2020 Post Season SANFL Top 50 – 41-50

Plenty of debate surrounds who are the best players in the Statewide Super League. 

After selecting his Top 50 players in the preseason, SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank has now chosen his Top 50 at the conclusion of the 2020 premiership campaign.

Form across the 2020 season was used as the chief factor in the ranking process, with selection in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year, placings in the Magarey Medal, Shearman Medal and Club best-and-fairest awards 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.

Stay tuned as we begin the countdown on the SANFL website and social media channels, kicking off with players 41 to 50.

Earned his second premiership medal with the Eagles after playing a significant role inside the centre square this season. Lovely ability to palm the ball at the clearances, as well as boasting neat skills by foot. Finished 5th in the League for overall hit outs despite being rested for two matches while placing ninth in his club’s best-and-fairest count.

The Bloods skipper battled valiantly for his team in a tough 2020 campaign. Was happy to play multiple roles such is his versatility but this also impacted his ability to make more of an impact this season. Finished third in the Neil Kerley Medal count as West’s club champion while playing a major role in one of the upsets of the season, kicking five goals against reigning premier Glenelg in Round 4.

SANFL’s version of the human glove, Summerton makes up for his lack of flair with his dogged determination to blanket the opposition’s best forwards with a disciplined approach. Has been one of the bargain buys of the past few seasons for the Panthers, particularly after placing fifth in the 2020 Knuckey Cup – the club’s best-and-fairest trophy.

Assumed the mantle as Glenelg’s captain this year and handled the responsibility with much admiration in what was a challenging premiership defence. Rarely beaten one-on-one, Proud is such a reliable performer for the Tigers as evidenced by him finishing 7th in the club’s best-and-fairest count. Placed in the competition’s top 10 for Rebound 50s.

Started the season with a bang after booting seven goals in the opening round against West before tallying 32 goals for the year. This placed him second behind Ken Farmer Medallists Liam McBean and James Rowe in the race for SANFL’s leading goal kicker. Capable of producing something from nothing, Hender is a match-winner if he turns on a show made for the highlight reels.

Like Keough, Shenton is one of the most flexible players in the competition with his ability to play in all three sectors of the field. Finished second in the competition for marks taken, behind teammate Nik Rokahr, the man he placed equal fourth with in the Michael Taylor Medal count. Spent the majority of the season in defence, allowing him to finish in SANFL’s top 10 for Rebound 50s.

It’s difficult to argue against Fahey-Sparks being the most agile bigman in the competition, such is his ability to scoop up the ball while also having an impact around the ground. Was an equally dangerous threat inside 50m as he was inside the centre square in 2020, en route to placing fifth in the P.T. Morton Medal as the Double Blues’ best-and-fairest. Took an equal league-leading 24 contested marks while also finishing third in the competition for total hit outs to attract the attention of AFL scouts.

Habel certainly didn’t disappoint in his first year as Bulldogs captain, playing a consistent role from defence with his neat foot skills. This was illustrated by his 96 per cent disposal efficiency rate, which was all the more meritorious when you consider he finished inside the competition’s top 10 for total kicks and Rebound 50s.

Glenelg’s former skipper was on track to contend for his team’s best-and-fairest award – the John H. Ellers Trophy – before he fractured his cheekbone displaying trademark courage against the Eagles in Round 12. Missed the final two minor round games and the Bays’ First Semi-Final but still managed a sixth placing in the club champion count.

The former Carlton rookie was on track for a berth in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year midway through the season before tailing off toward the end of the minor round. Electric skills by foot were on display regularly, together with his natural evasive nature both inside 50m and further up the field. Finished fifth in the Barrie Robran Medal count while also booting 24 goals for the season.