Statewide Super League Top 50 – No.34

By ZAC MILBANK

Versatility is a significant factor in the make-up of Glenelg recruit Matthew Allen.

Arriving back at Brighton Road after spending the past four years on West Coast’s AFL list, the 22-year-old is equally damaging as a big-bodied midfielder as he is playing the role of a lead-up forward.

Measuring in at a sizeable 193cm and 90kg, Allen spent the past two seasons transforming himself into an intimidating force inside the centre square playing in the WAFL.

While he didn’t manage to breakthrough for his AFL debut amid the Eagles’ highly-competitive outfit, Allen was East Perth’s best and fairest in 2018 before averaging 21 disposals, four marks and four tackles last season for West Coast’s WAFL side.

Originally drafted as a strong-marking forward, Allen has a damaging left-foot kick across the field and in front of goal when stationed inside attacking 50m.

And the boy from Mount Gambier could also be a potential candidate to assist in the vacancy left by Tigers’ premiership captain Chris Curran across half-back, should coach Mark Stone choose to use him in defence.

Selected by SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank, the 2020 Statewide Super League Top 50 is being unveiled one player at a time on the League’s website and social media channels.

For incumbent SANFL players, form across the 2019 season was used as a significant factor in the selection process, with selection in The Advertiser Team of the Year, West End State squad, club leadership group and placings in club best-and-fairest weighing heavily.

This is to ensure there is meaningful movement of player rankings between each year’s Top 50 list at the start and end of the season.

Recruits to the Statewide Super League for 2020 have also been included, with significant AFL experience, performance at State League level and their predicted impact proving critical in deciding the order of players.

34 – Matthew Allen (Glenelg)
35 – Troy Menzel (Central)
36 – Mitch Grigg (Norwood)
37 – Jack Hayes (Eagles)
38 – James Rose (South)
39 – Robbie Young (North)
40 – Andrew Bradley (Glenelg)
41 – Tom Schwarz (North)
42 – Matthew Panos (Norwood)
43 – Brad Agnew (Glenelg)
44 – Cole Gerloff (Norwood)
45 – Matthew Wright (Adelaide)
46 – Dean Gore (Sturt)
47 – Tom Keough (West)
48 – Jesse Lonergan (Eagles)
49 – Alex Spina (North)
50 – Logan Hill (West)