The Daily Advertiser unveil it's 2021 Farrer League Team of the Year

The wretched COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head again right on the eve of finals, but the Farrer League can count themselves somewhat lucky, being one of the only competitions in NSW and Victoria to complete a full home and away season.

And what a glorious home and away season it was.

The arrival of jumping James Lawton, The Rock-Yerong Creek's return to the top three on the back of some quality Canberra recruits and the class of Mitch Haddrill, as the Jets made the five for the first time since 2016.

We were sat for a fantastic finish and unfortunately that is now up in the air. But what better time to celebrate the feats of some talented individuals with the naming of The Daily Advertiser's Farrer League Team of the Year.

Michael Lovett (Barellan)

A new arrival to the Farrer League this year, joining Barellan as one of the club's Canberra crew. Lovett proved a valuable addition for the Two Blues, providing an experienced head in a Barellan defence that held up pretty well over the course of the season. Lovett could do a job on a key forward if needed, but also won plenty of footy and provided plenty of drive from defence.

Liam James (Marrar)

Another newcomer to the Farrer League this season, James proved a surprise packet at Marrar. Having arrived from Wollongong, James was handed the full-back duties by Shane Lenon and didn't let him down. James had the size to match the biggest key forwards, and never had a bag kicked on him. He got better as the season went on and was starting to impact games more and more.

Xavier Lyons (North Wagga)

Lyons made the switch from Wagga Tigers to North Wagga with success this season, slotting in right at home as part of the Saints' tight-knit defensive group. Lyons provided the Saints' defence with speed and run, complimenting those around him and fitting in with North Wagga's game plan. Lyons, like a couple of other of North Wagga's young recruits, proved a good get for the Saints.

Jack Reynolds (Marrar)

Arguably one of the most dynamic players in the competition, Reynolds has a massive impact on games from half-back. Reynolds is already a best and fairest winner at Marrar, but he enjoyed one of his best seasons yet as Marrar marched to the minor premiership. His clean hands and ability to break the lines is exceptional, highlighted by his equal-fourth-placed finish in the Farrer League Player of the Year award.

Riley Budd (TRYC)

Budd was one of The Rock-Yerong Creek's prized Canberra recruits, arriving with the biggest raps of the four. The athletic utility did not disappoint, leading the Magpies' charge to a finals return and top-three finish. Budd started and finished in the midfield and had good success, but spent the middle portion of the season in defence, where he proved right at home. Finished top 10 in Farrer League Player of the Year.

Nathan Scott (EWK)

Scott returned to the Hawks this season, travelling before making the mid-season move back to Wagga and was able to play some of his best footy. Scott added another element to the Hawks game off half-back, with his ability to read the play and attack from defence often causing headaches for opposition teams. A EWK junior, Scott also added some experience and a steady head, making himself a home, directing traffic from half-back.

Luke Hillier (Coleambally)

It was Hillier's best season of football here, taking his game to a new level in his second year as co-coach at Coleambally. With fellow co-coach Curtis Steele battling injury for most of the season, Hillier led from the front and took over as the Blues' prime mover on many occasions. Hillier was in Coleambally's best in 12 of their 16 games and chimed in with 21 goals.

Mitch Haddrill (Northern Jets)

Haddrill reaffirmed himself as the premier midfielder in the Farrer League with another super season. Haddrill's size and athleticism causes opposition teams a massive headache, given he is strong both in the air and at ground level. He was tagged most weeks but that did not stop him from claiming another Farrer League Player of the Year award. A super player that leads by example, an obvious choice as captain.

Lachie Moore (CSU)

Another strong season from the hard-running Bushpigs midfielder. Moore again led from the front at CSU, despite having a bit more help on-ball this season. Moore was named in CSU's best in nine of the 16 games and will fight it out for another club best and fairest. Rarely played a bad game.

Zach Walgers (Marrar)

Another top season from the classy Marrar forward-midfielder. Walgers stepped his game up another gear this season, moving more through the midfield, where his run and footy smarts often broke games open. He still proved dangerous around goals with 21 goals from 11 games. Only injury stopped him from what could have been a massive year.

Dean Biermann (TRYC)

Biermann was one of the finds of the Farrer League season for The Rock-Yerong Creek. The strong-marking forward made the move to the Magpies this season and made an immediate impact, helping TRYC get off to a fast start to the season. Biermann kicked 37 goals from 13 games but also spent periods through the midfield, where he proved effective. A top-five finish in the Farrer League Player of the Year was a fitting reward for a fine debut season.

