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Quality players showcase their ability

Justin Fris and Jackson BarrettSouth Western Times
HBL's Brendan Tingey took home the 2020 Hayward Medal.
Camera IconHBL's Brendan Tingey took home the 2020 Hayward Medal. Credit: Picture: Briana Fiore

In the final part of our two edition series, Jackson Barrett and Justin Fris select their top nine players of 2020 SWFL season.

Jack Fletcher’s courage in 2020 will go down in SWFL folklore.
Camera IconJack Fletcher’s courage in 2020 will go down in SWFL folklore. Credit: Jon Gellweiler

9. Jack Fletcher (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020:Nine.

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Goals in 2020: One.

Analysis:It is very difficult to put into words just how courageous and valuable Jack Fletcher is to the Lions.

A terrific ruckman all over the ground who provides A+ service to his onballers, Fletcher was plagued by a nagging shoulder injury throughout the season.

But even when these injuries could have sidelined or impacted his ability to deliver, Fletcher always put his team first.

In the first semi-final, his shoulder popped out three times inside the opening 15 minutes of the game. But to his credit, he stayed on the ground and never shirked physical contact.

Ethan Maguire is regarded as one of the most professsional players in the SWFL.
Camera IconEthan Maguire is regarded as one of the most professsional players in the SWFL. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/Jon Gellweiler/JLG Photographics and Justin Fris

8. Ethan Maguire (Busselton)

Games in 2020: 11.

Goals in 2020: Seven.

Analysis:Following a successful stint with the Eaton Boomers, Maguire elected to join the Magpies with his father Brett, who worked as one of David Lewis’s line coaches.

Prior to the league grand final, Magpies captain Jackson Arbon said he believed Maguire was one of the most professional players he had played alongside with in the SWFL — and it is hard to disagree with him, because the silky on-baller’s record speaks for itself.

Finished runner-up to Brendan Tingey in the 2020 Hayward Medal count, with his work ethic a big reason for the Magpies’ rise up the table.

Collie’s revival last season was typified by the hard work of stalwarts like Paul Rinder.
Camera IconCollie’s revival last season was typified by the hard work of stalwarts like Paul Rinder.

7. Paul Rinder (Collie Eagles)

Games in 2020: 12.

Goals in 2020: Five.

Analysis:At the start of the home and away season, many people knew just how influential Paul Rinder could be for the Collie Eagles.

But the longer the season went, the imposing big man showed us that there was more to his game than winning the ball in the middle.

A few times late in the season, Eagles coach Seth White surprised opposing sides by shifting Rinder onto the wing for short bursts, which added extra grunt to the Eagles’ attacking moves.

Such is the selfless nature of his football, it was also not uncommon to see Rinder float back into defence at times to take a relieving mark, which added to the excellent work done by teammates Declan Jackson and Mat Michael.

Joel Latham is one of the Lions’ most valuable players in any situation of play.
Camera IconJoel Latham is one of the Lions’ most valuable players in any situation of play.

6. Joel Latham (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020: 11.

Goals in 2020: Two.

Analysis:Lions coach John Baggetta has had the opportunity to work with some pretty talented players during his time as a coach, and one player towards the top end of his favourites is Latham.

A classy player who is tailor-made to dominate on our bigger grounds, Latham was one of the league’s most consistent players, which should come as no surprise given his serviceable 76-game career with WAFL powerhouse Subiaco.

“I have no doubt that if we had of got to Hands Oval during the finals series, he would have been our most important player,” Baggetta said during his review of the season.

“He just covers the ground so well and has a phenomenal tank.”

Mitchell Tenardi took his game to a new level in 2020.
Camera IconMitchell Tenardi took his game to a new level in 2020.

5. Mitchell Tenardi (Busselton)

Games in 2020: 12.

Goals in 2020: Nine.

Analysis: It could be argued Tenardi had a career-best season in 2020.

A reliable in and under player prior to 2020, last season the exciting talent took his game to another level under the watchful eye of David Lewis.

