The best 125 country footballers from the 2021 season revealed
The country footy season came to an early finish this year but there was no shortage of star players. We name the best of the best from 2021.
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The country football season came to a premature end but at least we got back on the park after the wipe-out of 2020.
There were plenty of superb performers across regional Victoria.
And we’re celebrating them with the top 125 country footballers of 2021.
Here they are in alphabetical order.
Matthew Aikman (Rokewood Corindhap)
After crossing from North Ballarat, Aikman quickly established himself among the Central Highlands league’s elite. He was named in the best eight times throughout the year.
Lucas Anderson (Torquay)
Anderson took home the Bellarine league goalkicking award after booting 56 majors. The former St Joseph’s forward proved his worth in a Tigers team who finished their season undefeated before it was called off.
Abraham Ankers (Wangaratta Magpies)
The NT product lit up the border competition with a series of stunning displays throughout the season and can be regarded as one of the best players in country footy.
Kaiden Antonowicz (South Bendigo)
Antonowicz was on track to beat his 69-goal effort in 2019 before the season was called off with 63 majors to his name. He lit up the Bendigo league on several occasions having reached double figures twice in 2021.
Dylan Bates (Natimuk United)
After getting his first taste of Horsham District senior action in 2017, Bates has continued to impress, putting together a strong season in 2021. His nine goals in 11 games saw him named the competition’s rising star winner.
Bailey Bell (Nathalia)
Bell returned to the club from the Goulburn Valley league midway through the season and picked up where he left off in 2019. He booted nine goals in six games for the Purps and was named in the best five times.
Harry Benson (St Mary’s)
Benson laid claim to one of the finest players in Victoria after a dominant Geelong league season. The 22-year-old won the Mathieson Medal by a staggering nine votes which he credited for two years of hard work. Despite being surrounded by a talent-laden side, Benson still shone.
Jett Bermingham (North Warrnambool)
The teenage jet only played nine games this season but it was enough for him to become one of the youngest winners of the Hampden League’s Maskell Medal. The midfielder, who played NAB League games with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels early in 2021, shone after returning full-time to the Eagles and finished five votes clear in the medal count.
Gavin Bickery (Stratford)
The star onballer enjoyed another fine season for the Swans being named in the best in eight out of nine games. Bickery remains one of the East Gippsland league’s finest players.
Josh Black (South Colac)
The former coach still provided valuable on field leadership for South as they prepared to mount a premiership challenge. After going goalless in the opening game, Black didn’t look back to finish with 32 for the season.
Jarryd Blair (Wonthaggi)
The Collingwood premiership player returned to his home club and made an immediate impact with several dominant displays. He assumed a strong role in the midfield and never looked back.
Jack Braumann (Bannockburn)
The man who was tipped to win the Geelong District league medal at the start of the season enjoyed another strong year in yellow and black. Braumann was a consistent source of goals, booting 19 majors from 12 games.
Nathan Brown (Barwon Heads)
Having made his name in the AFL as a defender, Brown established himself as one of the best forwards in the Bellarine competition. The former Collingwood star booted 34 goals from 12 games and finished second in the league best and fairest.
Daniel Burton (Bacchus Marsh)
A dominant ruckman is a luxury in country footy and that’s exactly what Burton brings to the field. With traits similar to those of his smaller teammates, the former Henderson medal winner was again a strong dominant force for the Cobras.
Steven Butler (Tatyoon)
Even when he wasn’t kicking goals, Butler was making his presence felt with several impressive displays throughout the season.
Damian Cameron (Noradjuha Quantong)
Cameron shone for his side, who finished as Horsham District minor premiers with a perfect record of 12 wins. He booted 10 goals for the year and was consistently among his team’s better players.
Ben Campbell (Mirboo North)
Campbell was in fine form throughout the season, earning a place among his side’s better players in every game. Mirboo North finished second on the Mid Gippsland ladder.
Scott Carey (Swifts)
Carey was a standout for a Swifts side which finished seventh on the Horsham District ladder. His efforts, which included a handful of best on ground displays, saw him awarded the Dellar Medal.
