The best Ballarat young guns in the league this year
The Ballarat league continues to produce elite football players who excel for their clubs. We reveal the best rising stars of this season.
On and off the field, Ballarat continues to produce quality footballer, not only at elite and VFL level but also for the Ballarat league.
From young dashing midfielders to key defenders to gun forwards, the league has it all.
We’ve named the best in our top list of Ballarat’s young guns.
But not included on this list are those who play VFL more than their football in Ballarat league.
The criteria for making this list is the player needed to play more games for their Ballarat league club than their VFL team.
Check out the list below.
Angus Bade (Ballarat)
The key tall has impressed for Ballarat this season while also playing for Footscray in the VFL. In 12 games, he’s been among the best in five of them.
Jarrod Bibby (Melton South)
The inside midfielder continues to shine for the Panthers. Been in the best players in eight of nine games and made the extended interleague squad for Ballarat’s under-23 team earlier this year.
Ryan Birthisel (Sebastopol)
Been a key player for Sebastopol since moving to Ballarat from Geelong at the end of the 2022 season. Before he got injured recently, he played 11 games and was in the best in six of them.
Lachlan Bond (Redan)
Injuries have hampered Bond’s season but we’re now seeing the best of him in the Lions midfield. In four games, he’s kicked seven goals and also represented Ballarat in the interleague against Hampden. He recently played his first VFL game for the season for Geelong.
Taj Bond (Redan)
Averaged a goal a game in the seven games he’s played for Redan in between his Coates Talent League commitments with the Bendigo Pioneers. A tall forward who knows how to take a contested mark.
Kyle Borg (Melton Bloods)
The winger has been one of the best players in the Ballarat league this season. Has kicked 21 goals in 12 games, including the sealer against Sunbury a couple of weeks ago, and has been in the best players in two matches. Currently listed with Port Melbourne in the VFL but has not played a game.
Cody Bramble (Sunbury)
Capable of playing not only in the midfield but on the wing. Been among the best in three out of 12 games for the Lions.
Jesse Cairns (East Point)
The midfielder has excelled this year after missing most of last year with overseas travel. Has kicked eight goals in 12 games.
Liam Canny (East Point)
A small forward who has played both under-23 matches for Ballarat in interleague the past two years. He’s kicked five goals in 12 games this season.
Isaac Carey (North Ballarat)
Has dominated in the North Ballarat midfield after returning from playing in Perth with West Perth. He recently had 36 disposals, including 22 contested possessions, against Melton.
Cody Chapman (Melton South)
Been impressive this year in what has been another tough season for Melton South. He’s played 11 games and been in the best in six of them. Recently, he was best on ground in the interleague between Ballarat and Hampden.
Will Clark (Lake Wendouree)
The ball-winning machine has been one of the best players for Lake Wendouree since moving from the Golden Rivers league last year. Last year he won the premiership with Hay.
Broden Collins (Melton South)
Not only is Collins a handy basketballer but he’s been impressive for Melton South this year. The ruckman has been in the best in eight of 12 games and had 73 hit-outs last week against Melton.
Jake Egan (Sunbury)
A key part of Sunbury’s squad in just his second year of senior football. He’s kicked 12 goals in nine games and been among the best in three matches.
Conrad Farrugia (Melton Bloods)
Represented Ballarat in the under-23 match against Hampden. Has been a major part of Melton’s rise up the ladder, playing 13 games.
Mitch Fino (Melton South)
Continues to impress despite a tough season for the Panthers. Has been among the best in six of nine games and also kicked six goals.
Adam Forbes (Sebastopol)
The Burras forward is having another strong year in front of goal. Has kicked 18 goals in 12 games in a tough year for the side.
Liam Howard (East Point)
The half back has helped East Point towards the top of the ladder. Has played 11 games this season.
Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh)
Was the rookie of the season last year in the Ballarat league and has continued the form this year. Was part of Ballarat’s under-23 squad against Hampden and has played 11 matches for the Cobras.