Alex Rogers (EWK)

Rogers was finally able to kick off his career at the Hawks this year, after originally first signing in the 2020 seaosn that was lost to COVID-19. Rogers quickly made up for lost time with a strong start to the season and was named in the Hawks' best in seven of the opening nine games. Another player who spent large chunks in the midfield but also proved dangerous when resting forward, finishing with 26 goals from 15 games.

Nathan Dennis (North Wagga)

A breakout year from the Saints small forward. Coming back from a knee reconstruction, Dennis did not take any time to get going and finished the year with 47 goals from 16 games, placing him third in the league. He proved a difficult match-up for opposition clubs with his speed and good hands proving a dangerous mix. Dennis stood tall in a Saints' attack often lacking height.

James Lawton (Marrar)

Lawton arrived at Langtry Oval with a big reputation and did not disappoint. The athletic tall forward was on track for 100 goals for the season until injury late in the season derailed his quest. Lawton finished with 78 goals from 14 games and was a major factor behind the Bombers' dominant season. Not only did he kick a heap of goals but he also dished out plenty to teammates as well. A human highlight reel.

Matt Wallis (Northern Jets)

Wallis enjoyed an outstanding season in his own right, booting 56 goals from 15 games. Not only did Wallis kick goals but he had a big impact on games, helping the Jets return to the top five for the first time since 2016. Wallis proved again to be a big strong target deep in attack for the Jets, with his strong marking ability a feature of his game.

Andrew Dickins (CSU)

Dickins made a fine start to his time in the Farrer League. The former Goanna was always going to be well-suited in the Farrer League and that proved so, with only injury preventing what could have been an even bigger season. Dickins finished sixth in the Farrer League Player of the Year and was named in CSU's best in 10 of his 14 games. His size made him a handful around the ground, while he also worked hard defensively with a strong intercept-marking game.

Will Reinhold (Temora)

Not many players can make a team like this off the back of seven games but Reinhold proved an exception. Reinhold returned home mid-season due to COVID-19 and proved exactly what the Kangaroos needed. He dominated most games in the midfield and also had an impact on the scoreboard, kicking 15 goals. Reinhold still managed a top-10 finish in the Farrer League Player of the Year off seven games, and should also poll strongly in the Gerald Clear Medal.

Harry Fitzsimmons (EWK)

Fitzsimmons has been a quiet achiever in recent seasons but took his game to a new level this season and established himself as the Hawks' number one midfielder. Fitzsimmons goes about his business with a minimum of fuss and his consistency this year was rewarded with a runner up finish in the Farrer League Player of the Year award.

Cayden Winter (North Wagga)

Winter enjoyed another strong season in the engine room for the Saints. He took on coaching duties for the first time and did not let that have an impact on what he produced on-field. Winter led from the front and overcame injury and suspension to have another consistent season.

Chris O'Donnell (Marrar)

O'Donnell enjoyed a breakout season, making a midfield position his own at Marrar this year. A move back to the area meant he no longer had to travel and it showed in his footy as he took his game to a new level. O'Donnell proved a bull for the Bombers with his ability to win the contested ball a highlight.

Jack Fisher (Northern Jets)

Another strong season from the Jets midfielder. Fisher was part of a potent Northern Jets on-ball brigade that played a big part in their return to the top five. Fisher proved as consistent ever, providing plenty of run for the Jets with his ability to get on the outside and send his team forward.

Shane Lenon (Marrar)

The nine-time premiership coach enjoyed another strong season in charge at Marrar, guiding the Bombers to the minor premiership on the back of a dominant home and away season that resulted in 15 wins and just the one loss. With only a handful of players remaining from Marrar's 2018 premiership team, Lenon has brought through the next generation of Bombers with great success.

B: Michael Lovett, Liam James, Xavier Lyons

HB: Jack Reynolds, Riley Budd, Nathan Scott

C: Luke Hillier, Mitch Haddrill (c), Lachie Moore

HF: Zach Walgers, Dean Biermann, Alex Rogers

F: Nathan Dennis, James Lawton, Matt Wallis

Foll: Andrew Dickins, Will Reinhold, Harry Fitzsimmons

Inter: Cayden Winter (vc), Chris O'Donnell, Jack Fisher

Coach: Shane Lenon

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