The 100 best Victorian country footballers since 2000

Did your hometown heroes make it into our top 100 list? See for yourself and let us know how we went by voting in our poll.

Every Saturday afternoon in winter across country Victoria from Ouyen to Orbost and Corryong to Casterton thousands of footballers pull on the boots carrying the hopes of their towns in pursuit of the premiership.

They range from players fresh from the AFL to those asked to make up the numbers in the reserves.

Every club has had its star players and every supporter has an opinion on who have been the best to wear their team’s colours.

The fans also know very well the ones who’ve fallen short of the buzz their recruitment has created.

The Weekly Times has compiled its best 100 players since the turn of the century beginning with those we’ve ranked from 100 to 50 as we start the countdown to No.1.

We don’t expect everyone to agree, so feel free to tell us where we’ve gone wrong and who we’ve left out.

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100. KARL NORMAN (Wang Rovers, Mooroopna, Glenrowan)

Karl Norman, right, played the bulk of his career at Glenrowan.

Arrived on the O and M scene with a bang in 2002 when Wangaratta Rovers made the grand final.

Norman was drafted by Carlton, but his AFL career was short-lived.

Returned to Wangaratta Rovers where is father Steve was a legendary goalkicker.

Most successful years for Norman were spent at Glenrowan with his dominance a large part of four flags in five years before the Ovens and King club folded.

99. JOEL SOUTAR (Morwell)

Morwell’s Joel Soutar was always in the thick of the action for the Tigers.

Described as a “stoppage animal”, Soutar captained Morwell to two flags in 2013-14 at the height of his powers and coached the club for another four in a career spanning 250-plus matches.

98. MATT SEITER (Wodonga, Brock-Burrum)

Lion-hearted big man who returned to the Bulldogs and made his presence felt in a lean era for the one time O and M powerhouse.

Won the Morris Medal in 2016 and polled a record 36 votes to win the Hume league’s Azzi Medal in 2019.

97. MATT DUSSIN (Myrtleford)

Matt Dussin has played his entire career with Myrtleford.

One club player who has been the Saints’ go-to man when in trouble for a decade.

Ruck, onball, forward or back, he has played them all, with his best year being 2019 when Myrtleford went on a run deep into September.

96. STUART FARR (Horsham Demons, Dimboola)

Stuart Farr tasted plenty of success with Horsham in the Wimmera league.

Played a part as either player or coach of 10 successive flags won by Horsham from 2003 before the bombshell move to replace him as coach at the end of 2012.

Coached Dimboola to the flag the next season to cement himself as a Wimmera league legend.

95. BRENDON PARKER (Nathalia, Tongala, Newtown & Chilwell)

Nathalia’s Brendon Parker was a prolific goalkicker wherever he played.

Drafted to Carlton after winning a Morrison Medal in 1991, Parker returned to his original club Nathalia in 2004 and owned the goalsquare.

He kicked more than 100 goals in three successive premiership teams from 2005 and booted another 83 goals in another flag in 2008, his final year.

94. JAMES GIBBS (Bairnsdale)

Bairnsdale’s James Gibbs was a force up forward for the Redlegs. Picture: Andy Rogers

Began playing for the Redlegs in their decade of dominance in the East Gippsland league before the return to the major league in 2011.

Dominant key forward who led from the front in a 200-match plus career.

93. MATT WADE (Nar Nar Goon, Tooradin, Swan Hill)

Matt Wade was a star midfielder at the three clubs he played for including Swan Hill. Photo by Chloe Smith.

Tough as nails onballer who initially played in a flag at Nar Nar Goon in 2010 followed by a hugely successful stint with Tooradin which included three best and fairests and Vic Country honours.

After a work transfer, Adams won back-to-back Central Murray league best and fairests with Swan Hill in 2016-17.

92. JASON MACFARLANE (Morwell, Albury, Corowa-Rutherglen, Benalla, Myrtleford, Moe)

Performed at a high level wherever he went.

Started and finished his career in Gippsland, but a large part was spent up north with a high point being a midfield general in the 2003 Corowa-Rutherglen premiership.

91. JASON EAGLE (Irymple, Shepparton United)

Jason Eagle has kicked big bags of goals in the Sunraysia and Goulburn Valley leagues. Picture: Glenn Milne

Powerfully built key forward who booted more than 100 goals in two major leagues.

In 2015 he kicked 123 in 19 games for Irymple and booted another century of goals for Shepparton United in 2013.

Three years earlier he finished stranded on 99, but a premiership medal softened the blow.

90. SCOTT MEYER (Beaconsfield, Wodonga Raiders)

Scott Meyer played at a high level for Beaconsfield and Wodonga Raiders.

Mobile big man who won four club and three league best and fairests playing with his original club Beaconsfield after returning from three highly productive years with Wodonga Raiders.

