WITH the season set for its dramatic conclusion, the time has come to carry out the hard task of selecting our Central Murray Team of the Year.
This team has been selected by The Guardian and is based solely on our opinion – there will undoubtedly be players readers believe are deserving or underserving of a spot.
After such a strong season across the league, cutting down the shortlist of players was a tough ask – to help us, we’ve implemented a 10-game minimum for selection.
It’s no surprise the minor premiers Kerang have the highest number of selections with four players, while NNWU, Mallee Eagles and Balranald were tied with three selections each.
The Guardian’s 2024 Central Murray Team of the Year
BP: Henry Thompson (Woorinen)
Woorinen’s dynamic young defender has run in spades, which complements his defensive prowess to a tee.
Possessing the closing speed to reel in any gap to his opponent, Thompson has become a key feature of the Tigers’ strong defence.
Thompson’s transition ability provides his side with drive out of defence.
FB: Joe Halloran (Mallee Eagles)
The rock at the heart of the Eagles’ back line, Halloran has been a strong part of the blue-and-gold resurgence this season.
Backed up a strong season with the Eagles last year and has taken his game to the next level.
Given the toughest match-up each weekend, Halloran steps up to any task asked of him and has held a number of dangerous forwards to low goal totals.
BP: Jaxon Neagle (Balranald)
Another strong hybrid-defender, Neagle can also get the job done one on one.
A clean user of the football, Neagle has been one of Balranald’s best all season.
He also has the ability to rotate through the middle when called upon.
HBF: Harrison Soraggi (Balranald)
The leader of many of the Roos’ forays forward, Soraggi’s versatility means he could have been put across any of this side’s lines.
The aerobic ability to run all day, and ability to read the play, are the keys to his game and Balranald’s success.
A consistent performer in Balranald’s team, Soraggi was selected as a best player 16 times in his 18 games.
CHB: Joel Walsh (NNWU)
The intercept-marking king of the Central Murray, Walsh patrols his side’s half-back line and cuts off the opposition at every opportunity.
Just as good with ball in hand as he is marking above his head, Walsh’s contested ability makes him vital to NNWU’s side.
Racking up rebound-50s, Walsh’s knack of finding a player downfield often sees him propelling his side forward.
HBF: Jack Geary (Cohuna)
One of the Kangas’ strongest performers, and an influential leader on the field in his first season in Cohuna, having joined from Golden Square.
A general in defence off half-back or through the centre, Geary’s structure and football IQ shine through in both his and Cohuna’s play.
A big-game player who can still get it done every week, Cohuna’s coach will be key to the Kangas’ future.
W: Jordan Iudica (NNWU)
Iudica has impressed many in his debut season with the Demons, with hard-ball winning ability that’s up there with the best.
A tough midfielder on the inside or outside, Iudica has racked up many clearances from the NNWU midfield and knows where to be when hunting the ball.
Links strongly with the Demons’ forwards, and uses the ball to perfection when making forward entries.
C: Josh Nitschke (C) (Kerang)
The central point of Kerang’s star-studded engine room, Blues skipper Nitschke continues to stand out in his 10th season with the club.
Gives his all for his club each and every week and makes the game look easy, especially when it’s not.
He’s no stranger to big games and big moments, but Nitschke’s effort never wavers, no matter the opposition.
W: Sean Hunter (Kerang)
A pacy utility player, Hunter possesses the ability to play at either end of the ground while rotating through the midfield.
Having the gut-running ability to work up and down the ground, Hunter works tirelessly for his team and brings his fellow Blues into the game when needed.
Does the often unsung stuff, rolling up the sleeves and getting the grunt work done from any position.
HFF: Drew Lloyd (Balranald)
Balranald’s high-flying big man, Lloyd has a highlight tape almost unmatched across country football.
He can do a job in the ruck when needed and can stamp his authority through the midfield as well.
Added 38 goals to his on-ball work this year and has the size and skills to fit into any position.
