Ballarat Football League’s top 22 footballers revealed

With only six rounds left of football in the Ballarat Football League, who are the best players in the competition? Here’s who we’ve ranked in the top 22.

We’ve ranked the top 22 players in the Ballarat Football League. See the list.

The Ballarat Football League has a reputation as an elite country competition that has produced some of AFL’s finest talents.

With six rounds before finals, we’ve ranked the best 22 players destined to shape the club’s future.

Here’s the list.

Riley Polkinghorne — North Ballarat

In his first year of footy, Polkinghorne has become the coach’s favourite at North Ballarat, and is likely leading the club’s best and fairest. The midfielder is a competitive player who can change the momentum of a game with ease. A quiet and unassuming character Polkinghorne is a player you can depend on.

Dylan Conway from Melton South.

Dylan Conway — Melton South

The Melton South spearhead has been an unstoppable force in the forward half this season, Conway has led the Ballarat Football League goalkicking ladder for most of the season. The former VFL player has been a reliable option for the Melton South midfield, who can kick forward in confidence knowing the ball won’t be snatched by the opposition’s defenders. Conway is a master in the air and can time his lead to perfection; his strong grip and laser sight goalkicking set him apart.

Tony Lockyer — Sebastopol

Lockyer is a polished and consistent performer who has had an enormous say in Sebastopol’s surge up the ladder in recent years. The former Sebastopol junior is now one of the most beloved Kookaburras, and he regularly puts his body on the line to help his team’s cause. His professionalism and fastidious preparation are a great example for the younger Sebastopol players.

Lachie George — Redan

George is one of the hungriest players in the Ballarat Football League. His drive and insatiable appetite for success keeps him moving forward. The former VFL star is a highly-skilled, clean and balanced midfielder who can steal the ball and rapidly send it forward. George has used his vast experience to guide and nurture the young crop of midfield talent at Redan, who have enjoyed watching the master week in week out.

Matt Johnston — East Point

Matt Johnston doesn’t do anything by halves. This elite player uses his polished skills and hardened frame to dominate games. Johnston is highly committed to the cause and plays tough with no regard for his own safety. Any opposition player that gets between Johnston and the football is going to feel it. His determination for the footy often gets East Point out of trouble.

Daniel Burton — Bacchus Marsh

Burton is a player that many opposition players fear squaring off against. This monstrous ruckman continually influences the play and gives his midfielders first use of the ball. Burton is a canny footballer. The former Henderson nedal winner runs like a midfielder, always getting to where he is most dangerous on the ground.

Sam Jones from Ballarat.

Sam James — Ballarat

James is a player who has lifted dramatically after taking on the captaincy. He is willing to do anything to get Ballarat across the line. James holds his own against more highly rated opponents every week, and relishes the chance to get the better of any champion midfielder. He hunts the football and regularly wins the clearances. James is a great leader who inspires his teammates to fight harder.

Cooper Craig-Peters — Redan

Craig-Peters is in the midst of one of his breakout years. The proud indigenous talent underwent his football education with the Redan juniors and bleeds maroon and gold. Craig-Peters is listed on the Bulldogs VFL side. AFL recruiters have been a regular fixture at Redan games, soaking up his clean disposal, composure, creativity, pace, and flair. This machine often leads his teammates to play with higher intensity.

Nick Rippon — Lake Wendouree

Rippon is a savvy midfielder that is always looking to outfox his opponent. Rippon’s hard running and long kicking can carve sides up in rapid time. Onlookers often marvel at his skills.

Shane Page from Darley. Picture: Damian Visentini

Shane Page — Darley

Page continues to shine in his seventh season with the Darley Devils. The dual premiership player can be unstoppable at halfback, willing his fellow defenders to hold firm. His energy and commitment are infectious to those around him. Club insiders say he is a professional and consistently goes above and beyond.

Daniel Toman — Sunbury

This favourite sun of the club returned to Sunbury after a valuable stint in Bendigo and the Mallee. Daniel has worked hard on his fitness and is capable of playing two games back-to-back without getting tired. Toman has an uncanny ability to find the football. he is a strong leader and has helped lift training sessions to a higher standard.

Luke Kiel — Sebastopol

This highly skilled midfielders a product of the competitive Geelong leagues and has helped lift the standard of professionalism at Sebastopol. He is a great athlete, with a reliable kick and is always reading the game. The speedy midfielder never shirks a contest and his versatility is a great asset for the Sebastopol side with his ability to play many positions.

Darren Leonard from Darley.

Darren Leonard — Darley

Leonard is the “Mr Fixit” of the Darley Football Club. He is a flexible player that can handle any situation. Leonard uses his size to hold down a key defensive post, however he is also comfortable in the forward line or even playing ruck. Leonard is a strong leader on the field. He is adept at taking instructions from the coaches and helps keep the players around him composed. Leonard is a product of the Darley junior program and has been instrumental in helping new players transition to the club.

Tyson Lever — Sunbury

Lever is a reliable player who helps Sunbury get out of trouble. Lever is always composed under extreme pressure and stands out with his neat and tidy disposal. His strong marks in defence can break the opposition’s forward line.

Will Garner from Ballarat.

Will Garner — Ballarat

This consistent player owns the wing every match. Garner is a sensational kicker on both boots. A coachable player who is essential to Ballarat’s game.

Ryan Bartlett from Bacchus Marsh.

Ryan Bartlett — Bacchus Marsh

Ryan Bartlett is considered the second coach of his team. He is a vocal player, always organising his team on the run. Bartlett doesn’t let the ball go past him. This polished performer reads the game well and is always taking that game-saving mark.

Braeden Knight — Melton

The Melton skipper has been at his best in the forward line this season. Knight is a crafty forward whose mind is always creating opportunities for his team. Knight is a reliable mark and is dangerous when he runs. He can tear apart an opposition backline in minutes. He isn’t afraid to put his body on the line.

Cam Lovig — East Point

Lovig is a versatile player — blessed with speedy pace and a long accurate kick. Lovig is in outstanding form, rebounding the ball in the East Point’s defence and driving it forward. His side’s defenders play with greater confidence knowing Lovig is near.

Josh Chatfield — North Ballarat

A player who has been in stellar form, terrorising opposition’s back lines throughout the 2021 season. He is excellent at timing leads and is devastating in the air. In his early 20s, he is developing into a player you can build a premiership team around. Chatfield has a deep tank for a forward and is capable of out running his opponents. His vice-like hands constantly grip even the most challenging balls.

Caleb Hepworth — Lake Wendouree

Hepworth has stepped up since moving from Creswick in the Central Highlands Football League. He is a consistent performer for Lake Wendouree. Hepworth is a versatile player who can play in the midfield, up forward or in defence. His presence helps inspire the team.

Jordan Cotter — Melton

Cotter is a defender who capable of cutting off any of the opposition’s attacks and rebounding the ball into the forward line. Cotter’s strong drive is consistent throughout the match. His long and accurate kick can cut any opposition’s side to pieces.

Ryan Pendlebury — Melton South

Pendlebury is a leading figure who holds the Melton South backline together. Pendlebury keeps his composure even when the opposition is at its best. He has used his VFL experience to guide the other young Panthers in the right direction. His leadership is crucial, and his insight into the game is essential. Pendelbury is a coach in the making.