89. ASH GEMMILL (Nathalia)

Triple premiership player and four-time best and fairest in a stellar career at one of the most successful clubs in country football.

Also won the Murray league’s O’Dwyer Medal in 2004.

88. TYSON SIDEBOTTOM (Shepparton United, Congupna, Shepparton Swans, Mitiamo)

Tyson Sidebottom tasted premiership success with Shepparton United.

The brother of Collingwood premiership star Steele.

Captained Shepparton United to two flags of his own and was best-on-ground in another for Shepparton Swans as one of the Goulburn Valley’s elite midfielders.

87. LEVI DARE (Cobden, Hamilton Kangaroos)

Levi Dare was one of the dominant big men of the Hampden league. Picture: Chris Eastman

After playing at VFL level, Dare put his considerable stamp on the Hampden league in a decade with Cobden including a stint as coach.

The imposing ruckman won the Maskell Medal three times in 2010, 2012 and 2016 before joining Hamilton Kangaroos.

86. GEORGE GOROZIDIS (Bonbeach, Tyabb, Berwick)

George Gorozidis was a goalkicking wizard for two clubs.

A goalkicking machine, Gorozidis booted almost 600 goals in only 70 matches for Bonbeach.

His 182-goal haul in 2001 is the stuff of legend, breaking John Coleman’s long standing MPNFL record.

After a fourth successive century for Bonbeach, he departed for Tyabb and kicked another ton.

85. BRAYDEN O’HARA (Albury)

Brayden O’Hara has been a star for Albury since crossing from South Australia. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Joined the all-conquering Tigers from Central Districts in 2013 and has gone onto play in four flags with his ability to find the goals with his deadly left boot each week a feature.

Always produced on the big stage.

84. CHRIS DUNNE (Leongatha, Drouin)

A consistent source of goals when the Parrots rose up to challenge Maffra in the 2010s after previously playing for Drouin.

He had the most 50 goals plus seasons between 2010-19 in the league with a best of 76 when Leongatha won the flag.

83. JON HENRY (Wangaratta)

Jon Henry put Wangaratta back on track as coach and also kept kicking goals when the Magpies started winning flags again.

First played for the Magpies in the early 1990s before returning as the coach to lead the club out of the mire.

But equally performed as a player as a key forward and one of the most reliable kicks for goal to ever play in the O and M.

82. TIM MARTIN (Sandhurst)

Sandhurst ruckman Tim Martin was one of the best players of his era. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

A two-time Michelsen Medal winning ruckman in the Bendigo league in 2013-14, Martin was also a key player in Sandhurst’s most recent premiership win in 2016.

79. MAL ADAMS (Horsham United)

Even though his senior career started in the 1990s, the Horsham United champ’s peak years arguably came in the mid-2000s.

He won five club best and fairests and represented the Wimmera league 19 times as a classy onballer.

80. BOB MCCALLUM (Drouin)

Bob McCallum, left, rose to great heights for Drouin.

One of Drouin’s most decorated and fiercely competitive players, McCallum won the club’s best and fairest six times and the Gippsland league’s Trood Award and Rodda Medal in 2015.

79. LUKE SAUNDERS (Gisborne)

Luke Saunders coached Gisborne where he was also a star player.

Universally recognised as one of the key players in Gisborne’s rise to power club status when it joined the Bendigo league in early 2000s.

Captained two of the four flags it won and also claimed the 2005 Michelsen Medal.

78. MATT PENDERGAST (Wodonga Raiders, Lavington)

Matt Pendergast regularly represented Ovens and Vic Country as well as being a star for Lavington and Wodonga Raiders. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Durable and hard nosed midfielder who joined his father Wayne in playing 300 Ovens and Murray senior matches. Five time best and fairest winner and premiership player at Lavington and regularly earned Victorian Country honours.

77. ADAM BAIRD (Golden Square, Donald, Mt Pleasant)

Adam Baird was part of Golden Square’s golden era in the Bendigo league.

Four-time premiership player and dual best and fairest winner at Golden Square, Baird won the Michelsen Medal in the last fully completed season in the Bendigo league in 2019 before announcing he was taking up coaching role at Mt Pleasant.

76. NATHAN GEMMILL (Nathalia, Rochester)

Nathan Gemmill, left, was one of the many reasons Nathalia remained at the top of the Murray league for so long.

Began his career in the 1990s, but was an undisputed star on so many levels for his home club Nathalia.

Won five best and fairests, including four in five years in the mid-2000s, an O’Dwyer Medal and four flags as he burnt off opponents with relentless gut running.

75. XAVIER LESLIE (Yarrawonga)

Xavier Leslie, right, was a high possession winner for Yarrawonga.

Ball magnet in a glittering 300-match career in the Ovens and Murray for the Pigeons which has included three flags, two club best and fairests and a Morris Medal and two other top three finishes in the league count.

