BRASH’S TOP 50: 31-40

WAYNE Brasher 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.

LAST WEEK: Players ranked 41 to 50.

This week, we continue Brash’s Top 50 with players ranked 31 to 40.

40. Glenn Strachan (South Croydon)

A player who contributed greatly to the success of the Bulldogs last season. Strachan is an outside player that roams the backline and wing but, equally as important, is there to support his teammates in a variety of roles. He has a beautiful left-foot kick with the ability to hit his targets with pinpoint accuracy. Also showed his versatility as a goal kicker in 2013, where his contribution of 21 goals proved invaluable in clutch games.

39. Nathan Henley (Vermont)

A player that is an important cog in the Eagles’ midfield. The classy on-baller is strong around the contests and has the ability to win his own football. Henley is a dangerous player, whose decision making has the ability to further enhance his side’s fortune and advantage. He is a person that places high expectations on himself to perform at an optimum level each week and leads by example. He will be extremely keen to play well again this season. Expect him to come to the fore.

38. Steve Kenna (Balwyn)

A former Box Hill Hawks captain, what he lacks in height he makes up for in class, leadership and disposal. Kenna is a damaging player who hurts sides using his dash and poise. Balwyn coach Daniel Donati loves having the ball in Kenna’s hands, as he has blistering pace and is able to break from a contest leaving the opposition in his wake. He has silky skills, makes fantastic decisions and brings great experience to the Tigers.

37. Shayne Allan (Noble Park)

In 2013, Allan played a much different role, playing more in the midfield and further up the ground. A nimble and agile player with a raking left foot, he has the ability to run and carry the ball through the midfield. With a great turn of foot, this gives him time to kick his long trademark goals. Allan’s best football, I think, is when he’s allowed to play that roaming forward where an opposition is forced to play a quality defender on him. Not sure how Jon Knight will use him this year, but once again he will need to step up to the plate if Noble Park is going to be successful.

36. Daniel Rajab (Bayswater)

In his first season in the EFL, Rajab was a surprising yet worthy winner of the 2013 Wright Medal – the Best and Fairest player in Division 2. Playing 17 out of a possible 18 games, the man from Bayswater Oval kicked 13 goals, playing predominantly through the midfield and half-forward line. The midfielder also secured the admiration of rival Division 2 coaches and received a position in the SEN Division 2 Team of the Year. Rajab is predominantly an outside player, with silky skills and good decision making. For the ‘Waters to feature in the top four this season, Rajab will need to replicate his 2013 campaign.

35. Tom Hill (North Ringwood)

The former Western Bulldogs rookie-listed player arrived with big fanfare. And he rewarded the North Ringwood faithful with 72 goals to win the Division 2 All Trophies Goalkicking award, as well as the club’s Best and Fairest. At 200cm and 95kg, he’s a formidable opponent to be charging out of the Saints’ goals square. Above all, he makes the most of his opportunities, with a booming kick and the ability to kick long bombs from outside 50. Hill will need to repeat last year’s heroics if North Ringwood is to play finals football again this season.

34. Rhett Jordon (Norwood)

Makes an appearance in this year’s list on the back of a very consistent 2013 season. Jordon is another quality midfielder who uses speed and great endurance to his advantage. Like all good midfielders, he is not afraid to run the lines and take the game on. But more importantly, Jordon has the ability to kick multiple goals, as witnessed by finishing second in Norwood’s goal kicking last season with 33. Expect him to be prominent again this year.

33. Charlie Hendrie (Balwyn)

Another midfielder for the Tigers who works hard for every possession and provides the grunt that compliments the running brigade. He is strong and his tackling adds to the defensive pressure of the team. Hendrie has matured into a quality footballer and seems to be getting better each year, highlighted by his prominent performances in the past two finals campaigns. He will be looking to further enhance his reputation in the forthcoming season and step out of some of his teammates’ shadows.

32. Dean Stephen (Montrose)

The talents of Stephen have been on display in the EFL now for many years as a top line performer. He is an integral part of the Demons’ midfield, with the ability to run his opponents into the ground. As a great competitor with a will to win, combined with his superb fitness, he is able to break tags. He knows how to win his own football and can break open contests to benefit his teammates further up the ground. Having played in Division 1 already, Stephen’s leadership and guile will be invaluable this year.

31. Chris Annakis (Doncaster)

With the ability to accumulate possessions and great goal kicking awareness, Annakis is a dangerous proposition who can carve up opposition in a short matter of time. He announced himself as big-game performer after an outstanding finals series in 2013 and was particularly instrumental in Doncaster’s Division 3 Grand Final success. He has the uncanny ability to cut a swathe through congestion and has strength and speed as part of his repertoire which makes him a hard match up for oppositions. Will relish the challenge playing in Division 2 this year.

NEXT WEEK: 21-30 revealed.

Brash’s Top 50 so far…