Quality players stand out

9. Jack Fletcher (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020:Nine.

Goals in 2020: One.

Courageous and valuable, Fletcher is a terrific ruckman all over the ground who provides A+ service to his on-ballers. He was plagued by a nagging shoulder injury throughout the season.

8. Ethan Maguire (Busselton)

Games in 2020: 11.

Goals in 2020:Seven.

Following a successful stint with the Eaton Boomers, Maguire elected to join the Magpies with his father Brett, who worked as one of David Lewis’ line coaches. Before the league grand final, Magpies captain Jackson Arbon said Maguire was one of the most professional players he had played with in the SWFL — and it is hard to disagree with him, because the silky on-baller’s record speaks for itself.

7. Paul Rinder (Collie Eagles)

Games in 2020: 12.

Goals in 2020: Five.

A few times late in the season, Eagles coach Seth White surprised opposition by shifting Rinder to the wing for short bursts, which added grunt to the Eagles’ attacking moves. Such is the selfless nature of his football, it was not uncommon to see Rinder float back into defence to take a relieving mark.

6. Joel Latham (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020: 11.

Goals in 2020: Two.

Lions coach John Baggetta has worked with some talented players, and one player towards the top end of his list is Latham. A classy player who is tailor-made to dominate on bigger grounds, Latham was one of the league’s most consistent players, which is no surprise given his 76-game career with WAFL powerhouse Subiaco.

5. Mitchell Tenardi (Busselton)

Games in 2020: 12.

Goals in 2020: Nine.

It could be argued Tenardi had a career-best season in 2020. A reliable in-and-under player prior to 2020, last season the exciting talent took his game to another level under the watchful eye of David Lewis. In our view, five votes in the Hayward Medal did not do justice to how effective he was — particularly in traffic and when the Magpies needed a spark.

4. Brett Hill (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020: Nine.

Goals in 2020: 35.

During their 2019 undefeated season, the Lions were formidable, but coach John Baggetta still felt another piece to the puzzle could enhance his side’s ability to hit the scoreboard. Aside from his accuracy, Hill’s body positioning is top notch. He is the kind of player who can keep rival defenders sleepless the night before a game, because he is so difficult to stop one on one.

3. Ryan Maldenis (Carey Park)

Games in 2020:Nine.

Goals in 2020: One.

A man who has taken his show on the road throughout metropolitan and regional WA, the former East Perth utility player became one of the most influential playmakers by the end of the season. Rated highly by the club and many throughout the South West football community, Maldenis was close to his side’s best player in every game over the final month of the season.

2. Brendan Tingey (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020: 11.

Goals in 2020: 11.

Tingey’s decision to move to Brunswick Oval after uncertainty lingered about a 2020 Peel Football League season proved a masterstroke. A hard worker who finds the footy, Tingey’s impact at the Lions was instant. Those who did not know what he was all about found out very quickly, as he made almost all of his disposals count.

1. Jesse Gribble (Bunbury)

Games in 2020: 12.

Goals in 2020:11.

Sure, midfielders can win the hard ball. They can kick goals periodically and provide guidance. But some of Gribble’s best performances in recent years have been in defeats, including major finals, when he has still played at a level higher than anyone else on the ground. Gribble finally managed to win a league premiership with the Bulldogs in 2020 — a lifelong dream. But arguably, the professional influence he provides to younger players in his team and at rival clubs is equally impressive.