74. NICK HIDER (Camperdown, Warrnambool, Maffra, Sale City)

Recruited to Collingwood when he won the first of two Hampden league best and fairests in 1994 for Camperdown before following up with a second in 2003 for Warrnambool.

Joined Maffra for its period of sustained success and won back-to-back league medals in 2007-08.

73. KANE MARTIN (Sale)

Quality onballer for the Magpies where he won back-to-back best and fairests in 2011-12 with the latter being a career high year when Sale won the flag and he was awarded best on ground honours. Also won the Trood Award Rodda Medal win in 2017.

72. DAVID LUCAS (Kyabram, Corowa-Rutherglen, Nathalia)

Highly rated ruckman who dominated wherever he played including a stint in WAFL.

Starred for Kyabram, Corowa-Rutherglen and Nathalia with his mobility around the ground a constant source of concern for opposition clubs.

71. RYAN O’SULLIVAN (Swan Hill, Tooleybuc-Manangatang, Sea Lake Nandaly)

Ryan O'Sullivan was a leading light for Tooleybuc-Manangatang.

Undisputed star of the Central Murray league with the ruckman winning four Jack Betts Medals and five club best and fairests before another league medal in the North Central league.

70. JOSH MELLINGTON (Benalla, Albury, Violet Town, Echuca United)

Josh Mellington kicked big bags of goals at every club he played for including Echuca United.

Prolific goalkicker wherever he has played.

Kicked a century of goals for Benalla and Albury premiership years also with Echuca United. Booted 27 goals in a match for Violet Town in 2021.

69. GARY JONES (Lucknow, Maffra)

Gary Jones was never far from the thick of the action for Maffra.

His arrival at Maffra in early 2000s couldn’t have been timed any better with the midfield dynamo becoming an instant success.

Played in six flags from 2002 to 2010 and was crowned the league’s best player in two premiership years.

68. JASON LIMBRICK (Nathalia, Shepparton Bears, Golden Square)

Nathalia’s Jason Limbrick was a key part of Nathalia’s golden era in the Murray league. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Played in a remarkable nine flags with Nathalia with the first coming in 2006 and the most recent in 2019.

Best-on-ground in two of them and coached another as he consistently performed at a high level with a strong set of hands and accurate kick for goal.

67. CARL DICKINS (Oaklands, Daysdale, Corowa-Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, Chiltern)

Began his career as teenager in former Coreen league before becoming key cog in the Roos rise up the ladder in the early 2000s which culminated in flags in 2000 and 2003.

66. SIMON BUCKLEY (Echuca)

Simon Buckley, left, was an instant success with Echuca in the Goulburn Valley league. Picture: Bruce Povey

Played 47 AFL games with Collingwood and Melbourne before joining Echuca where he soon became a GV star.

Won three best and fairests for the Murray Bombers and back-to-back Morrison Medals in 2016-17.

65. JASON WILD (Yarrawonga, Katamatite)

Jason Wild captained Yarrawonga to an Ovens and Murray league flag.

Former Collingwood player who made a huge impact when he joined the Pigeons.

The courageous onballer won three best and fairest and captained the club to drought-breaking flag win in 2006.

64. TRAVIS BAIRD (Donald, Golden Square, Charlton)

Golden Square’s Travis Baird, right, was a big part of the club’s flag run.

Described as having “probably the best pair of hands” by Vic Country coach Peter Knights, Baird was a star for Golden Square in three premiership teams.

63. STEVEN REAPER (Kyneton, Gisborne)

Steven Reaper booted big bags of goals in the Bendigo league including Kyneton.

Dual premiership forward at Kyneton in late 1990s.

But hard leading forward had an equally big impact when he joined Gisborne where he won multiple flags, best and fairests and goalkicking awards.

62. TIM LOOBY (Shepparton United, Myrtleford)

Tim Looby performed at a high level at any standard he played

The ultimate swing man with a booming left boot played mostly in the Goulburn Valley league with United.

Two-time best and fairest winner and 2011 premiership player who did great work at both ends of ground. Vic Country captain also in 2014-15.

61. CRAIG TAFFT (Corowa-Rutherglen)

The premier key defender of the Ovens and Murray in the early 2000s before embarking on a professional running career.

Played leading roles in the 2000 and 2003 flags and also won two best and fairests in a star studded line-up.

60. DALE CARSON (Geelong West-St Peter’s, St Joseph’s, Anglesea)

Dale Carson played with distinction at three clubs including Anglesea. Picture: Mark Wilson

Up forward or down back he dominated for an extended period.

Leading GFL goalkicker for Geelong West-St Peter’s in the late 2000s before switching to Joeys where he continued to pile up the goals until he turned backman and won three successive club best and fairests and a flag in 2015.

59. ANDREW SOUMILAS (Garfield, Drouin, Inverloch-Kongwak)

Andrew Soumlas is widely regarded as one of West Gippsland’s all time great players.

