Ok, so it might not be the most original idea in the world – but it’s still one of the best. While this list is based loosely on the top 50 players in the Central Murray for this upcoming season – there are some caveats that have been used to finalise this list.
Firstly, in order to qualify, you must have played previously in the Central Murray Football Netball League. Secondly, each player must be confirmed to be playing at a club within the league this season.
Just remember, this list is neither right nor wrong, it is simply one pundit’s opinion. See you at the footy!
Flemo’s Central Murray Top Fifty
1. Jydon Neagle (Balranald)
Last years’ Jack Betts Medallist, but that’s not why he’s top. Touches it about 50 times a game and never wastes a possession – will be crucial to the Roos’ finals hopes
2. Joel Helman (Cohuna)
Can hurt opponents either on the inside or with his run on the outside. When he’s on, there’s nobody better to watch.
3. Bradlee Pay (Kerang)
If not for an achilles injury late last season, may well have won the Jack Betts Medal. Has continued to get better since his move into the Blues midfield and is one of the best accumulators in the league.
4. Jacob Simpson (Lake Boga)
Took the competition by storm in his first season with the Magpies. Returns this year to again stake his claim as the league’s premier ruckman.
5. Jake Hammond (Cohuna)
Turned up at the Kangas mid-season, but boy did he have an impact. Immediately became the league’s number one intercept defender in Cohuna’s run to the grand final.
6. Matthew Wade (Swan Hill)
Dual Jack Betts Medallist, but even though he’s closer to the end than the start is still one of the competition’s premium midfielders.
7. Harry Allen (Mallee Eagles)
Has almost single-handedly carried the Eagles midfield in recent times. When Allen plays well, so do the Eagles – and is one of the best stoppage players in the league.
8. Josh Nitschke (Kerang)
Rocketed up the charts following his incredible grand final performance, but in truth was sensational throughout 2022 for the Blues. Has elite running capabilities and is the prototypical modern midfielder.
9. Michael Dalrymple (Kerang)
The best all round defender in the league, is equally adept at negating an opposition forward, intercepting opposition forward entries or providing run and dash off half back.
10. Rhys Free (Cohuna)
Booted a remarkable 78 goals last season to lead the competition for goals. At his best, is impossible to stop – highlighted by three bags of nine goals a game last season.
11. Ryan Gillingham (Kerang)
Long been one of the Central Murray’s best midfielders – and shows no signs of slowing. Started 2022 in vintage form, before injuries took hold mid-season.
12. Jye Barry (Woorinen)
Has transformed himself into Woorinen’s number one midfielder, breaking games open with his trademark pace and clean disposal.
13. Ben Fuller (Balranald)
Kicked just nine goals less than Free, despite playing six games less last season. Doesn’t move far from the goal square these days, but is still the most dangerous key forward in the competition on his day.
14. Ben Booth (Woorinen)
Has quickly become the general Woorinen’s young defence since arriving at the Tigers two seasons ago. One of the purest defenders in the league and is able to put the clamps on any key forward.
15. Sam Heavyside (Kerang)
Equally dangerous whether playing in the midfield or forward. One feels we are yet to see the best of Heavyside in navy blue – and if he stays injury free then 2023 might just be the year.
16. Patrick Veszpremi (Woorinen)
Arrived mid-season and left a big impression. Could play anywhere on the ground, but is probably best suited to playing around half forward, where his immaculate kicking can be fully utilised.
17. Lachlan Ross (Kerang)
Was often overlooked last year amid the Blues bevy of stars, but that still didn’t diminish his impact off half back.
18. Marty Kelly (Kerang)
Like Wade, is closer to the end than the start, but can still dominate games. Has greats ability to win the contested ball and is always the last one off the bottom of the pack.
19. Jarrod Findlay (Cohuna)
Another midfielder who is often underrated. Can get it done either on the inside or outside, and his work around the stoppages is a feature.20. Elia Ware (Tyntynder)
Came to Tyntynder as a running half back – left as a hard running, athletic ruckman. Could play any position on the ground, but would love to see what he could do as a genuine midfielder.
21. Josh Domaille (Woorinen)
Had a career best season in 2022 and by all accounts is in better shape this year. Has turned himself into a first-choice on-baller at the Tigers and would be vital to their chances of playing finals yet again.
22. Jason Eagle (Tyntynder)
His best is as good as any forward, as evidenced by two hauls of 12 goals in a game, and another of 10 last season. If the Doggies can just keep him injury free and on the park, could easily bring up the ton this year.
