WITH round nine under wraps we are officially at the half way point of the South West Football League season.
A familiar face sits atop the table with two-time reigning premier Eaton Boomers in the number one spot thanks to a strong percentage, but Busselton, Carey Park and Donnybrook all sit level with the Boomers with 7-2 records.
Augusta-Margaret River sits two games above Harvey in fifth position, but the Bulls could be hot on their heels with a couple of upset wins.
Outside of these six things look a little grim for the depths on the ladder also seem to be taking shape, which is unfortunate for the teams currently placed there.
So with the midway point of the season upon us, it’s time to take a look at who's been impressing so far and find out
We also want to know your thoughts so make sure you vote in the polls underneath each section.
And, stay tuned to Footy HQ later this week for all our predictions for the second half of the SWFL season.
Graham Jetta (Carey Park)
Jetta has been a model of consistency since the first game this season and his speed and clean use of the ball have impressed.
He’s dynamite when getting the ball out of the stoppages and his delivery to the forward line has been a big part of full forward Matt Martin’s success.
He should gain consistent votes throughout the first nine rounds of the year but could have a couple taken from him with Kieran King and Brandon Jetta also playing good football for Carey Park.
Daniel McGinlay (Busselton)
McGinlay started the season a little slower than his usual lofty standards but he has been in red hot form since round four.
Although McGinlay is known for not polling as many votes as we spectators think he deserves, he is sure to be catching the eyes of our officials with his best on ground performances.
McGinlay may also have teammates pinching his votes though with Chris Kane in strong form.
Curtis Guglielmana (Donnybrook)
A regular feature in Donnybrook’s best and fairest count, Curtis Guglielmana is enjoying having midfield support this season.
His first half of the season has been extremely impressive as he continues to feed big man Jeff Smith with perfect delivery.
Although it’s hard to pick a standout in Donnybrook’s midfield with Simon Parry and David Roche also contributing strongly.
Chris Atthowe (Eaton)
C. Atthowe is a regular call made on Hayward medal night and should be again this season.
Last year he finished with 21 votes in the count equal with his then-teammate Josh Bowe.
This year, Bowe is not there to nab any votes.
Granted, Blake Piggott and Jace Cormack can still poll well along with a few other names at Eaton, but Atthowe’s chance of winning a Hayward this year is more solid than ever.
Simon Parry (Donnybrook)
We mentioned Simon Parry had the ability to take votes from Curtis Guglielmana earlier, but he also has the ability to win this count.
Big bags to Jeff Smith may see him go without votes in a few standout games but he’s a model of consistency in the Donnybrook engine room.
His skill in contested marking situations is a great factor of his game and he finds space easily.
Dan Leishman (Harvey)
Not a name you would immediately think of, Leishman may surprise some on Hayward medal night.
His form for Harvey has been stellar and he currently sits second in the Slater and Gordon player of the year award.
His versatility allows him to play all over the ground but his natural instinct to defend is solid.
Although some injuries to his native Subiaco Lions could see him return to the WAFL in the back half of the season.
As SWFL fans, we hope we get to enjoy watching Leishman play for as long as possible.
Josh Krispyn (Harvey)
Krispyn’s return to the Bulls has been a welcome one as he has revitalised their midfield and forward line.
He’s been spotted in the goal square regularly this season but is not shy of injecting himself in the middle.
Krispyn was the runner-up in the 2009 Hayward medal count and could feature heavily again.
POLL: Vote for your Hayward Medal tip below.
Paul Fimmano (Harvey)
Even though the Bulls may have lost more games than they’ve won, it’s easy to see Paul Fimmano has bought life back to Harvey.
His side has a chance at playing finals for the first time in its history and people are up and about in Harvey.
John Baggetta (Carey Park)
John Baggetta’s return to the Panthers last year saw them back in the finals and this year they are a premiership fancy.
His ability to recruit star players is the best of any head coach and his dissection of the game is outstanding.
He’s not short of giving his players a spray but he knows each one of them and what they need to fire up.
David Lewis (Donnybrook)
The Dons’ resurgence in the league has been led by the man behind the magnet board, David Lewis.
His placement of his side is impressive and he constantly finds a way to keep his main man Jeff Smith in the forward line.
He has taken the Dons from cellar dwellers to a premiership contender in a short time.