Holds the rare distinction of winning five league best and fairest awards including two Gippsland league Trood Award and Rodda Medals for Garfield and Drouin seven years apart.

He won two others with Garfield and the most recent coming in 2017 for Inverloch-Kongwak.

58. SAM PLEMING (Maffra)

Sam Pleming spent time with Carlton and Port Melbourne before coming back to star for Maffra. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

First played for Maffra in 2003 before being rookie listed by Carlton, but dominated upon his return to his original club in 2015 after a long stint at Port Melbourne.

Repeatedly starred in the big moments.

57. JARROD ARENTZ (Wentworth, Tooleybuc-Manangatang, Sea Lake Nandaly)

Jarrod Arentz was called up to the EJ Whitten Legends Game due to his legendary exploits in front of goals.

Genuine superstar of the Central Murray league in the mid-2000s.

Kicked 139 goals and 143 goals twice in three successive seasons for Tooleybuc-Manangatang including a premiership year of 2007.

Also kicked a record 20 goals in a match for Wentworth in the Sunraysia league.

56. SAM DOBSON (Koroit, St Mary’s)

Sam Dobson, right, has been one of reasons Koroit has had so much success.

Considered unlucky not to make it onto AFL list, Dobson returned to Koroit in 2019 after three seasons in the Geelong league with St Mary’s and also time with the Cats VFL side.

Star forward who remains a force in the Hampden league.

55. DEAN POLO (Albury)

Dean Polo was rarely beaten in a superb career with Albury. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

After stints with Richmond and St Kilda, Polo joined Albury in 2013 at the peak of its dominance and finished the 2010s as four-time premiership player including a best-on-ground performance in 2018 when the Tigers held off a charging Wangaratta.

54. GREG MORLEY (Traralgon)

Greg Morley is one of Traralgon’s all time greats who was still playing great football into the 2000s. Picture: Colleen Petch.

All-time Maroons great, who burst onto the scene when the club was a powerhouse in the 1990s.

Output remained at a high level into the 2000s when he added a third Trood Award and Rodda Medal in 2003 to the ones he won in 1993 and 1998 and was best-on-ground in the 2005 premiership.

53. TIM HARGREAVES (Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Barooga)

Tim Hargreaves joined Yarrawonga from Hawthorn and became an instant star in the ovens and Murray

Set the Ovens and Murray alight when he joined the Pigeons in 1999.

Won the league’s Morris Medal in 2002 and was a member of Yarrawonga’s drought-breaking premiership in 2006.

Coached Mulwala into the Murray league grand final in 2010 before a stint at Barooga.

52. TOM MARRIOTT (Leongatha)

Leongatha’s Tom Marriott has ensured the Parrots have stayed near the top of the ladder in the Gippsland league.

Crucial cog in the Parrots’ sustained success.

Part of the club’s back-to-back flags in 2017-18, dual club best and fairest winner and crowned the Trood Award and Rodda Medal winner in the club’s most recent flag.

51. KRISTAN HEIGHT (Echuca, Myrtleford, Sandhurst)

Kristan Height has the rare honour of winning best and fairests in three major leagues. Picture: Aaron Cook

Nuggety onballer who completed a rare trifecta of three major league best and fairests when he won the Morrison Medal for Echuca in 2010, the Morris Medal for Myrtleford in 2014 and the Michelsen Medal for Sandhurst in 2016.

50. MATT BYERS (Shepparton Bears, Wangaratta, Barooga)

Midfield star with Shepparton Bears where he was a premiership player, Morrison Medal winner and coach.

Also had two stellar seasons for Wangaratta and coached and played with distinction at Barooga.

49. JACK GEARY (Golden Square)

Jack Geary has been one of Golden Square’s many stars in the last two decades. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Courageous onballer with one of the Bendigo league’s strongest clubs.

Five time premiership player and 2018 Michelsen Medal winner with Golden Square.

Also performed on the interleague stage and appointed one of the youngest ever captains of Vic Country.

48. ADRIAN BURGIEL (Maffra, Moe)

Five time premiership player with Maffra whose mercurial skills helped him kick more than 600 goals including a record 17 in one match in 2006.

Later departed the Eagles nest to coach rival club Moe.

47. SIMON O’KEEFE (Koroit, Panmure, Hawkesdale-Macarthur)

Koroit’s Simon O'Keefe represented Vic Country multiple times.

Two-time Maskell Medal winner with Koroit.

Regularly broke opposition hearts with fitness, pace and skills.

Also had a successful stint as coach of Panmure winning two flags in three seasons before heading back to Koroit for more flag success.

46. JON MCCORMICK (Wangaratta, Tarrawingee)

Jon McCormick starred for Wangaratta Magpies on his return from the AFL.

A dominant player in the Ovens and Murray in the mid-2000s with his return to Wangaratta from Carlton netting two flags and a Morris Medal.

