Statewide Super League Top 50 – No.29

By ZAC MILBANK

There are few more consistent performers in the Statewide Super League than joint South Adelaide captain Matthew Rose.

The experienced Panthers utility, now with 153 League games under his belt, averaged 22.5 disposals per game in 2019.

But significantly, Rose’s weekly output only dipped below 19 possessions twice in 18 outings while chalking up a disposal efficiency rate of 85 per cent.

Also averaging four tackles last season, Rose’s willingness to work hard both ways is illustrated by him averaging both three inside 50s and three rebound 50s per game.

While South coach Jarrad Wright will regularly throw Rose into the centre square as a steadying influence, his ability to read the play and distribute the ball off half-back is invaluable.

And there was no better example of this than in last year’s memorable victory for the West End State team against the WAFL in Perth, in which Rose thrived in the high-paced environment against the Sandgropers.

Desperate to break the Panthers’ lengthy premiership drought, Rose is expected to yet again be leading the way for his side in 2020.

Selected by SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank, the 2020 Statewide Super League Top 50 is being unveiled one player at a time on the League’s website and social media channels.

For incumbent SANFL players, form across the 2019 season was used as a significant factor in the selection process, with selection in The Advertiser Team of the Year, West End State squad, club leadership group and placings in club best-and-fairest weighing heavily.

This is to ensure there is meaningful movement of player rankings between each year’s Top 50 list at the start and end of the season.

Recruits to the Statewide Super League for 2020 have also been included, with significant AFL experience, performance at State League level and their predicted impact proving critical in deciding the order of players.

29 – Matthew Rose (South)
30 – James Rowe (Eagles)
31 – Dom Barry (Norwood)
32 – Justin Hoskin (Central)
33 – Harrison Wigg (North)
34 – Matthew Allen (Glenelg)
35 – Troy Menzel (Central)
36 – Mitch Grigg (Norwood)
37 – Jack Hayes (Eagles)
38 – James Rose (South)
39 – Robbie Young (North)
40 – Andrew Bradley (Glenelg)
41 – Tom Schwarz (North)
42 – Matthew Panos (Norwood)
43 – Brad Agnew (Glenelg)
44 – Cole Gerloff (Norwood)
45 – Matthew Wright (Adelaide)
46 – Dean Gore (Sturt)
47 – Tom Keough (West)
48 – Jesse Lonergan (Eagles)
49 – Alex Spina (North)
50 – Logan Hill (West)