CHF: Darcy Hourigan (Mallee Eagles)
Booted 72 goals in his first season with the Eagles, after joining from Nairne in South Australia’s Hills Football League.
He lived up to the hype, finishing second in the league’s goalkicking tally and becoming the No.1 target for the Eagles.
A booming left foot means he’s a danger from anywhere near goal and he has the tank to lead up the ground all game.
HFF: Jye Barry (Woorinen)
One of the Tigers’ standout players this year, Barry doesn’t know how to back down from a contest.
Has played his entire career with Woorinen, and is likely one of the first names listed on the whiteboard.
A terror for opposition defenders, Barry’s mix of speed and class make him a dangerous opponent forward or through the middle.
FP: Jayden Magro (Tyntynder)
After joining from Shepparton United this year, Magro has exceeded expectations for the Dogs and become one of their most damaging players.
He tallied up 43 goals from his 15 games, a fantastic return from a small forward in a forward line dominated by big targets.
While speedy and crafty, Magro’s marking ability puts him a class above other shorter forwards.
FF: Brandyn Grenfell (NNWU)
Grenfell has led the line for the Demons to fantastic effect in his first year at the club, booting 85 goals from his 19 games.
The strong forward only missed one game and has numerous bags of goals to his name, including a huge haul of 10 in the season’s final round.
Was held to less than three goals in only three games this year and has the ability to pinch-hit in the ruck when called upon.
FP: Josh Williams (Tooley-Manang)
Tough forward Williams was the Saints’ No.1 goalkicker this year, finishing equal fourth in the league with 38 goals.
An eight-goal haul against Woorinen in round 10 was the highlight and was followed up with six more the following week against the Swans.
Can play anywhere in the front half, and has the immense strength to wrestle one-on-one contests in his favour.
R: Connor McDonald (Tooley-Manang)
The first third of a Jack Betts Medal-winning followers trio, McDonald was so dominant in the first half of this year that a second-half absence couldn’t stop him.
One of the league’s most impressive ruckmen, McDonald’s leaping ability puts him head and shoulders above his opponent at times.
Practically a fourth midfielder at stoppages, McDonald can crumb his own tap and win his own footy all across the ground.
RR: Joel Helman (Cohuna)
Backing up a runner-up finish in last year’s league vote count by going one better this year, Helman is the clearance king of the Central Murray.
Helman’s iconic helmet protects a football brain which is second to none, his football IQ matched only by his fitness and strength.
Busts through packs like nobody’s business and does damage up forward, having kicked 31 goals this year.
RO: Harry Allen (VC) (Mallee Eagles)
A key part to the Eagles’ soaring effort this year, Allen was rewarded with his second Jack Betts Medal.
The hard-ball winner has eyes only for the football, and attacks the contest with great intent.
Overcame an early ankle injury to lead his side on and off the field, putting his body on the line to send his side forward.
Always gives his all for the team and puts the Eagles before personal accolades.
INT: Martin Kelly (Kerang)
Runner-up in this year’s Jack Betts Medal, Kelly has remained an integral contributor in the Blues’ midfield.
Kelly had an impressive back half of the year for Kerang, which is saying something as his first half wasn’t too bad either.
INT: Zac Warne (Lake Boga)
A standout performer in the Magpies’ midfield, Warne was named the Magpies’ best and fairest for his efforts.
A classy midfielder, Warne has led the young Lake Boga side with strong leadership and instils insight in the side.
INT: Nick Lang (Kerang)
Unlucky not to be picked as the No.1 ruckman this year but needed to be included for his influence.
At the heart of Kerang’s midfield strength, giving his rovers first use of the football.
INT: Michael Herlihy (Swan Hill)
Has commanded a spot in this side due to his versatility and never-say-die attitude in his first year with the Swans.
Inspires the young Swans side with great professionalism and will hope to lead the Swans in a return to the top end of the ladder.
