BRASH’S TOP 50: 1-10

by Wayne Brasher (@Bulkmont)

IN the lead up to the 2014 season, I have cast my eyes across the Eastern Football League and compiled my list of the Top 50 players in the competition.

Over the last month, we have slowly revealed those players. It has been my pleasure to undertake this task, but at the same time, it was one of my most challenging assignments to date.

Remember, there are over 2500 players spread over 43 senior teams and four divisions to choose from.

In many people’s opinions, there have been some surprise selections and some notable omissions. But overall those players ranked in my Top 50 have been recognised as worthy of the honour, befitting the cream of the crop.

In this, the final instalment of Brash’s Top 50 players, I acknowledge these players who are the absolute stars of the EFL. These men are the true pinnacle of skill, endurance, flair and consistency. They are the marquee players for their clubs and the ones we all love to watch.

The list is purely subjective and has been 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.

First edition: Players ranked 41 to 50

Second edition: Players ranked 31 to 40

Third edition: Players ranked 21 to 30

Fourth edition: Players ranked 11 to 20

The list of Brash’s Top 50 players in the competition is now complete with those ranked in the top 10.

1. Ryan McMahon (Balwyn)

If Ryan Mullet is the hood ornament on the bonnet of a top of the range Mercedes Benz with all the class and prestige of the well-known brand – then Ryan McMahon has to be the V8 engine providing the grunt under that bonnet. McMahon took his game to another level last season and was in the Tigers’ best two nearly each week. He is a tough, uncompromising footballer who is the go-to man as far as getting first hands on the football. He has the ability, not only as an in-and-under player, but as an outside player too. McMahon distributes the ball to his dangerous midfield runners with great effect. Also, he is a superb kick at goal and rarely misses, meaning he is a dangerous forward proposition. McMahon brings a level of leadership that comes from playing at a higher level and leads by example. Have we seen the best of Ryan McMahon? And can he enhance his reputation as the elite player of the competition in the 2014 season? I have no doubts whatsoever.

2. Ryan Mullett (Vermont)

Although dropping to No.2 from top spot of “Frosty’s Top 50” last season, Ryan Mullett has done nothing wrong following his Chandler Medal in 2012, finishing second in the 2013 count. As Frosty said last year, he has been one of best EFL players to not have played in the AFL. That being said, the EFL has been very lucky to have him running around on Saturday afternoons. We all know the qualities that Mullet brings to the table: leadership, balance, explosive pace – just to name a few. His consistency, balance and ability to rack up possessions at will still haunt opposition coaches. Only the opposition’s elite have been able to diminish his output on occasions. Mullett will once again lead the Eagles’ quest for the Holy Grail in 2014, but will be under no illusion on what will be required to get the job done.

3. Rennie Gilchrist (Balwyn)

A dual premiership captain at Balwyn certainly deserves to be in the top three, with silky skills and damaging runs through the midfield. Showing a maturity beyond his years, Gilchrist has a hard edge and is not afraid to mix it in close contests. But he is equally graceful when he glides across the turf with his run, carry and exquisite disposal. Gilchrist has developed into a great leader of his club and once again will lead the Tigers in 2014, possibly to another premiership.

4. Luke Williams (Knox)

One of the hardest matchups in the competition due to his height, stamina and versatility. His fierce, competitive spirit and on-field leadership empowers and inspires his fellow teammates. Williams can play in a variety of positions. He can dominate a midfield, drop back into defence to lend support and, from time to time, play forward and kick goals. Williams will once again have to lead from the front and carry the fortunes of his club this year.

5. Jeff Gobbels (Balwyn)

There’s a saying in life that goes “cometh the hour, cometh the man” – Jeff Gobbels certainly epitomises that. He showed us why in last year’s Grand Final, with that huge 60m torpedo goal on the half-time siren. He was clearly the premier centre half-forward in the competition last year. He has great skills when the ball hits the ground, is supremely fit and able to run his opponents into the ground. An added bonus is that Gobbels can play much taller than his height and size suggest. Once again, Balwyn will look to him to lead, at times, an unstoppable forward line.

6. Daniel King (South Croydon)

Undoubtedly one of the most underestimated midfielders in the competition, the Doggies skipper has the ability to accumulate possessions right throughout a game. King’s intelligent use of the football by hand and foot is one of his strongest attributes. He places great value on his ability to move forward, which has seen him become a regular goalkicker, while he rarely misses a target across the ground. He was rewarded by the umpires as the Chandler Medallist in Division 1 in 2013. As captain, he led a South Croydon unit that made great inroads last season, playing Division 1 finals for the first time in the club’s history.

7. Stuart Hill (Norwood)

Hill had another great season last year and further enhanced his reputation as one of the best defenders in Division 1. He has ability to negate the influence of his opponents and, more often than not, stands the best forward in the competition. Hill leads from the front, has a great all-round game and is exceptionally strong. He has great poise and a sound defensive approach with ball in hand. The Norsemen are looking to making a statement this season and Hill will have a big say on how it happens.

8. Sam Monaghan (Noble Park)

Coach Mick Fogarty laid down the challenge to the boy from the Bullring last season, moving him permanently from defence into the midfield. And he thrived. Monaghan developed into one of the best and most influential midfielders in the competition. He was rewarded with the Bulls’ Best and Fairest award, despite excellent seasons from top-class teammates Tim Harper, Stewart Kemperman, Brett Dore and Tim Kelly. Outside or inside, Monaghan can do it all. However he is particularly strong around the contested ball and stoppages.

9. Marcus Hottes (Lilydale)

The charismatic Falcon took his game to a new level in 2013, which has rightly earned him a place in the 2014 top 10. Hottes, who bleeds blue and gold blood, significantly developed his aerobic capacity, allowing him to, not only accumulate more disposals, but compete at more stoppages. The Lilydale co-captain is blessed with classy disposal skills, both by hand and foot. He also makes excellent decisions with the footy.

10. Justin Van Unen (Vermont)

In his first season at Terrara Road, the muscular Van Unen sure made his presence felt, winning the All Trophies Division 1 goalkicking award with 86 goals. He is a strong bodied player who has excellent versatility as a lead-up or stay-at-home forward, making him a very dangerous proposition. Van Unen has an uncanny and freakish ability to manufacture goals at will, which only the best players can do. Expect him to once again be prominent as he assumes the mantle of Vermont’s go-to forward.

The Full Top 50…