Scott Carlin (Nirranda)
The former VFL midfielder was a standout for the league-leading Blues, who finished 2021 undefeated. A smooth-mover who has exquisite skills finished the Warrnambool District league best and fairest count with 24 votes, six clear of his nearest rival.
Josh Carmichael (Merbein)
Merbein only lost two games in the Sunraysia league in 2021 and Carmichael played an instrumental role as a midfielder/forward. He booted 17 goals for the season at an average of just under two goals a game. Spent time in the pre-season with SANFL club West Adelaide and it paid dividends.
Fletcher Carroll (Albury)
Averaged a goal a game for the season but it was his line breaking ability which caught the eye throughout the season.
Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol)
The classy midfielder became his club’s first league medal winner in 25 years after claiming the Ballarat league’s Henderson medal, courtesy of a best on ground display in the last round. He earned a place in the best for his side on six occasions.
Zac Cerrone (Lancaster)
After returning to the club, Cerrone helped the Wombats remain undefeated in 2021. He consistently appeared among the better players for his side.
Jyran Chatfield (Russells Creek)
The Russells Creek spearhead led the Warrnambool District league goalkicking tally with 46 majors in 2021. His season highlight was kicking 10 goals against Old Collegians and 11 against Dennington in consecutive weeks. The lead-up forward is great overhead and he finished in the top-five in the league’s best and fairest count.
Simon Close (Harrow Balmoral)
Close’s 44 goals from 11 games helped him to a second-place finish in the Horsham District league medal. He kicked seven goals on two occasions in 2021.
Ricky Cochrane (Traralgon Tyers United)
Cochrane took home the North Gippsland league best and fairest finishing with 11 votes, two clear of his nearest rival.
Dan Coghlan (Irymple)
The Irymple co-coach built on his 2019 McLeod Medal-winning season with another standout performance in the Sunraysia league in 2021. The former Essendon VFL captain guided the Swallows to the 2019 flag and his ability to win the ball in the midfield is unparalleled in the Sunraysia league.
Boe Collins (Bell Post Hill)
After arriving from Bell Park, Collins established himself as one of the Panthers most important players with several best on ground displays throughout the season.
Jacob Conlan (Albury)
In his first season with the club, the young gun fired to kick 44 goals in 12 matches. He was a devastating presence inside 50 and could still go to another level.
Dylan Conway (Melton South)
The Melton South spearhead was almost unplayable at times this year as he took out the Ballarat league goalkicking with 35 majors. Conway was held goalless just once in a South side who won just three games.
Adam Cook (Ellinbank)
While Cook had a later start to the season than his teammates, he certainly made up for lost time with a stunning run of form going on to be named in the best almost every week. He played a key role in helping his side remain undefeated.
Aaryn Craig (North Bendigo)
The three-time premiership player was as consistent as they come as he helped North to a third-place finish. Craig spent his time between the midfield and forward line while he carried a heavy workload.
Bryce Curnow (Kerang)
Curnow was a dominant force inside forward 50 during the shortened Central Murray league season after kicking 45 goals from nine games. His form didn’t go unnoticed either after he took home the league’s Jack Betts Medal.
James Darke (Torquay)
In a high-flying Tigers outfit, Darke was a consistent standout as he stormed to the Bellarine league’s Ash medal. He is among the club’s best of all-time having already won three league best and fairests.
Tristan Davies (Euroa)
The former NEAFL forward proved to be one of the better recruits of the season. Davies lit up the competition when he kicked 16 goals from his first three games.
Mitch Day (Lara)
Day was held to one goal or less on just a single occasion in 2021 despite the struggles of his own team. Day averaged three goals a game and only missed out on nomination on his side’s better players for the day, twice.
Adam De Cicco (Cobram)
As classy as they come in the Murray league. De Cicco enjoyed yet another strong season in the yellow and black stripes as the Tigers looked for a premiership push. He kicked 24 goals from 13 games.
Simon Deery (Bairnsdale)
The tall defender is no stranger to taking the opposition’s best forwards on a weekly basis. Deery, who has VFL experience, earned his third team of the year selection this season.