Greg Hodson (Busselton)
Hodson has led a talented playing group to be regular competitors in past seasons.
He’s well-loved by his squad and he regularly places his side in the right spots.
Busselton’s linking of play through their run and carry game is impressive, which speaks volumes of his ability to install a game plan in his side.
POLL: Vote for your coach of the year below.
Brayden Mann (Carey Park)
Mann has been a regular contributor for Carey Park and has teamed with Brandon Jetta and Matt Cavedon to form a lethal half back line for the Panthers.
He can also play along the win and his deft kicking makes him dangerous when going forward.
He is not an overly quick youngster but his awareness around packs allows him to dish out handballs quick enough so as not to get caught.
Luke Hutchins (Busselton)
After watching Hutchins play, I could not believe that he was still eligible for the rising star award.
Hutchins displays all the qualities of a 25-year-old small forward who can damage at any given time.
His work around the goals is impressive and he is a big part of Busselton’s hot form.
Max Paterson (Augusta-Margaret River)
Currently leading the rising star award, Max Paterson has shown that AMR’s young talent is alive and well.
His skills are precise and he displays talent well beyond his years.
He will be one to watch in the future.
Denholm King (Eaton)
King has been a solid part of the Eaton forward line this year and his pace and skill are standout attributes.
He is constantly on the move in his zone and makes it hard to defenders to follow him for four quarters.
POLL: Vote for your Rising Star below.
Mark Cherubino (Harvey)
A veteran player for the Bulls, Cherubino has gone under the radar for most of his career.
But that does not mean he is a second-rate player.
He regularly contributes for Harvey and can player both forward and back.
Cherubino is also a solid leader on and off the field for the Bulls.
Andrew Rake (Carey Park)
Rake is not a regular fixture among standout players but his ability to defend top forwards has been valuable to Carey Park.
His big frame makes it hard for forwards to out-mark him and he is a booming kick of the football.
Although not one of their most standout players, Rake will play a vital role in Carey Park’s run down the stretch.
Zac Piper (Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault)
Piper is an up-and-coming star in the South West Football League.
He is consistently producing out-of-this-world plays and is an x-factor player.
His young age and being in a bottom of the table side may cause him to go unnoticed, but Piper will continue to develop into a terrific player in the SWFL.
Blake Piggott (Eaton)
Piggott is becoming more noticed this season with a number of gun midfielders having left Eaton, but he has been a key part of their side for a number of seasons.
His use by foot is second-to-none and he collects a high tally of inside 50s for the Boomers.
Ben Gerrans (Augusta-Margaret River)
Gerrans has been a vital part of AMR’s return to finals contention and plays his part to perfection.
A co-coach, Gerrans leads his players from the front and perhaps goes without the credit he deserves.
His second efforts consistently inspire his side.
Braden Piggot (South Bunbury)
Perhaps not talked of as much as some of South Bunbury’s other key players, Braden Piggot is another upcoming star of the league.
His ability to get to each contest and move along the wings with pace is impressive and he will be important for South Bunbury moving forward in the future.
Braiden McMullen (Bunbury Bulldogs)
McMullen has made a name for himself in Bunbury’s league side this season after spending the majority of last year in the reserves.
He played a huge part in Bunbury’s only win of the year and his toughness at contests is admirable.
The Bulldogs will look to develop his skills a bit more but his effort is unquestionable.
Jaiden Piavanini (Collie Eagles)
Piavanini may be the most “unsung” hero on this entire list.
He’s not someone you’ll see in player of the year votes too often but Piavanini’s effort for the Collie Eagles is terrific.
His smaller build does not discourage him and he goes hard at every contest he gets to.
He can also hit the scoreboard when given the chance.
Hayden King (Donnybrook)
King gives a constant effort for the Dons and his physicality is a sight to watch.
He can go forward, defend or play in the midfield and offers a good amount of experience to Donnybrook’s side.
His tackling pressure is a strong attribute of his and works hard around the ground.
Reegan Mrsich (Busselton)
Mrsich is a smooth mover that consistently flies under the radar for the Magpies.
He’s a smart footballer and thinks before he makes a decision.
His ability to assists Busselton’s many star players is strong as he can receive or give the handball when needed.
He learns from some of the best midfielders in the league and continues to grow as a player.
POLL: Vote for your unsung hero of 2015 below.
