WAYNE Brasher has seen his fair share of EFL footy over the years, particularly in Division 1.
So when an opening arose to collate an EFL top 50, the big man jumped at the opportunity.
“Brash” has cast his eyes across the EFL and compiled a list of the Top 50 players in the competition. The list is purely subjective and based upon personal opinion.
CRITERIA
To be eligible for selection in the Top 50, players must have been playing in the EFL during 2013 and still playing in 2014.
While many new recruits from outside the EFL may make a name for themselves in our competition during 2013, they are not eligible to be included this year.
This week, we kick off Brash’s Top 50 with players ranked 41 to 50.
In his first season in the EFL, the midfielder made his mark as an in-and-under midfielder – the type that coaches love to have. The ability to win the hard contests at stoppages and his attack on the ball certainly cannot be denied. Conca is also a very versatile player that can be used as a small forward. He takes a strong overhead mark and is a reliable kick. Once again, his talents will be required to aid a resurging Surrey Park this year.
An experienced and flamboyant player who backs his ability against any opponent. In a very short time, Peterson can turn a game at will. When he gets on a roll, he’s a hard man to stop. At times, inconsistency has plagued him, so he needs to find a way to be a more consistent contributor. Nonetheless if he stays on the park this year, it certainly enhances Doncaster East’s finals aspirations.
The type of midfielder that any coach would love to have, Goodman sneaks under the radar compared to his fellow counterparts at the club. Not a huge possession winner, but hurts the opposition with quality ball use, particularly by hand, to set up the outside runners of the side. He is one of the first picked each week in Montrose’s line-up and undoubtedly will be able to make the transition to Division 1.
For one so young, Johns has made an immediate impact, not only for his club but the competition as a whole in less than two seasons. It was no surprise to see him win the Leader Young Gun for Division’s 1 & 2 in 2013, as his undoubted talent was there for all to see. Johns is blessed with exquisite skills, he knows how to win his own football and has the ability to be where the ball. He has the ability to kick goals and his delivery by hand and foot to position is done with precision. Johns has the footy smarts that good footballers of his ilk possess. He is not afraid to mix it with the big boys and puts his body on the line when it’s time to get in and amongst it. Expect Johns’ reputation to grow again this season.
A tall midfielder that can also play down back, Leggate has a real thirst for the contest. He is at his best when breaking the lines and delivering the ball deep into the forward line. Leggate has the confidence and ability to fill a hole wherever he’s needed at the coach’s request. He is a very important cog in the Wantirna South wheel and will be called upon again this season to take the club one step further.
The charismatic forward made an instant impact in a South Belgrave jumper last season and was an important cog in its premiership success. A traditional centre half-forward by nature, “Oders”, as he is affectionately known, has a great leap. He is strong, tough and agile and knows where the big sticks are. More importantly, Odermatt has a sense of occasion, being extremely motivated to perform in the big matches, evident by his best on ground performance in the Saints’ thrilling Division 4 premiership victory.
A flamboyant-type backman who has the ability to back himself as the third man up in a contest. Tomkins backs his judgement to sum a situation and zone off to create play for his teammates further down the field. He is not afraid to put his body on the line to fill the hole of a leading forward. His improvement last year saw him earn honours in the SEN Division 1 Team of the Year 30-man squad.
A stalwart of the Rowville Football Club who has made the move to South Belgrave this season, Morris has been a proven Division 1 goalkicker at Scoresby and Rowville. An unselfish forward who has the ability to bring small forwards into the game, he’s a lead-up type of forward with good hands and a reliable set shot. Morris will definitely have a big say in his new club’s fortunes in Division 3 this season.
A former Morrish medallist, Benbow arrived at the EFL well-credentialed in 2013 – and certainly did not let anyone down. To the win the club’s Best and Fairest award in a star-studded South Belgrave premiership outfit, as well as the Perc James medal, was no mean feat. A classy, running-type midfielder who impacts matches by racking up possessions at will, Benbow’s flowing red locks and bushy beard make him hard to ignore. Once again, he will be the main man as South Belgrave embarks on life in Division 3 for the first time in its EFL history.
Long renowned as the premier ruckman in Division 2, Haining now gets his chance to shine on the big stage as Montrose move into Division 1. His ability to outmanoeuvre opponents in the ruck contest by using pure strength is a feature of his game. Few ruckmen take possession from a stoppage like Haining does. He sees every ball-up or boundary throw-in as an invitation to be claimed with both hands. His finals campaign last season was outstanding and saw him rewarded with the Blue Ribbon medal in Montrose’s Grand Final victory.
NEXT WEEK: 31-40 revealed.