be vital as the Dales enter their biggest two weeks of the season.
Luke Settineri, Pearcedale
Few can match his repeat efforts and relentless tackling. He provides grunt to the Dales’ engine room.
Lee Sheehan, Crib Point
A key contributor in many of Cribby’s wins with his dash and skill in the midfield.
Miles Shepherd, Crib Point
The Magpies captain has led from the front with his marking ability and long kicking a highlight. Has been named in the best on nine occasions in his 15 matches this season.
Miller Stewart, Somerville
The former Stingray has been one of the Eagles’ best performers this season, with eight mentions in the best players.
Riley Simmons, Devon Meadows
The ruckman has had a terrific season and stands as a vital player for the Panthers with his strength and competitiveness.
John Simson, Chelsea
The silky goal kicking midfielder has made a big impact in his first season with the Seagulls, averaging 28 disposals and 5.4 goal involvements per game.
Liam Tyrrell, Crib Point
Tyrrell has had several best-on-ground performances as he’s emerged as a match-winning key forward.
Lachlan Williams, Somerville
The former Frankston Dolphin is having another fine season up forward for the Eagles, kicking 27 goals and setting up a stack of them too.
Jack Wilson, Devon Meadows
The teenager has been dominant at times this season. He’s got leg speed, footy smarts and he hits the scoreboard — he’s kicked 22 goals.
Greenwood’s big hope for Reservoir
Levi Greenwood was welcomed to the Northern league with a tag in his Reservoir debut but the ex-AFL star hopes he, and several big-name recruits, can help turn the club’s fortunes around.
Local footy club stripped of win after league investigation
A local footy club has had its Round 1 win reversed after a league investigation found it twice fielded too many players, with the four points handed to its opponent.