Khy Jess (Redan)
Has impressed in his first year of seniors at the Lions. Jess has been among the best in 10 of 12 games in the midfield. For Ballarat, in interleague, he had 21 disposals against Hampden.
Will Johnson (Darley)
Averages almost two goals a game for the reigning premiers. The versatile forward has been one of the key players at the club.
Jack Kovacevic (Bacchus Marsh)
Impressed in his first full senior year of football with the Cobras. Been in the best players in seven of 13 games and recently had 30 disposals in one game. Knows how to find the footy.
Zane Le Huray (Darley)
Been one of the best players for Darley this season down back. The key back has been in the best in seven of 11 games.
Mitch McLean (Sunbury)
Another forward excelling in the competition this year. The young gun has kicked 34 goals in 12 games, including nine games of two or more goals.
Taj McMillan (North Ballarat)
Has kicked 17 goals in 12 games in his first full year of seniors with North Ballarat. Another young gun excelling at the Roosters.
Riley Miller (Sunbury)
Represented Ballarat earlier this season in under-23 interleague and is a key part of the Sunbury forward line. Played 11 games this season.
Adrian Monitto (Melton Bloods)
Played a major part in the Melton backline this season, helping the team to be the best defence in the league.
Jack Newitt (Sunbury)
Another young gun doing a fine job at Sunbury as the Lions rise up the ladder. Been in the best players in six of 12 games after playing VFL for the Northern Bullants last year.
Isaac Nixon (Bacchus Marsh)
The former Western Jets player is having a great second season in seniors for Bacchus Marsh. He’s averaging a goal a game for Cobras.
Riley O’Keefe (Sebastopol)
One of the best defenders in the competition. Last year he was the best player in the interleague match for Ballarat and this year he was the captain of the team. Rated highly by his teammates and the league.
Jack Parente (Bacchus Marsh)
A leader at the club despite his young age. The midfielder continues to impress for the Cobras and was part of Ballarat’s under-23 squad who took on Hampden recently.
Rye Penny (Bacchus Marsh)
A former volleyball player who has impressed for Bacchus Marsh in his first season at the club. The half back has been in the best players in four out of nine games. He is also part of Collingwood’s VFL list.
Rhys Perry (Ballarat)
Having another stellar season, helping the Swans rise to be finals contenders. Has been in the best players in eight of 12 games.
Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat)
Not only one of the best young guns in the competition but one of the best players in the game. Was the best player on the ground in last year’s grand final and the midfielder continued that form until he was struck by injury.
Strahan Robinson (East Point)
The young forward has impressed for the Kangaroos this year, averaging two goals a game in seniors. Robinson earlier this season kicked eight goals in one game.
Paddy Simpson (Ballarat)
The midfielder has been able to play his best football in his first year without injury setbacks. Has averaged almost a goal a game and been in the best players in six of 12 games.
Josh Sparkman (North Ballarat)
Been one of the young guns to help North Ballarat up the ladder. The midfielder has played 12 games and been among the best in seven of them.
Wyatt Squires (Ballarat)
Made the preliminary squad for Ballarat’s under-23 team. Continues to be a key part of the rebuild at the Ballarat Swans and has played 12 games this season.
Jake Sutton (Sunbury)
One of the leading goalkickers in the Ballarat league who continues to get better. Has kicked 43 goals in 12 games.
Hugh Trigg (North Ballarat)
Has kicked 16 goals in 10 games in his first full year of seniors in North Ballarat. The talented junior has risen up the ranks at North Ballarat and has won MVP’s, best and fairest and premierships during his time as a junior.
Brady Wright (Darley)
The key forward has excelled in his first year of seniors at Darley. Has kicked 19 goals in 11 games after playing for the Rebels in the Coates Talent League the past couple of seasons.
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Originally published as The best Ballarat young guns in the league this year
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