BRASH’S TOP 50: 11-20

WAYNE Brasher, a senior EFL Media Team member and avid high division EFL observer for the past two decades, has cast his eyes across the league 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.

First edition: Players ranked 41 to 50

Second edition: Players ranked 31 to 40

Third edition: Players ranked 21 to 30

This week, we continue Brash’s Top 50 with players ranked 21 to 30.

20. Luke Barker (Balwyn)

As a showman, Luke Barker has the ability to polarise both opposition and supporters alike. However don’t be fooled, as he is a big time performer who, in a twinkling of an eye, can change the course of a game. After a frustrating run of injury, his last two seasons at the Tigers have seen him play his best football. Deceptively strong, he has an innate ability to outmanoeuvre his opponent in one-on-one contests. Barker leads strongly and has the ability to kick long goals with accuracy. Expect him to once again feature in the major goalkickers in Division 1 this season.

19. Stewart Kemperman (Noble Park)

My fellow colleague “Frosty” described Stuart Kemperman as the best quarterback of the EFL, an assessment I entirely agree with. A decorated and highly respected player, not only at the Bulls, but in the competition itself, he is one of the most important players in Noble Park’s overall structure. His ability to coordinate and setup the defence and turn it into attack comes with experience that can’t be taught. As a player he patrols the half-back line, his long penetrating kicks have the ability to break the lines and he makes smart decisions. On his day, Kemperman still has the ability to run with the competition’s best and influence a game.

18. Evan Johnson (Norwood)

The Norwood defender is an inventive player that likes to add his own flair and exuberance to the side. He loves to run and carry the ball through the midfield and plays the loose man in the backline with aplomb. He provides great assistance to his key defenders and has the ability to keep his feet in the contest, leaving his opponents in his wake. His importance to the team should not be underestimated and will a vital cog if Norwood is to succeed this season.

17. Andrew Renton (East Ringwood)

Last season, the big Roo was the most valuable player to his side in all of Division 1. Commonly known as a tap ruckman, he added another dimension to his game in 2014, with the ability to hold marks around the ground. A lean ruckman who now can run out four quarters of football, new coach Dale Bower will be looking to him for further improvement if East Ringwood aspires to play finals this year.

16. Alex Frawley (Rowville)

The most improved footballer in 2013 due to his tireless work ethic. Making the transition to Division 1 seem easy, Frawley showed off his supreme class. A well balanced player with polished skills, he always seems to have plenty of time when in possession of the ball, especially below the knees. Opposition coaches will now have to look at ways at curbing his effect on games. Once again, Frawley will be an integral part of the Rowville midfield in 2014.

15. Craig Anderson (Noble Park)

Anderson has been a star of the EFL for many years. In my eyes, he would be one of the first picked every week. He is an inspirational midfielder who continues deliver. Anderson’s main attribute are is his stamina, which gives him the ability to wear down his opponents. He amasses possessions in quick time, due to his hunger to win his own ball, especially in contested situations. An elder statesman of the club, we all know Anderson will lead from the front again in 2014.

14. Rod Crowe (Balwyn)

Crowe’s reputation as a defender continues to grow and he is the general that drives the Balwyn defence. His ability to adapt to any defensive structure to combat opposition game plans is the bane of all rival coaches. Crowe can play on the best forwards and nullify their influence, but he can also rebound and zone off as circumstances permit. If Balwyn is to make it three in a row, his presence and surety will again be required to lead the Tigers’ much vaunted defensive unit.

13. Taylor Gilchrist (Balwyn)

After spending time with Sydney in the AFL and Box Hill in the VFL, Gilchrist announced himself as a star of the EFL in his first full season at Cherry Road. The perfect wingman, he breaks lines for fun, using tremendous dash and a thumping right-boot. He can also head into the defensive 50 to play a role, or sneak forward for a cheeky goal or two. Gilchrist was unlucky not to be awarded the Cliff Tomkins Medal in the 2013 Division 1 Grand Final, only to be pipped by his older brother Rennie.

12. Brent English (Norwood)

The last couple of seasons have seen English play a more active role in the midfield and the Norsemen have certainly benefited from it. As a forward, he is dangerous because he has a knack around the goals. But as a solid on-baller, he provides the grunt in gathering contested possessions. English covers the ground effectively with a good turn of speed and uses his deadly left foot with accuracy to hit up his fellow forwards downfield. He may march to the beat of his own drum, but when the whips are cracking expect him to be front and square as Norwood tries to make a statement in the EFL this season.

11. Brett Dore (Noble Park)

A new entry this year, but a well-deserved one at that. Dore is the power forward that every coach loves to have.  He can play in both key positions, is big, strong and can take a big mark and kick a booming goal with that big left foot. At times, Dore has been asked to play in the ruck, as he provides that physical presence so often required. He has good stamina and works hard for his possessions around the ground. Importantly, Dore can bring the small and crumbing forwards into play by just providing a contest. In 2013, he kicked 50 goals for the season, which is a good return. Jon Knight will look to Dore this year to spearhead the Bulls’ forward line. If they are to be finals-bound again, he will need to fire.

Brash’s Top 10 will be exclusively revealed in the first edition of the 2014 Eastern Footballer – pick up a copy!

The Top 50 so far…