2023 TopSport SANFL Top 50 – 41-50

Norwood’s no-fuss defender often found himself under siege in the first half of the season but regularly stood tall against the tide.

The Redlegs’ premiership backman is highly-rated internally at The Parade, earning third place in the Michael Taylor Medal for best-and-fairest whilst also taking home the club’s Trademark Player Award for 2023.

He’s not a household name outside of Richmond but Michael Mattingly was a huge contributor for the Bloods in 2023.

Averaging 21 disposals, seven tackles and five marks this year, Mattingly – who was runner-up best-and-fairest in the Neil Kerley Medal – will be sorely missed next year after deciding to head back to Victoria.

It was a joy to watch how much pulling on the West End State jumper for the first time meant to Mitch Harvey.

A member of the victorious 2023 State team, the North Adelaide ruckman again shouldered a heavy load for his Roosters, finishing fourth in the Barrie Robran Medal.

One of Central District’s most consistent performers has quickly become a cult hero at Elizabeth, standing out with his long sleeves and dashing runs from defence.

Rewarded with selection in the West End State squad this year, Iles finished fourth in the Norm Russell Medal and placed inside the top 10 of the League for total kicks.

Sturt swooped late to secure Marty Frederick last December, who was originally drafted to Port Adelaide from Woodville-West Torrens.

And the Double Blues were rewarded with a solid start from the dashing wingman, who was a member of the West End State team while also registering a top 10 finish in the club’s best-and-fairest.

Didn’t miss a game this year while averaging 18 disposals at 87 per cent efficiency, an ideal platform to springboard from in 2024.

South Adelaide’s constant presence through the midfield in 2023, Oliver Davis shone while several of his teammates battled form and injury throughout the minor round.

Averaging 22 disposals, the Tasmanian placed third in the Knuckey Cup for South’s best-and-fairest while also earning the respect of his peers with the Player’s Player award.

Featuring in 18 matches this season for the Magpies, the former North Melbourne midfielder banked impressive averages of 22 disposals and 103 Champion Data ranking points in 2023.

The Norwood premiership player placed second in the A. R McLean Medal for best-and-fairest but has since been delisted by the Power.

He only played 11 SANFL League matches but Adelaide midfielder Matt Crouch certainly had an impact with Adelaide as he propelled the Crows to a top-three finish at the end of the minor round.

Registering eye-popping numbers, Crouch finished with averages of 32 disposals, 125 Ranking Points and 6.5 clearances, to finish third in the League for the latter category behind Central’s Harry Grant and Norwood’s Harry Boyd.

Sturt’s towering tall forward enjoyed a breakout season in attack as he finished seventh in the race for the P. T Morton Medal as best-and-fairest.

Displaying his mobility while also having spurts in the ruck, the 195cm bigman kicked a total of 37 goals for the year, while placing sixth in the Ken Farmer Medal list.

The son of Collingwood great Gavin Brown proved his worth at State League level in 2023 as he finished runner-up in Adelaide’s Club Champion award.

Featuring in 21 matches, the big-bodied midfielder racked up averages of 22 disposals, five tackles and six clearances before being delisted by the Crows at season’s end.