Injuries denied him another certain medal in 2005 when he had polled 18 votes in just 10 matches.

Battered from pillar to post in the 2007 grand final against North Albury, but still helped the Pies to a famous win.

45. BRODIE FILO (Eaglehawk, Koondrook-Barham, Wodonga Raiders, Shepparton United, Wang Rovers)

Brodie Filo followed in the footsteps of his dad in winning a Bendigo league best and fairest.

Explosive midfielder joined his father Derrick as a Michelsen Medal winner in 2015 playing for Eaglehawk where he was also a teenage premiership star.

Also lit up the Ovens and Murray where he won another league medal playing in 2018 playing for Wodonga Raiders.

44. DANIEL LESLIE (North Albury)

North Albury’s Daniel Leslie had the ability to star at any level he played

First North Albury player to play 300 matches in a glittering career across two decades.

Performed equally well at both ends of the ground and reserved some of his best games for the Ovens and Murray and Vic Country.

43. PAUL SCANLON (Seymour, Pines)

Paul Scanlon was universally respected for his part in Seymour’s run of success in the Goulburn Valley league. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Headed bush after playing at VFL level and became a GV superstar for Seymour which won a hat-trick of flags in the mid-2000s.

Had another crack at VFL and won the Bendigo Bombers’ best and fairest in 2009.

At age 39 won a league best and fairest with Pines.

42. MATT MCMAHON (Newtown & Chilwell)

Matt McMahon has a special place in Geelong history. Picture: Peter Ristevski

First GFL player to win three successive Mathieson Medals in a dominant decade in one of the state’s best competitions.

Also a four-time winner club best and fairest as a high quality midfielder.

41. MATT FITZGERALD (Gisborne)

Integral component of Gisborne’s run of success in the Bendigo league which netted four flags from six straight grand final appearances.

Played in three of them and was also the Michelsen Medal winner in 2003 and 2007.

40. JOSH FINCH (Modewarre)

Eight-time club best and fairest winner and four-time Ash Medal winner, Finch has been an undisputed champion player in the Bellarine league.

Finally got to add a flag to his glittering resume in 2018.

39. STEPHEN ASH (Shepparton Bears, Albury)

Shepparton Bears legend Stephen Ash. Picture: Garry Osborn

Goulburn Valley Royalty.

Glittering 309 match career with Shepparton started in the 1990s and then made the switch to Albury where he played in two Ovens and Murray flags with Albury.

But an undisputed GV legend who played in three premiership teams, won two Morrison Medals and won the Bears best and fairest six times.

38. SHANE MCDONALD (Bonbeach)

Shane McDonald has been a high lever performer at club and interleague level. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mornington Peninsula dynamo who is a two-time league best and fairest winner.

Also won the region’s best interleague performers with an unforgettable six goal match winning display against Ovens and Murray in 2019.

37. BEN GOODALL (Koroit)

Koroit’s Ben Goodall, left, has played a big role in the club’s sustained run of success. Picture: Geoff Rounds

Eight-time premiership player with the dominant team of the Hampden league for two decades.

Classy fielder who has also pushed forward in a career which also saw him win the 2013 Maskell Medal.

36. MARK CORRIGAN (South Barwon, Barwon Heads)

South Barwon’s Mark Corrigan. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Five-time premiership player who was a star midfielder in South Barwon’s dominant era in the GFL.

Was also the Mathieson Medal winner in 2007 and later coached at VFL level.

A five-time premiership star with the Swans in the GFL.

35. SIMON MCCORMICK (North Albury, Wodonga)

Simon McCormick dominated with two clubs in the Ovens and Murray. Picture: STEPHEN LAFFER

Lightly built, but tough as they come.

McCormick quickly emerged as a star in Ovens and Murray where he won best and fairests and played in premierships at North Albury and Wodonga.

Made the step up to higher standard with ease by winning another best and fairest at SANFL side West Adelaide.

34. ISAAC TEMPLETON (Koroit, Nirranda)

Koroit captain Isaac Templeton, right. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Record speaks for itself.

First player to win back-to-back Maskell Medals in 33 years when he won the Hampden league’s top award in 2014-15.

Ultra professional player who also played in six flags.

33. DREW BARNES (Nathalia, Yarrawonga)

Drew Barnes led from the front in premiership success with Yarrawonga.

Ferocious competitor who played in four flags for Nathalia before becoming undisputed star with Yarrawonga for its sustained rivalry with Albury.

Played in the Pigeons 2012-13 flags including best-on-ground honours in 2013 when Yarrawonga briefly stopped the Albury juggernaut.

Barnes eventually returned to Nathalia for another flag in 2018.

32. ROB WALKER (Wang Rovers)

Rob Walker’s brilliant career with Wangaratta Rovers was abruptly cut short by injury.

Even at the end of a sensational career prematurely halted by injury, Walker was a champion player.

