SANFL Top 50 Players – 21-30

It is the debate which rages on the terraces at SANFL venues throughout metropolitan Adelaide. 

Who are the best players in the Statewide Super League?

At the start of the season, SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank named his Top 50 players.

Now, he has joined forces with SANFL Budget Editor Peter Cornwall to refine the list to incorporate the string of stunning performances throughout the minor round and on the big stage in September.

Stay tuned to the SANFL website to see each segment of 10 players released, comparing them to those selected prior to Round 1. Each player chosen needed to play at least 10 matches in 2019 to qualify.

After announcing players 31-40, below, we continue with players 21-30.

The silky-skilled midfielder produced several moments of magic during the 2019 finals series, including his memorable goal in the south-western pocket of the Grand Final as displayed below. An integral member of the Bays’ leadership group, the 28-year-old averaged 22 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency while also booting 25 goals for the season.

The key Redleg just keeps on getting to the contest and leading the league for hit-outs – he amassed 632 for the minor round for a whopping average of 37 per game. Still a huge influence on the Legs’ fortunes, Baulderstone was named lead ruckman in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year. The left-footer has confirmed he will return for 2020 after many thought he may retire at season’s end.

One of only three players to rack up in excess of 500 disposals for the season, Travis Schiller continued on his ball-winning ways in 2019 despite his side struggling to keep up with SANFL’s pacesetters. Loves farming out a quick handball from inside of the contest, so much so, he was the only player to tally more than 300 touches by hand this year. Runner-up in Central’s Norm Smith Medal count.

Posted a career-best season with the Panthers which fittingly yielded a debut in the West End State team and a place across half-back in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year. Reads the play exceptionally well and can take an eye-catching pack mark to help stem the tide for South at critical junctures. Arguably the most improved player in the competition.

Narrowly pipped for the Powerade Breakthrough Player award, Rowe came under enough notice to be selected in the forward pocket of The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year. The clever goalsneak finished third on the Ken Farmer Medal leaderboard with 35 majors for the season, earning him a berth at the AFL State Combine held earlier this month.

Finally earned his well-deserved West End State jumper after cementing himself as one of SANFL’s most consistent match-winners. Lethal in front of goal, particularly on the run or with a snap shot, the 28-year-old can also make an impact in the centre square. Averaged just under 20 disposals at 98 per cent efficiency while also kicking 25 goals for the season.

The long-kicking left-footer loves to rack up big numbers and he certainly continued that trend in 2019. Charged with taking the majority of the Roosters’ kick-ins, Allmond can also pin-point his team-mates from a variety of distances. Named at half-back in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year, the 29-year-old averaged 26 disposals at 87 per cent efficiency. Finished runner-up in the club’s Barrie Robran Club Champion voting for Best and Fairest.

The numbers don’t lie for Drew, who made his sizeable presence felt for the Magpies in his 13 SANFL appearances this season. Measuring in at 188cm, the 21-year-old averaged more than 27 disposals while also laying 7.7 tackles per game. Consistently got Port going at the stoppages to average nearly seven clearances. Will certainly be aiming to lock down a regular place in the Power’s midfield in 2020 after finishing joint runner-up in the A. R McLean Medal.

Stepped up to share the South Adelaide captaincy with Joel Cross this year and the 27-year-old certainly didn’t disappoint. Regularly in the Panthers’ best player list, Rose continued to prove he can play a variety of role for his team while racking up averages of 22.5 disposals, five marks and four tackles from while playing in all 18 matches. Another fitting West End State team representative in SANFL’s nail-biting win against the WAFL in Perth.

There has been no better example of proving patience is required for developing ruckmen than Port’s Peter Ladhams. In his third year on Port’s AFL list, Ladhams exploded to become one of the most damaging ruckmen in the Statewide Super League. The 21-year-old regularly moved like an extra midfielder around the ground to chalk up averages of 19.6 disposals, 4.6 marks and 5.6 clearances from his 17 matches. With Paddy Ryder moving on to St Kilda, Ladhams – joint runner-up Best and Fairest for the Magpies this year – has an excellent opportunity to become a regular at AFL level in 2020.

21) Jimmy Toumpas (Eagles)

22) Matthew Nunn (Norwood)

23) Abe Davis (South Adelaide)

24) Justin Hoskin (Central District)

25) Lewis Johnston (Norwood)

26) Mark Evans (Sturt)

27) Max Thring (North Adelaide)

28) Aidan Riley (Sturt)

29) Jack Hayes (Eagles)

30) Matt Snook (Glenelg)