The best young guns in the Sunraysia league revealed
There’s plenty of exciting young talent within the ranks of Sunraysia league clubs. Here’s a look at the best.
In every competition there are always the next generation of stars who show glimpses of their potential, or take the game on and dominate.
The Sunraysia Football League is no different with multiple players taking centre stage this season to be among the best in the competition.
We’ve compiled a list of the best who have impressed this year in the competition.
VFL players are listed but they must had played more than six games for their local club in 2023.
So here are the best young guns this season.
Kade Baynes, Irymple
A player who has risen up the ranks at the Swallows and found form in the seniors. Baynes played 19 games, kicked 12 goals and was in the best in seven games.
Elijah Brown, Mildura
The small creative forward has impressed for both the Bendigo Pioneers and Demons. Brown kicked 23 goals in 17 senior games this season.
Nate Bull, Merbein
Capable of playing in the midfield, or in defence in a shut down role, Bull has played well for the Magpies this season. He played 14 games and was among the best in four.
Dion Camera, Robinvale Euston
Was one of the leading goalkickers for Robinvale Euston. The Eagles forward kicked 29 goals in 18 games in his first full season.
Zac Carra, Irymple
The teenager recently won a senior premiership with Irymple after playing in the midfield for most of the season. Played 16 games and was in the best in six.
Russell Clark, Wentworth
Already playing seniors at 14. Clark has played 11 games and kicked 10 goals.
Jed Connelly, Red Cliffs
Already a leader at Red Cliffs in just his second season of senior footy. The midfielder played 16 games and kicked 12 goals.
Jermarl Daly, Ouyen United
The former WA under-16 state representative was one of the best for Ouyen United this season. The half back/midfielder was in the best in 12 of 16 games.
Will De Rosa, Mildura
Has impressed in his first full year of senior footy despite still being eligible to play under-18s. De Rosa played 17 games.
Brodie Fitzgerald, South Mildura
Made his senior debut this year after averaging three goals a game in the under-18s.
Bailey Fotia, South Mildura
The former Adelaide league player has been valuable in the midfield and the half forward line this season.
Dusty Geister, Robinvale Euston
Has made a couple of appearances this year for the Eagles after impressing in the Robinvale Euston under-18 team and the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates League. Kicked 29 goals in 18 outings.
Joel Grace, Ouyen United
Still 18, Grace played most of this season for Ouyen United in the seniors and was among the best for the Kangaroos.
Alex Hollingsworth, Irymple
One of the defenders who helped the Swallows win the premiership against Robinvale Euston. Hollingsworth played 12 games this season.
Rory Hooper, Wentworth
After a stint in Adelaide, Hooper returned and was one of the best young guns for the Kangaroos.
Ryan Kennedy, Imperials
The wingman made his senior debut after playing well in the under-18s. Made five appearances for Imperials in the top grade.
Harrison Knights, Mildura
Made his senior debut last year and made several appearances this year after impressing in the under-18s. Has been in the best players in 10 of 12 games at under-18 level.
Ricardo Liparota, Robinvale Euston
The key forward kicked 35 goals in 15 games to be one of the leading targets for the Eagles.
Brayth Munn, South Mildura
The midfielder has been consistent in his first full season of senior footy for the Bulldogs. Has played 16 games and was in the best in six.
Jack Ough, Wentworth
Played his first senior game this year for Wentworth after playing for the Greater Western Rebels in the Coates League.
Harry Ough, Wentworth
After playing soccer last year, Ough made the transition to footy with immediate success.
Jack Parker, Red Cliffs
The midfielder was in the best in six of 15 games this season. Parker has been a major part of the midfielder for the Tigers for a couple of years.
Harrison Pinyon, Merbein
The midfielder was one of the best for Merbein this season. The 19-year-old played 16 games.
Jeremy Rodi, Merbein
Rodi was one of the best for the Magpies this season and could win the club’s best and fairest.
Toby Scott, Irymple
A forward who played in the recent grand final for the Swallows in his first season of senior footy. Scott kicked 13 goals in eight games.
Jasper Turner, Red Cliffs
The midfielder impressed this season, taking on some tough roles in the middle for the Tigers.
Shaun Watson, Mildura
Still playing under-16s, Watson has made his senior debut this year and knows how to find the goals. Kicked 10 goals in six games and is also a Bendigo Pioneer player.
Archer Wootton, South Mildura
The teenager is another one of the Bulldogs players with a bright future after a strong debut season. Wootton played 11 games, kicked four goals and was among the best in two.
Rickey Zaffina, Robinvale Euston
Zaffina is a young talent to look out for in future years. Made his senior debut this year, kicking eight goals in seven games. The Eagles player has averaged three goals a game in under-16 and 18 matches.
James Zappia, Robinvale Euston
The midfielder helped his team make this year’s grand final and moved between being on the wing and on the ball. Played 18 games and been in the best in seven of them.
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