Won the 2001 and 2003 Morris Medals to take his career tally to five and won four club best and fairests at the start of the decade to finish with 12.

Immediately made an official legend of the Ovens and Murray league the moment he qualified.

31. XAVIER MOLONEY (Terang, Swan Hill)

Xavier Moloney is one of the all-time greats of the Central Murray league.

Premiership player with home club Terang before becoming the dominant player of the Central Murray league for a decade.

Played in two more flags with Swan Hill and also won two league medals and relished the chance to play for Vic Country in a variety of roles.

30. BRAD MURRAY (Myrtleford, Echuca)

Brad Murray played the bulk of his career with Myrtleford, but had individual success at other clubs including interstate. Picture: Aaron Cook

A premiership is the missing piece of a brilliant career highlighted by three best and fairests at his home club, Myrtleford, one at Echuca and two more at state league clubs West Perth and Port Adelaide.

The high possession gathering midfielder also won the 2015 Morris Medal in the Ovens and Murray in the same season the Saints lost the grand final in heartbreaking fashion with a kick after the siren to Lavington.

29. GUY CAMPBELL (Echuca, Rochester, Echuca United)

Guy Campbell regularly represented Vic Country.

Described by former Vic Country coach Peter Knights as the “best player” he had seen in his time in the role, Campbell was a force to be reckoned with as a versatile big man.

Won the 2011 Morrison Medal for Rochester and played in a flag with Echuca United two years later.

28. JIM CAIL (St Mary’s)

Jim Cail was universally respected by teammates and opponents in the Geelong league.

Took the Geelong league by storm the moment he landed at St Mary’s from Bendigo in 2004.

Starred in the Saints’ flag in his debut year with the club and won another premiership four years later.

In a strong era, Cail was a walk up starter for Geelong and Vic Country representative teams.

Opposition players dreaded the days they had to go head-to-head with him.

27. KEL PORTER (Maffra)

Kel Porter was an important cog in many Maffra premierships.

Injury slowed the early part of his career, but the Eagles midfielder soon made up for lost time by playing in the first of multiple flags in 2010.

Highly consistent performer who won the Trood Award and Rodda Medal in 2013 and won three club best and fairests in an era when flags were coming thick and fast for the Eagles.

26. MICHAEL BURKE (Karingal)

Michael Burke has been a constant source of inspiration at Karingal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

One club legend of Karingal.

The first hint of a long and illustrious came early when he booted five goals in a premiership win at the age of 17.

Across a glittering career spanning 350 matches, Burke has won five club best and fairest, the league’s top honour in 2012 and the flag in 1999.

25. JOE MCLAREN (Koroit)

Joe McLaren has had no shortage of highs in his career with Koroit.

Born and bred Koroit, McLaren returned home in 2005 after stints in the AFL with St Kilda and North Melbourne and WAFL to win the Maskell Medal in his comeback year in the Hampden league.

Part of six flags as player and coach including being one of the immortal six to play in the record four in a row from 2014.

24. PAUL KIRBY (Tatura, Wangaratta)

Paul Kirby is a premiership player in the Goulbury Valley and Ovens and Murray leagues.

One of the best ruckmen of the last two decades.

The mobile big man had already played 200 matches and a flag with Tatura before crossing to Wangaratta where he starred in more premiership success.

Returned back to win another flag with Tatura in 2012.

23. KAYNE PETTIFER (Kyabram, Yarrawonga)

Kayne Pettifer has left his mark on two strong leagues after playing for Richmond. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Played 113 matches at the elite level with Richmond before becoming a star in the bush, firstly in a flag with Yarrawonga alongside Brendan Fevola.

Then headed home to Kyabram for even more success.

Played in three flags when the Bombers owned the GV including kicking a century of goals in the 2018 premiership year.

22. ASH EAMES (Rand, Barnawartha, North Albury, Frankston YCW)

Ash Eames was an unstoppable force for Frankston YCW. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Man mountain ruckman who starred wherever he went.

Initially played along the Murray where he stepped up from district league ranks to become a serious player in the Ovens and Murray.

But his biggest impact came when he joined Frankston YCW.

Seven flags in nine years including best-on-ground honours in 2014 is a mightily impressive resume.

21. LACHLAN SHARP (Strathfieldsaye)

Srathfieldsaye has been a major beneficiary of Lachlan Sharp’s ability in front of goal.

Played in the club’s first Bendigo league match in 2009 and has been a superstar ever since.

Booted 142 goals in 2017 to earn him the Michelsen Medal and followed up with another 129 goals two years later.

Four time premiership player with Strathfieldsaye.

20. HAYDEN BURGIEL (Maffra, Sale City)

Brothers Hayden Burgiel, left and Adrian Burgiel were stars for Maffra. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Exquisitely talented player with deadly left boot who did it all at Maffra across 13 seasons.