Kieran Delahunty (Minyip Murtoa)
Delahunty, who is a ruckman who can drift forward, comfortably took home the Wimmera league medal earlier this month by six votes. He regularly kicked multiple goals and appeared in his side’s better players.
Wade Donnan (Sea Lake Nandaly)
Donnan finished the season with 19 goals from 11 games as the Tigers finished top of the North Central league ladder. He was consistently in the best for his side.
Adam Donohue (Inverleigh)
A strong target inside 50, the Hawks coach consistently gave opposition Geelong and District league defenders a major headache. Donohue finished with 54 goals from 12 games this season.
Joel Dovaston (Trentham)
Dovaston was rewarded for a strong season when he finished second in the league best and fairest earlier this year. He enjoyed a strong season as Trentham finished undefeated from 10 games.
Jack Driver (South Barwon)
Driver established himself as one of the best intercept defenders this season averaging four intercept marks a game. His ability to set up counter attacking opportunities for his team was a pleasure to watch.
Sam Dunstan (Hepburn)
Dunstan most likely would have reached triple figures if the Central Highlands season had not been cut short. He booted a resounding 82 goals from 11 goals, including a bag of 20 in the second game of the season.
Michael Eales (Inverloch-Kongwak)
One of the premier lockdown defenders in the West Gippsland league. Eales was a standout in a strong back six for the side who finished second on the ladder.
Thomas Eckel (Stawell)
Finished second in the Wimmera league best and fairest after an impressive season where his side finished third on the ladder. Eckel kicked 22 goals in 12 matches.
Billy Evans (Eaglehawk)
Evans was one of the recruits of the season after establishing himself as one of the better players in the Bendigo league. The former Brisbane Lion was named in the best on nine occasions.
Luke Fisher (Minyip Murtoa)
Another Minyip Murtoa player to finish in the top five of the league best and fairest. Fisher impressed after crossing from Horsham Saints at the end of 2019.
Jarrod Fitzpatrick (Bridgewater)
In 12 games this season, Fitzpatrick was named in the best on eight occasions for his side who finished eighth on the ladder. He also demonstrated an ability to go forward when required.
Damon Folkes (Great Western)
Folkes lit up the Mininera and District league in his first season in the competition, booting 70 goals from 11 games. His best effort was 12 goals against Caramut.
Blake Fothergill (Nagambie)
Fothergill remains one of the most exciting players in the Kyabram District league. Having won best on ground in 2019 as a teenager, he still has a big future ahead of him.
Brayden Frost (Harcourt)
The Lions would have liked to have greater access to Frost who was limited to just six games. But when he did play, First was very influential and managed to produce two best on ground displays and four goals.
Nathan Gardiner (Cora Lynn)
Gardiner had one of the strongest presences inside forward 50 in the West Gippsland league after booting 50 goals to take home the competition’s goalkicking award, 11 clear of his nearest rival.
Lachie George (Redan)
Finished second in the Ballarat league’s Henderson medal after a sensational season for the Lions. Regularly found himself among the goalkickers and better players.
Mitch Gilbert (Skipton)
The Emus’ midfielder shone in his first season with the club as Skipton snuck into a finals position inside the top eight. He finished with three goals from 12 matches.
Tom Gillett (Grovedale)
Despite having just turned 18, Gillett took home the Geelong league’s goalkicking award in a remarkable season. He kicked four goals on debut but only got stronger as time went on, finishing with 42 majors from nine games.
Tom Goodwin (Corowa-Rutherglen)
Despite his side winning just five out of 13 games, many people around the Ovens and Murray league rated Goodwin as the best ruckman all season. He consistently gave his midfielders first use of the footy, which was a luxury.
Sam Gordon (Camperdown)
After spending time in the SANFL and Barossa leagues in South Australia, the key forward was a star for the Magpies. In a league featuring several outstanding big forwards he led the Hampden League in goals with 57 at an average of more than five a game. His best return was 10 against Port Fairy.
