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Continuing our end of the year series of lists, we take a look back on the year that was and give you our opinion on the top 10 state-league players that should really be on an AFL list.
1. Shane Valenti – Still arguably the VFL’s premier on-baller. He would add finesse and poise to any AFL clubs’ midfield. A good player to add depth to a midfield. Has been on Melbourne’s list and struggled for opportunities. Trained with Essendon last year but not much of a look in this year.
2. Kris Pendlebury – The VFL’s top defender should be playing at either Collingwood or St Kilda next year. Instead he will play at the Werribee Tigers in the VFL. He still has time on his side but he may well get a shot when he is in his twilight, such as Orren Stephenson, James Podsiadly and Brett Goodes.
3. Adam Cockie – The former West Coast rookie was a solid midfielder for Sandringham in the VFL last season. St Kilda liked him but didn’t allow any space on its list for him. Shame his talent will be dwindling in the state leagues again.
4. Myke Cook – Another Sandringham player perhaps should have attracted more interest from AFL clubs. The former Adelaide rookie certainly ripened in the latter part of last season.
5. Khan Haretuku – The Frankston forward will get his chance if he continues to improve at the rate he is going. Sydney showed interest and was apparently heading there if it didn’t snare Kurt Tippett. Is a much better player than what most give him credit for.
6. Nathan Batsanis – Perhaps a return to Port Melbourne from the SANFL may be a good move. He was heavily on the radar for AFL clubs mid-year but interest soon faded. Another big season at the Borough may mean he is back on the radar again.
7. Adam Marcon – The Northern Blues skipper won the coaches award for best player in the VFL on Liston night. It seemed a sure thing that he would get drafted or rookied at least but was a notable omission come rookie draft day.
8. Luke Andrews – One of Box Hill’s shining lights for most of the season. Coach Damian Carroll touted him as an almost certainty to be drafted, he would not be the only one who would be disappointed. His team mate Matt Jones went, perhaps surprisingly ahead of Andrews.
9. Travis Tuck – Still has what it takes at AFL level. Werribee loved him and is disappointed that he has taken off to West Adelaide for next season. Still, the label of being the only AFL player to be handed three strikes under the illicit drugs policy may haunt him during his career.
10. Evan Panozza – The Casey Scorpions defender has been one of the better defenders going around in the VFL but still hasn’t managed to get onto an AFL list. Certainly isn’t the only top defender that has missed his chance in recent years. Think Port’s Sam Pleming, who perhaps should have made it back in the ranks over the past three years.
See also:
Top 5 Recruits of 2012
Top 5 Individual performances of 2012
Top 5 AFL Games of 2012
Top 5 Rivalries of 2012
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