Coached two of the seven flags he played in for the Eagles.

Also won the Trood Award and Rodda Medal twice in 2001 and 2004 and two club best and fairests in the same years with 2004 being a premiership season.

19. CLINTON WELLS (South Barwon)

Clinton Wells is a favourite son of South Barwon. Picture: Cormac Hanrahan.

Mainstay of the powerful South Barwon line-up for a generation.

Contested marking colossus of the club’s forward line in eight premierships.

Incredibly durable performer who cracked the 300-match milestone in 2014.

Also co-coached the club for two years.

18. SHAUN DALY (Corowa-Rutherglen, Albury)

Shaun Daly has had a career at Albury many would envy.

Most decorated player in Albury’s rich history by winning five club best and fairests in more than a decade of sustained success.

Super versatile player who also won a Morris Medal in 2011 and three initial flags for Albury before an equally successful stint with Mayne.

Returned to Albury and co-coached the 2018 flag and is still playing in search of yet another flag.

17. DAVID JOHNS (Horsham Demons)

Horsham superboot David Johns. Picture: Colleen Petch.

A dominant player in a team that dominated the Wimmera league like no other.

Eight time premiership player and a six-time winner of the league’s goal kicking award.

Set the competition alight with a record 156 goals in 2006.

16. DANIEL JORDAN (East Point)

Daniel Jordan was inducted into the BFL Hall of Fame in 2018.

Ballarat league Hall of Famer.

Jordan took the competition by storm between 2006 and 2013 when he booted 774 goals in eight years at the eye popping rate of 5.8 goals per match.

Won the Henderson Medal in 2006 and was runner-up a year later.

Five time BFL goalkicking award winner with a season best 148 in 2006.

Kicked more than 100 goals in two other years.

15. DAMIAN O’CONNOR (Terang-Mortlake, Koroit)

Damian O’Connor in his days playing for Terang-Mortlake before the move to Koroit.

Midfield warrior who tasted premiership success with two Hampden league clubs.

Won five best and fairests and a flag with Terang-Mortlake before making the big switch to Koroit where he played in three more flags with the Saints.

14. SAAD SAAD (Seymour)

Saad Saad wowed crowds in the Goulburn Valley league when he played for Seymour.

Provided box office excitement in the GV for 10 seasons.

Kicked more than 900 goals for the Lions with a best of 117 in 2012.

Also booted 96 when Seymour won one of its three flags on the trot.

Saad is equally remembered for his wizardry in the air as he literally stood on opponents heads to drag down marks.

13. SIMON GOOSEY (Mornington, Dromana)

Simon Goosey’s goalkicking record is legendary in Victorian Country football circles. Picture: Colleen Petch.

First played at senior level in 1988, but the legendary goalkicker was still a force into the 2000s when he kicked 100 plus goals every year between 2000 and 2006.

Kicked more than 1800 goals and played in four flags for Mornington and between 2006 and 2008 kicked another 259 goals for Dromana.

12. TRENT HOTTON (Mansfield)

Trent Hotton became an instant star of the Goulburn Valley with Mansfield when he finished his AFL career.

Had brief stints with Collingwood and Carlton before becoming one the undisputed guns of the GV where he played alongside brothers Cameron and Justin at Mansfield.

Captained the previously success-starved club to the 2004 premiership and was awarded best-on-ground honours in the crushing grand final victory against Tartura.

Capped off a brilliant career for the Eagles when he won the 2007 Morrison Medal.

11. JOEL MACKIE (Jindera, North Albury, Albury, Osborne)

Joel Mackie was a proven big match performer over a decade for Albury. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Did it all in a decade flush with success at Albury.

Played in seven flags in 10 seasons with 2015 the undoubted high point when the combative midfielder won the second of his two Morris Medals, was best on ground in the grand final and won a second club best and fairest.

Almost impossible to tackle when at his rampaging best.

10. BEN COLEMAN (Maffra)

Ben Coleman’s career highlights with Maffra make for impressive reading.

In a team which hasn’t missed finals this century, Coleman is at the top of the tree in a long list of stars who have driven the club’s sustained success.

Won six best and fairests, one short of the record held jointly by Jeff Gieschen and Anthony Gravener, and played in five premierships.

The champion rover retired at the end of 2015 with more than 200 matches.

9. CHRIS HYDE (Albury)

Chris Hyde has player talents and coaching prowess helped Albury stay on top for more than a decade. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Highly skilled, but possessed an uncompromising edge over a 200 match career littered with highpoints.

The Tigers won flags in his first three seasons with his impact immediate with a best-on-ground grand final display in the first year at the club.

Won two club best and fairests and also won the 2017 Morris Medal.

Always found something extra when the chips were down.

8. TIM SHERINGHAM (Bell Park)

Tim Sheringham in his co-coaching days with Bell Park. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Widely regarded as one of the Geelong league’s standout midfielders, but has also plugged holes when required over his 220 plus match career.