Brandyn Grenfell (Marong)
After arriving as a mid-season recruit, Marong took the Loddon Valley league by storm with 39 goals in six matches. He looked primed to have a big say in the finals series before it was called off.
Blake Grewar (Tooradin-Dalmore)
After an impressive first season with the club, Grewar has quickly established himself as one of the elite players in the West Gippsland league.
David Handley (Geelong West Giants)
Handley was a ball magnet throughout the season after averaging 34.9 disposals – a league high in the Geelong competition. He finished with more than 40 disposals on three occasions.
Jordan Hargreaves (Wedderburn)
Hargreaves took home the North Central league best and fairest after he enjoyed a strong season for a Wedderburn side who finished third on the ladder.
Jordan Harper (Rochester)
A tall running wingman, Harper was a strong performer and often played his best footy against some of the strongest teams in the competition. He’s someone the Tigers will desperately want to keep a hold of.
Ryan Hartley (Golden Square)
Hartley was as consistent as anyone across the Bendigo league this season with a series of impressive performances. He was named in the best in all but two of the Dogs’ games.
Tyson Hartwig (Wangaratta Rovers)
Any Ovens and Murray forward who came up against Hartwig knew they were in for a difficult day. The powerful defender always took the opposition’s best forward and often came out on top.
Jack Hazendonk (Poowong)
The two-time Ellinbank and District league medal winner was enjoying another fine season for the Magpies before play was stopped. Again he proved to know where the goals were with 12 from 10 matches.
Jack Hellier (Euroa)
The former Collingwood VFL captain was one of the most watchable players in all of the Goulburn Valley this season. He consistently stood tall when the Magpies needed him most.
Aaron Heppell (Leongatha)
After hanging up the boots from VFL footy, Heppell returned to his former club and enjoyed a standout season. He kicked 14 goals after playing his first game in Parrots‘ colours since 2017.
Tyson Hogan (Woorndoo Mortlake)
Hogan averaged just over two goals a game throughout the season as the Tigers finished as minor premiers in the Mininera and District league. He was also best on ground several times.
Tommy Horne (Maldon)
After returning to the club, Horne lit up the competition to take home the Berry Powell medal in the Maryborough Castlemaine District league, three votes clear of his nearest rival.
Jack Hudson (Hill End)
The 2019 Mid Gippsland league medal winner enjoyed another strong season as Hill End finished as the minor premier. He was named in the best seven times.
Kristian Jaksch (Moe)
A former AFL player, Jaksch had an imposing presence in the Gippsland league throughout the season as he booted 36 goals from 10 goals. He was goalless just once.
Nicholas Jamieson (Tongala)
The former Footscray premiership player quickly established himself as one of the best recruits of the country footy season. Jamieson took the Murray league by storm for a powerful Tongala outfit who remained undefeated.
Matt Johnston (East Point)
Johnston was again among the best players in the Ballarat league this season which saw him named in the centre in the team of the year. He produced three best on ground displays for East in 10 games.
Declan Keilty (Moe)
The former Melbourne defender excelled in defence for the Lions as he highlighted why he had progressed to the higher level. Keilty will now take on the senior coaching duties next season.
Josh Kennedy (Woodside)
Kennedy polled nine votes in the league best and fairest which underlined his importance to Woodside. He was consistently named in the best while kicking six goals for the year.
Zac Keogh (Kyabram)
Finished second in the GVL vote count as he took his game to another level after moving across from Seymour. He regularly appeared in the better players for his side.
Jordan Keras (St Joseph’s)
The former VFL player enjoyed a strong season which saw him recognised with a second-place finish in the Geelong league best and fairest. He averaged the most clearances of any player in the competition.
Sam Kerridge (White Hills)
The former Adelaide and Carlton midfielder was a star performer for the Demons, leading the way as senior coach. He won’t be in charge of the club in 2022.
Arnold Kirby (Woorinen)
In his return to the club, Kirby was super impressive in a range of different roles highlighted by his six-goal effort against Lake Boga. He took home the Central Murray league’s MVP award.
Shannen Lange (Sale)
Lange was a standout performer in his return to his junior club taking home the league best and fairest and MVP awards. He was named on ball in the team of the year.