23. Tyle Williams (Lake Boga)
Arrived at Lake Boga last season with little fanfare, but left with a reputation as a big game player. Hard as a cat’s head and rarely wastes a touch.
24. Kobe Lloyd (Balranald)
Returning to his home club this season in the hope of winning a flag. Was constantly injured when last playing at the Roos, but still managed to show how damaging he could be with his footy brain.
25. Tom Metherell (Cohuna)
Attacking half back who has some of the cleanest hands in the game. Uses it as well as anybody and will need to go to another level after the departure of Tom Toma this season.
26. Jesse Clark (Kerang)
Still controls the game off half-back for the Blues with his clean disposal and ability to consistently hit targets, making him invaluable to Kerang.
27. Alex Erlandson (NNW United)
Forward, back, ruck, the former club best and fairest can impact in every area of the ground. Is the Demons barometer and is expected to spend most of his time in defence this season.
28. Angus Monfries (Lake Boga)
Former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward who when not troubled by injury last season, showed why he played 211 AFL matches.
29. Troy Coates (Kerang)
If this list was around a decade ago, Coates would have been a permanent fixture at number one. Still one of the smartest football brains going around and is not a player you want to leave roam free.
30. Brenton Conforti (Cohuna)
Versatile defender who is equally adept at stopping the oppositions best forwards – or attacking and creative out if the Kangas back half.
31. Brayden Pitcher (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
Remarkable effort to kick 39 goals last season as a midfielder/forward – and is expected to take his game to another level with more help at the Saints this year.
32. Daniel Dzufer (Lake Boga)
Could easily be ranked higher if not for the fact he’ll only play half the season in the black and white.
33. Rylee Smith (Kerang)
Would almost expect Smith to never be ranked this low again. His speed and run through the middle is the Blues point of difference – now they just need to keep him injury free.
34. Rob Miller (Woorinen)
Suffered a broken leg in a freak accident which prematurely ended his season, but should slot straight back into the Tigers engine room and dominate as usual.
35. Darcy McGregor (Mallee Eagles)
Young gun who is starting to make a name for himself as one of the Central Murray’s most promising wingmen.
36. Jose Miliado (Swan Hill)
Two-time Woorinen premiership player will return to the Central Murray in a Swans jumper this year. Silky skilled and is the type of player who can influence a game with just 10 touches.
37. Xavier Moloney (Swan Hill)
While nearing the end, Moloney has long been regarded as the most skilful player in the Central Murray – and at his best, still is.
38. Douglas Beames (Woorinen)
Returning to the Tigers after a stint with Modewarre in the Bellarine Football League. Can play at either end of the ground, with his versatility an invaluable weapon for the Tigers this year.
39. Josh Cruse-Filo (Lake Boga)
Like his teammate Dzufer, could well be higher if he was to play the entire season. Is the Magpies accumulator and at his best, number one midfielder.
40. Brady Davidson (NNW United)
Will have his brother Kayne for company in the Demons midfield this season and will no doubt want to keep the family bragging rights.
41. Ayden Tessari (Mallee Eagles)
Won the Eagles best and fairest last season after dominating down back.
42. Daniel Paterson (Cohuna)
Often goes under the radar at the star-studded Kangas, but his run and drive out of their defence is vital to their finals chances this year.
43. John Wardle (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
Can play on the talls as well as the smalls – one of the most underrated defenders in the competition.
44. Angus McKenzie (Mallee Eagles)
One of the finest tap ruckman in the Central Murray after returning to Lalbert last season.
45. Jaydyn Stirling (NNW United)
Attacking half back who rarely plays a bad game – has been one of the Demons most consistent players for almost a decade.
46. Toby Thoolen (Swan Hill)
Veteran ruckman who can still impact either in the middle, around the ground or deep forward.
47. Corey Daniels (NNW United)
Midfielder/half back who loves winning the contested ball for his side. Will be hoping to lead the Demons back into the top five.
48. Brent Sheahan (Mallee Eagles)
Mallee Eagles coach who uses the ball as well as anyone – and gets plenty of it too.
49. Drew Lloyd (Balranald)
Developing key forward who moved into the midfield at times last season – with devastating effect.
50. Kye Attwell (Koondrook-Barham)
Spring heeled key forward who straightens the Raiders up going forward. Is their next generation star.
