by Ben Waterworth (Twitter:
IT is just over two months until the EFL’s senior interleague match against the VAFA on 29 March at Visy Park.
And I have cut down the
initial 41-man squad – announced in December – to 24 players.
This was tough. Damn tough.
How can you exclude players such as Craig Anderson, Jarryd Chirgwin, Dean Millhouse, Joel Perry, Marc O’Regan, Marcus Hottes, Matt Polkinghorne, Alex Frawley and Luke Barker from a team like this? And Chandler Medallist Daniel King!
I do not envy Daniel Donati, that is for sure.
Below is my predicted 24, of course subject to availability, injury and player movement to and from the EFL.
BACKS
Rod Crowe (Balwyn) – The third defender. Equally good at defeating his opponent one-on-one or zoning off to take intercept marks.
Stuart Hill (Norwood) – Best full-back in the EFL in 2013. As solid as a rock one-on-one with an accurate left-foot kick.
Luke Williams (Knox) – Literally could have put him anywhere on the field. Excellent at filling holes in defence, but would be used undoubtedly through the midfield at stages.
HALF-BACKS
Stewart Kempermann (Noble Park) – Still think he is the best rebounding defender. Ex-coach Mick Fogarty describes him as a 70m player: he runs 20m then kicks the ball 50m.
Kris Pendlebury (Balwyn) – Formerly with VFL sides Collingwood and Werribee, an athletic rebounding defender for his size who uses the ball well. Excellent one-on-one too.
Ben Johnson (Doncaster) – A Collingwood stalwart of 235 games, he would provide great run and dash out of the defensive 50.
CENTRES
Taylor Gilchrist (Balwyn) – Unlucky not to be voted Best on Ground in the 2013 Division 1 Grand Final. The perfect wingman, with the ability to break lines using run and his thumping right-boot.
Rennie Gilchrist (Balwyn) – Pipped his brother for Best on Ground in last year’s Division 1 Grand Final. Oozes class and leadership, uses the ball superbly and glides across the field with grace.
Glenn Strachan (South Croydon) – Many will question this selection, but I am a massive wrap for the left-footer. One of the best, if not the best, pinpoint precision kicks in the league.
HALF-FORWARDS
Matthew Bate (Norwood) – Returns to the EFL this season after stints with Melbourne (AFL) and Essendon (VFL). A proven goal kicker, yet can push into the midfield.
Jeff Gobbels (Balwyn) – Loves and lives for the big occasion. Athletic, fit forward who is equally good in the air or on the ground. Knows where the goals are.
Rhett Jordon (Norwood) – A traditional, burly football mongrel that gives the side grunt. Norwood’s leading goal scorer in 2013, yet equally as damaging through the midfield.
FORWARDS
Justin Van Unen (Vermont) – The reigning All Trophies Division 1 leading goal kicker. Normally plays closest to the goal square.
Brett Dore (Noble Park) – Turned many heads in his debut EFL season in 2013 as a lead-up big man. A strong overhead mark with an accurate left-foot shot for goal.
Leigh Williams (Norwood) – Kicked 88 goals with the Norsemen in 2011 before being recruited by Melbourne. An electrifying power forward who is very dangerous close to goal.
RUCKS
Andrew Renton (East Ringwood) – Won East Ringwood’s Best and Fairest in 2013. A consistent performer who always gives a contest. A master at thumping the ball clear from stoppages.
Ryan Mullett (Vermont) – A dual Chandler Medallist and one of the best EFL players of the past decade. An explosive midfielder who racks up the disposals and possesses a thumping right boot.
Ryan McMahon (Balwyn) – Personally thought he was the best EFL player in 2013. Finished third in the Chandler Medal count and won Balwyn’s Best and Fairest. A real hard nut with a massive appetite for the contested ball.
INTERHCHANGE (BENCH OF SIX)
Simon Taylor (Vermont) – In a bench of six, you need a second ruckman. And who better than a recent Hawthorn player. Great tap ruckman who can push forward.
Tom Schneider (Vermont) – A Box Hill Best and Fairest winner who accumulates countless disposals and can run all day. Small in height, big in heart.
Dean Grice (Boronia) – An EFL legend and four-time Paul Edie Medallist who has VFL experience with Port Melbourne. Could rack up disposals with his eyes closed.
Chris Annakis (Doncaster) – An explosive midfielder who breaks the lines with run and carry. Can push forward and kick goals too.
Tim Kelly (Noble Park) – One of the most improved players in 2013 occupying a back pocket. A good runner who could push into the midfield.
Brett Johnson (Montrose) – A midfielder and small defender who has experience at AFL and VFL level. Excellent decision maker who barely makes a mistake using his left-foot.
What do you think? Any unlucky players?
Send your feedback to bwaterworth@efnl.org.au or Tweet @footyefl or post on the forum.