Cooper Leon (South Bendigo)
Leon arguably couldn’t have produced a better first season with the Bloods after taking home the club’s best and fairest. The former NAB League player finished with 10 goals from 10 games.
Korey Loechel (Nangiloc)
Finished as the Millewa competition’s leading goalkicker with 56 from nine games. Loechel reached double figures, twice.
Ben Malcolm (Portland)
The former interleague ruckman continues to be one of the dominant big-men in the Hampden league, finishing in the top-five in the Maskell Medal count. His ability to feed a talented, young midfield was a key reason why the Tigers were set to play finals for the first time, before Covid shut down the league’s finals’ series.
Tom Marriott (Leongatha)
The former Gippsland league medal winner enjoyed another fine season which resulted in him being selected in the team of the year.
Jai Massese (Yallourn Yallourn North)
Massese was a consistent performer for his side as they produced strong form to finish second on the ladder with just two losses.
Leigh Masters (Yarrawonga)
The former Williamstown player made a seamless transition into the border competition and stood out in a Yarra side who will be disappointed with just three wins in 2019.
Mick Mattingly (Kyabram)
The Bombers’ 2020 co-coach won’t be in red and black next season as he prepares to try his luck in the SANFL. He had displayed all the talents fans knew he could produce before a serious knee injury ended his year.
Tim McIntyre (Koroit)
The two-time premiership forward returned to the Saints after a stint with Barwon Heads and slotted back in perfectly to a side which only lost one game all season. He kicked 23 goals including two bags of five.
Pat McKenna (Gisborne)
The former AFL draftee again found himself consistently among the goals for Gisborne with 53 for the season. A player with real x-factor who could win the game off his own boot.
Josh Mellington (Violet Town)
Mellington enjoyed a near perfect return to his junior club after kicking 113 goals from 11 games. He brought up triple figures with 27 majors against Tallygaroopna.
Anthony Miles (Albury)
After returning to the border, Miles was strong in his role as playing coach as Albury established itself as the team to beat in the Ovens and Murray competition.
Joel Mitchell (Newborough)
Despite his side winning just three games, Mitchell finished with 43 goals from 12 matches. His best performance was 11 against Stony Creek.
Heath Moloney (Moulamein)
Moloney was rewarded for a strong season where the Swans pushed into the top fourth with a second-place finish in the league best and fairest.
Joel Moloney (Kolora Noorat)
The premiership midfielder returned to the Power this season and was named in their best nine times in 11 games. He was best-on-ground in the Power’s 2017 premiership before stints in the Hampden and Geelong leagues and was a part of an engine room that helped his side to a 12-1 record in 2021.
Jack Monigatti (Tongala)
Tonny’s midfielders would have loved to play at the feet of Monigatti who re-established himself as one of premier Murray league big men after returning to the club.
Cal Moore (Wangaratta Magpies)
Moore was a luxury to have for the Magpies having shown an ability to play all different parts of the ground. He kicked nine goals in one game earlier in the season, but also dominated in defence.
Kane Morris (Echuca)
One of the great servants to the Murray Bombers, Morris again enjoyed a fantastic season before play was stopped. He will loom large if Echuca is to challenge for the GVL premiership in 2022.
Sam Nickless (Lakes Entrance)
The Seagulls big man was a dominant force in the East Gippsland competition throughout the season. His year included three best on ground displays.
Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour)
O’Sullivan took home the Goulburn Valley league’s Morrison medal earlier this month after an outstanding first season with the Lions. His determination to win the contest and skills to break the game open were a stand out.
Jeremy Ollis (Modewarre)
The 2018 premiership player proved to be a classy acquisition after returning to the club having spent 2019 with Bell Park. He finished third in the league medal as Modda finished second on the ladder.
Cam Pedersen (Phillip Island)
The former AFL big man enjoyed a strong season in the West Gippsland league with 15 goals in 10 matches.
Tyler Phillips (Lockington Bamawm United)
Phillips capped off a remarkable season with the undefeated Cats after he was crowned the Heathcote District league best and fairest. In particular, Phillips showed his best form in the early stages of the season.