Tough, courageous and had clean ball handling skills in heavy traffic.

Four time best and fairest, Mathieson Medal winner, premiership player and long serving coach rounded out an impressive resume.

7. GRANT WEEKS (Colbinabbin, Golden Square, Rochester)

Grant Weeks juggled life on the land and a productive career in front of goals for three clubs.

A 15-year-old premiership player with Colbinabbin, Weeks was destined for greatness and Golden Square was the major beneficiary of his goal kicking prowess.

He played in three of the club’s five successive Bendigo league flags between 2009-13.

Booted a league record 162 goals in 2012 after hauls of 145 and 125 in the previous two years.

Played two seasons with Rochester in 2013-14 with another century of goals in his second year before returning to Colbinabbin and winning a league best and fairest.

Injury brought a premature end to a brilliant career in 2017.

6. RHYS ARCHARD (Echuca, Moama)

Rhys Archard is one of Echuca’s all time great players.

A superstar player in Echuca’s back-to-back Goulburn Valley league flags in 2001-02 before winning the Morrison Medal in 2003 and regularly representing Vic Country.

Enticed to South Australia and won a Magarey Medal in 2009 after being rookie listed by the Adelaide Crows in 2006.

Then rounded a brilliant career by winning two O’Dwyer Medals with Moama in 2015 and 2017.

5. CRAIG EDNIE (Yarrawonga, Rennie)

Craig Ednie had a brilliant career at Yarrawonga which included playing and coaching.

The Pigeons have had many superstar players since the start of the century.

But there has been no better homegrown player than the man dubbed “The Little Master”.

Small in stature, but a freakish talent, Ednie was the player opposition had to put the brakes on if they were going to beat Yarrawonga.

Ednie won five club best and fairests, a Morris Medal in a premiership year, three flags in total and had a stint as coach when arch rival Albury was at its dominant best and beat the Pigeons three times in a row before the tables turned.

4. DANIEL LOVICK (St Joseph’s, Shepparton Swans, Geelong Amateurs)

The 2017 premiership was a career highlight for Daniel Lovick. Picture: Mike Dugdale

A premier player in a premier league.

Integral part of Joeys’ defences for many years and rarely beaten given his ability to read the play so well.

Two-time Mathieson Medal winner and three-time best and fairest.

Also won a best and fairest with Shepparton Swans before returning to play in a flag with St Joseph’s.

3. JARROD EDWARDS (North Ballarat, Ballarat, Redan, North City)

Jarrod Edwards’ four Henderson Medal wins in a row is a record which may never be beaten in the Ballarat league.

No bigger name in the Ballarat league in the last two decades.

Edwards brought a fearless and determined mindset to every game he played.

The midfield toughnut won an incredible four Henderson Medals in a row from 2006 with Redan in an era which also included four flags.

Won the Lions best and fairest six times and another at Ballarat.

Rounded out a stellar career with another flag at North City in 2014.

2. PAUL NEWMAN (Kyabram, Tongala)

Paul Newman always produced in the moments that counted for Kyabram. Picture: Yuri Kouzmiin

Few performed at such a consistently high level for as long as the Kyabram key forward who kicked almost 1000 goals in one of the state’s strongest competitions.

A difficult match up, Newman was a force in the air and at ground level around.

Captained Kyabram to the 2013 premiership and led some strong GV interleague teams.

Coach of Kyabram when the Bombers when the club pieced together a 83-1 win-loss record between 2016-19 for three flags.

Also kicked 100 goals for Tongala in 2015 before launching highly successful coaching career.

1. BRENDAN FEVOLA (Yarrawonga)

The best. Picture: Scott Chris

The recruiting coup of the last 20 years took place in the summer of 2011-12.

Yarrawonga had just lost a third successive grand final to Albury with no end in sight of the Tigers’ domination of the Ovens and Murray league.

Fevola’s football career was at the crossroads after being dumped by Brisbane after an ill-fated move north followed by a year in the VFL.

On any measure, Fevola was a superstar for the Pigeons between 2012 and 2015 _ two flags, 357 goals from 67 matches and the ability to pull a crowd like no other player in country football.

“Fev was single-handedly responsible for some of the biggest home and away, finals and finals crowds ever seen in the Ovens and Murray,” Yarrawonga coach at the time, Chris Kennedy, said.

“He not only put the Ovens and Murray on the map, but the entire region.

“No player had a bigger impact than him.

“Everywhere you went people knew about Yarrawonga.

“What happened in those years will never happen again and we were just so lucky to be part of it all.”

His best goal kicking haul was 16 against Wodonga Raiders and he booted 10 or more in matches against five other rival teams in the 10-club competition.

In addition to his time with Yarrawonga, Fevola was a “gun for hire” for country clubs all over the state.