We reveal more than 20 young guns performing well in the Wimmera league this year

We’ve compiled 20 young guns who have been playing well in senior footy or are on the rise to become strong senior players of the future.

The list doesn’t include those who are playing regularly at the Greater Western Victoria Rebels or those who are on VFL lists playing week in, week out.

Check out the list below.

Xavier Bone, Nhill

Recently played his 50th senior match for the Tigers. The half forward has averaged more than a goal a game this season, kicking 20 goals in 14 games.

Cody Bryan, Horsham Saints

The forward has had his best year at the Saints, kicking 19 goals in 15 games. This included a kick after the siren to beat the Horsham Demons in round 11.

Nick Cushing, Minyip Murtoa

The former Redan player continues to impress for the Burras. Cushing has averaged more than a goal a game, in his 13 matches, and been among the best in seven games. Cushing is one of the best ruckman in the league.

Jobe Dickinson, Nhill

A talented sports person who won the under-17 best and fairest last year in the Wimmera league. Dickinson has played five senior games and been among the best in a couple of them.

Archie Elliott, Horsham Demons

Has played half the season for the Greater Western Victorian Rebels and the Horsham Demons, and played well for both teams. For the Demons he has kicked a goal a game in eight matches and been among the best in seven. Elliott is capable of playing in multiple positions in the middle of the ground.

Cody Frankel, Southern Mallee Thunder

Won last year’s best and fairest at the Thunder has been playing in seniors and reserves this season. Has played seven matches in seniors.

Oscar Gawith, Minyip Murtoa

One of the best young key forwards in the competition. Has kicked 31 goals in 11 games, including eight goals in his recent game against the Horsham Saints.

Jack Henry, Horsham Saints

Still eligible for under-17s but has played an important role for the Saints this season. Henry has kicked 19 goals in 15 games and also represented Wimmera’s under-17s at the South West District junior carnival.

Lachlan Hobbs, Horsham Demons

Has almost averaged a goal a game this season, kicking 12 goals in 14 games. This included a four-goal haul against the Southern Mallee Thunder.

Sonny Kettle, Ararat

Has averaged a goal a game this season for the Rats. Kettle is capable of playing both in the centre and up forward and in 2023 was the rising star in the Wimmera league. Has played in the past two premierships for the Rats.

Lachlan Mackley, Dimboola

Been an important part of the team for the past couple of years after moving from the Wodonga Raiders to the team in 2023. Has kicked four goals in 14 games for the Roos this season.

Declan Paech, Dimboola

Has played 25 games for the Roos in under-17s, reserves and seniors this season. In under-17s, he’s been one of the leading goalkickers, kicking 24 goals. He’s also played well in seniors, featuring in more than 10 games for Dimboola.

Hayden Polack, Warrack Eagles

Finished third in last year’s under-17 best and fairest and could go one or two spots better this year after being among the best in each game he has played. Polack has also played senior footy, making a couple of appearances for the Eagles recently.

Clay Shadforth, Nhill

Has averaged more than a goal a game in his first season in the Wimmera league. A talented junior who has represented Northern Territory in the Coates Talent League this season. Shadforth is a goal kicking forward who can also play in the midfield.

Henry Shea, Ararat

Already has won two premierships and last year won the medal for the best under-21 player in the grand final. This season he has kicked 19 goals in 12 games.

Zak Smith, Horsham Demons

Has previously won the under-17 best and fairest, in 2022, and is now part of the senior team for the Demons. Has played 14 matches and been among the best in four matches, kicking six goals.

Owen Summers, Stawell

A defender who has stepped up this season. Has been among the best in seven of 15 games and helped Stawell towards a finals berth.

Hugh Toner, Ararat

A former Greater Western Victorian Rebel who has played well for Ararat this season. He’s kicked 17 goals in 14 games and is a tall option in attack. Can also play in defence when he is needed.

Patrick Toner, Ararat

The 2023 under-17 best and fairest is also part of the Greater Western Rebels Coates Talent League team. Has played 10 games and been among the best in three of them. Last year, he played in Ararat’s premiership win, and was one of the best players in the decider.

Judd Wright, Horsham Saints

Has made the step up to play plenty of seniors this season. A talented defender who knows how to mark and leap for the ball, Wright has been among the best in seven of 15 games for the Saints this season.

Originally published as We reveal more than 20 young guns performing well in the Wimmera league this year