In our view, five votes in the Hayward Medal did not do justice to how amazing and effective he was — particularly in traffic, when the Magpies needed a spark.

The Magpies have got a real gem of a player here, who has every chance to go down in history as a club legend by the time he retires from the game.

Brett Hill provided plenty of exciting heroics up forward for the Lions.
Camera IconBrett Hill provided plenty of exciting heroics up forward for the Lions.

4. Brett Hill (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020: Nine.

Goals in 2020: 35.

Analysis:During their 2019 undefeated season, the Lions were formidable, but coach John Baggetta still felt another piece to the puzzle could enhance his side’s ability to hit the scoreboard.

Securing Hill’s services paid instant dividends, with the Lions sharpshooter booting six goals on debut against Carey Park in round one.

Hill added seven a week later against the Eaton Boomers and it appeared as though he was on course for one of the most impressive seasons by a forward in recent times.

Aside from his accuracy, Hill’s body positioning is top notch. He is the kind of player who can keep rival defenders sleepless the night before a game, because he is just so difficult to stop one on one.

Despite garnering plenty of attention, Panthers midfielder Ryan Maldenis still managed to dominate each week.
Camera IconDespite garnering plenty of attention, Panthers midfielder Ryan Maldenis still managed to dominate each week.

3. Ryan Maldenis (Carey Park)

Games in 2020:Nine.

Goals in 2020: One.

Analysis:Heading into the 2020 season, the Panthers were keen to push for finals, however they were keen to add another layer of polish in their midfield to support Rory O’Brien.

Enter Ryan Maldenis.

A man who has taken his show on the road throughout metropolitan and regional WA, the former East Perth utility became one of the most influential playmakers by the end of the home and away season.

Rated highly by the club and many throughout the South West football community, Maldenis was close to his side’s best player in every game over the final month of the season.

If he is keen to stick around at Kelly Park next season, the Panthers may be on hand to witness his greatness hit another high note.

HBL's Brendan Tingey took home the 2020 Hayward Medal.
Camera IconHBL's Brendan Tingey took home the 2020 Hayward Medal. Credit: Picture: Briana Fiore

2. Brendan Tingey (Harv-Bruns-Lesch)

Games in 2020: 11.

Goals in 2020: 11.

Analysis:Tingey’s decision to move to Brunswick Oval after uncertainty lingered about a 2020 Peel Football League season proved to be an absolute masterstroke.

A hard worker who seems to always find the footy, Tingey’s impact at the Lions was instant. Those who did not know what he was all about found out very quickly, as the ferocious Lions star made almost all of his disposals count.

Tingey revealed after his 2020 Hayward Medal triumph that he elected to join the Lions in a bid to play with close friend — and 2019 Hayward medallist — Jesse Crichton.

Tingey said he would way up his options during the off-season, but if he remains in regional WA, he will remain with the Lions.

In our view, Jesse Gribble is not only the best player in the competition, but he provides a brilliant example for young players across the league to follow.
Camera IconIn our view, Jesse Gribble is not only the best player in the competition, but he provides a brilliant example for young players across the league to follow. Credit: Jon Gellweiler

1. Jesse Gribble (Bunbury)

Games in 2020: 12.

Goals in 2020: 11.

Analysis:On the surface, it is easy to watch Gribble play on match day and marvel at his brilliance.

But off the field, it is the work that the modest Bulldogs champion does behind the scenes which sets him apart from the rest of the competition in our opinion.

During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gribble left nothing to chance. While others might have had time off or pondered their movements going forward, he refused to stop.

The Bulldogs maestro clocked up the kilometres on the pavement and at Payne Park, so when the 2020 season got under way, his fitness level was cherry-ripe.

Sure, midfielders can win the hard ball. They can kick goals periodically and provide guidance. But some of Gribble’s best performances in recent years have been in defeats, including major finals, when he has still played at a level higher than anyone else out on the ground.

Gribble finally managed to win a league premiership with the Bulldogs in 2020, something which was a lifelong dream.

But arguably, the professional influence he provides to younger players in both his team and rival clubs, is equally impressive.

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