Jayden Polaski (Dartmoor)
Dartmoor’s premiership-winning playing coach had another standout season in 2021, polling 18 votes in the South West District league’s best and fairest count to win by seven. The veteran was a key pillar in the Giants topping the league ladder with only one loss for the season.
Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat)
The young gun was an absolute star for North who finished the shortened Ballarat season as minor premiers. With time on his side, it will be exciting to watch his further development in 2022.
Nathan Pollard (Lindenow South)
The Swampies coach took home the Omeo and District league best and fairest after his side finished the home and away season with a perfect record.
Matt Quigley (Nullawil)
In his first season at the club, Quigley took home the league best and fairest as well as the Golden River’s league MVP award. He booted 26 goals from 11 games.
Lochie Rosevear (Alvie)
Rosevear was a star performer in a Swans outfit who took the Colac and District league by storm in 2021. He consistently found himself among his team’s better players.
Lachlan Ross (Sandhurst)
The star defender played a key role in a Dragons outfit who looked prime for a premiership assault had the season not been cancelled. Ross was named in the best on eight occasions.
Manny Sandow (Merrivale)
The 2017 Maskell medallist with South Warrnambool, Sandow brought his experience back to the Tigers in the Warrnambool District league this year as a playing assistant coach after several years in the Hampden league. The dominant ruckman finished third in the league best and fairest count behind teammate Tate Porter.
Coleman Schache (Southern Mallee Giants)
A place on the podium in the league best and fairest was a reward for a standout season. Schache often produced in the big games against the best teams in the Wimmera competition.
Ryan Semmel (Huntly)
In an improved year for the Hawks, the former Recruit TV show contestant was again among the better players in the competition. He kicked 22 goals from 11 games.
Lachlan Sharp (Strathfieldsaye)
Had it not been for a Covid interrupted season, it’s likely Sharp would have reached triple figures once again. He was so dominant, he was only held to less than two goals on two occasions.
Tyson Sidebottom (Strathmerton)
A change of competition did very little to stop Sidebottom making a big mark in another country league. He played a big role in helping the Dogs finish on top of the Picola District ladder.
Max Simpson (Mitiamo)
The defender has continued to play an important role in helping Mitiamo maintain their status as one of the Loddon Valley league’s best.
Mark Thomson (Werrimull)
After being a joint-winner of the league best and fairest two years ago, Thomson again played a strong role, often kicking goals to put the icing on his performances.
Thomas Toma (Cohuna)
The 2019 club best and fairest winner was again a strong performer as the Kangas finished as minor premiers in a shortened season.
Matt Tyquin (Inverleigh)
Tyquin took his game to another level after two impressive years in 2018 and 2019. He consistently found himself among his team’s better players.
Andrew Walker (Echuca)
While he may be approaching the end of his career, the former Blue continues to remain a key figure in Echuca’s pursuit dream. One of the fun parts about his game is that he can still sit on a pack. Walker has re-signed to co-coach the Murray Bombers in 2022.
Jack Walker (Melton)
The former Williamstown footballer was in fine form throughout the season as Melton finished second on the ladder. His form didn’t go unnoticed either, having been named in the best every week.
Daniel Weigl (Lara)
Named at centre-half back in the Geelong league’s team of the year, Weigl was a rock for a Lara side which won just two games. He consistently appeared among his team’s better players.
Trent West (Leopold)
The former AFL big man remains one of the premier players in one of Victoria’s strongest competition in Geelong. He made headlines earlier in the season after recording 119 hit-outs.
Sam Wright (Katamatite)
The former North Melbourne man excelled back at his local club as he booted 28 goals from six games before his season was impacted by Covid restrictions.
Liam Youl (South Warrnambool)
The Roosters skipper led from the front in 2021 as his side finished third on the ladder with only two losses for the season. The midfield general is a key piece of South Warrnambool’s engine room.
Jaymie Youle (Phillip Island)
Youle was a strong performer throughout the season, having dominated in the middle of the ground. He kicked 11 goals from 10 matches.
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