Statewide Super League Top 50 – No.22

By ZAC MILBANK

Glenelg’s Marlon Motlop was as smooth as silk last year and there was not better evidence than during the 2019 Statewide Super League finals series.

The 30-year-old had at least 20 disposals and two goals in each of the Tigers’ first two finals, setting up a match-defining major in the third term of the Preliminary decider in which he beat three Adelaide opponents to set up a crucial goal.

If that wasn’t enough, the Bays’ leadership group member slotted another three goals in the 2019 Statewide Super League Grand Final, including a classy finish which helped his side open up a five-goal lead in the third quarter against Port Adelaide.

In the clip below, Motlop deliberately took the ball close to the boundary line, danced around his opponent and kicked a checkside goal on the run much to the delight of the black-and-gold faithful.

Finishing sixth in the Bays’ best-and-fairest count, Motlop averaged 22 disposals, 4.5 inside 50s and booted 25 goals in the Tigers’ successful premiership campaign.

His ability to play up on a wing, through the centre square or at half-forward makes him an extremely valuable player for Tigers coach Mark Stone.

Selected by SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank, the 2020 Statewide Super League Top 50 is being unveiled one player at a time on the League’s website and social media channels.

For incumbent SANFL players, form across the 2019 season was used as a significant factor in the selection process, with selection in The Advertiser Team of the Year, West End State squad, club leadership group and placings in club best-and-fairest weighing heavily.

This is to ensure there is meaningful movement of player rankings between each year’s Top 50 list at the start and end of the season.

Recruits to the Statewide Super League for 2020 have also been included, with significant AFL experience, performance at State League level and their predicted impact proving critical in deciding the order of players.

22 – Marlon Motlop (Glenelg)
23 – Kaine Stevens (West)
24 – Matthew Snook (Glenelg)
25 – Travis Schiller (Central)
26 – Billy Stretch (Glenelg)
27 – Joseph Haines (South)
28 – Brad McKenzie (Norwood)
29 – Matthew Rose (South)
30 – James Rowe (Eagles)
31 – Dom Barry (Norwood)
32 – Justin Hoskin (Central)
33 – Harrison Wigg (North)
34 – Matthew Allen (Glenelg)
35 – Troy Menzel (Central)
36 – Mitch Grigg (Norwood)
37 – Jack Hayes (Eagles)
38 – James Rose (South)
39 – Robbie Young (North)
40 – Andrew Bradley (Glenelg)
41 – Tom Schwarz (North)
42 – Matthew Panos (Norwood)
43 – Brad Agnew (Glenelg)
44 – Cole Gerloff (Norwood)
45 – Matthew Wright (Adelaide)
46 – Dean Gore (Sturt)
47 – Tom Keough (West)
48 – Jesse Lonergan (Eagles)
49 – Alex Spina (North)
50 – Logan Hill (West)