League Archive

Statewide Super League Top 50 – No.6

By ZAC MILBANK

South Adelaide coach Jarrad Wright landed his Quarterback when he managed to entice Matthew Broadbent to Noarlunga at the end of last year.

Widely expected to resume his Statewide Super League career with original club Woodville-West Torrens, the 29-year-old opted for the Panthers after playing 171 AFL games for Port Adelaide between 2009 and 2019.

Broadbent will provide invaluable composure and neat delivery by foot off half-back as he looks to become the youthful team’s chief playmaker.

Both Broadbent and Wright are also originally from Henley FC, with the third-year Panthers’ mentor outlining a leadership role for his prized recruit.

Struck down by injury in his final two seasons at Alberton – he didn’t manage a game in 2018 – Broadbent says his body is feeling good after overcoming his latest setback to his ankle.

The running defender feels he has at least 3-4 years of footy left in him and is viewing his new challenge at Noarlunga as a fresh start on and off the field as he seeks to begin a career in social work.

“He’s been around the AFL system for a long time, and the wealth of experience he brings to the club will be really useful in helping with some of our younger players,” Wright said.

“We’ll expect him to bring his hard-nosed style to our new look midfield while also helping to cover down back.

“Matt will add a layer of calmness in the heat of battle which is a developing area for our team.

“His decision making and skills by hand and foot is something that our offensive transitions will benefit from.”

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.

MATTHEW BROADBENT

Age: 29
Height: 189cm
Weight: 89kg
Position: Medium Defender/Midfielder
SANFL Club: South Adelaide
Community Club: Henley FC
SANFL Debut: Round 4, 2008
SANFL Games: 50

Statewide Super League Top 50

6 – Matthew Broadbent (South)
7 – Ryan Bastinac (Norwood)
8 – Billy Hartung (North)
9 – Liam McBean (Glenelg)
10 – Sam Baulderstone (Norwood)
11 – Jordan Foote (Eagles)
12 – Jarrod Schiller (Central)
13 – Lewis Johnston (Norwood)
14 – James Battersby (Sturt)
15 – Zane Kirkwood (Sturt)
16 – Max Proud (Glenelg)
17 – Andrew Moore (North)
18 – Luke Reynolds (Glenelg)
19 – Abe Davis (Sturt)
20 – Tyson Goldsack (Port)
21 – Jarred Allmond (North)
22 – Marlon Motlop (Glenelg)
23 – Kaine Stevens (West)
24 – Matthew Snook (Glenelg)
25 – Travis Schiller (Central)
26 – Billy Stretch (Glenelg)
27 – Joseph Haines (South)
28 – Brad McKenzie (Norwood)
29 – Matthew Rose (South)
30 – James Rowe (Eagles)
31 – Dom Barry (Norwood)
32 – Justin Hoskin (Central)
33 – Harrison Wigg (North)
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)

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