2022 TopSport SANFL Top 50 – 41-50

An ultra-consistent performer for Port Adelaide in 2022, Mayes was considered for selection in The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year despite only playing in 11 matches this season.

Now set to bolster North Adelaide’s midfield group after heading back to Prospect following his delisting by the Power, the 28-year-old averaged an impressive 122 Champion Data Ranking Points while finishing runner-up in the Magpies’ best-and-fairest count.

North Adelaide’s No.1 ruckman carried a heavy workload in 2022, en route to a fourth-placing in the Roosters’ Barrie Robran Club Champion award.

Harvey has been selfless in the way he has transformed himself from a premiership forward, into a lead ruck who racked up the fourth-most hit outs in the competition while averaging 17 disposals per game.

Magor’s persistence to persevere at League level was fittingly rewarded after winning the 2022 Powerade Breakthrough Player award.

A revelation across half-back, the 21-year-old averaged 15 disposals at 86 per cent efficiency while playing in all 20 of the Roosters’ League matches after lining up in 18 Reserves games in 2021.

After a promising start to the season, Ballenden was surprisingly overlooked in the AFL Mid-Season draft having represented the West End State team in its win against the WAFL across the Nullarbor.

Struck down by multiple minor injuries in the second half of the season, the former Brisbane Lion still managed to place eighth in the Eagles’ Club Champion award after displaying his versatility in being able to play as a key forward or genuine ruck.

A key member of the West End State team, Allen finished eighth in Glenelg’s best and fairest award after a consistent campaign with the Tigers.

Measuring in at 193cm and 91kg, the former West Coast Eagle is extremely tough for opposition coaches to match up on given his size and exceptional running power.

Port Adelaide’s captain battled on in stoic fashion amid an extremely challenging season, winning the A.R. McLean Medal as the Magpies’ best-and-fairest.

Averaging 21 disposals at an incredibly high efficiency rate of 93 per cent, the 30-year-old also showed off his willingness to work hard defensively with five tackles per game.

There is never any fuss when it comes to Norwood’s Josh Richards.

Internally, he is very highly regarded at The Parade, hence him placing fifth in the Michael Taylor Medal in a premiership year.

The 24-year-old’s impact isn’t always obvious but it was on display when he scooped up a vital ground ball late in the final term of the 2022 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final, before kicking the first of three consecutive Norwood goals to win the flag.

North Adelaide speedster Szekely enjoyed a career-best campaign in terms of consistency, thriving in his role on the wing for 2022.

Receiving an invite to the AFL State Combine, the 23-year-old averaged 19 disposals at an impressive 87 per cent efficiency to finish seventh in the Barrie Robran Medal.

Few would have predicted Will Coomblas to line up for the West End State team in 2022.

But Sturt’s master intercept defender certainly deserved selection such was his ability to read the play impressively in the Double Blues’ back half.

Often playing on talls and smalls, Coomblas placed seventh in the P.T Morton Medal count as Sturt’s best and fairest.

A key role player and strong performer in the Redlegs’ dramatic finals charge, Declan Hamilton has been a vital presence streaming out of defence for Norwood.

Using his turn of speed to advantage, the 26-year-old is a genuine line-breaker off half-back, placing 6th in the Michael Taylor Medal while averaging 98 Champion Data Ranking Points per game in 2022.