The best players in the Hampden and Ballarat football leagues will be on display at Mars Stadium for the 2019 AFL Victoria Community Championships.
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The Standard's Sean Hardeman and Ballarat Courier's David Brehaut give the top five players to watch across both sides as they prepare to battle for interleague bragging rights.
Hampden top five
Shannon Beks
The South Warrnambool key forward was best on ground against Bendigo last year.
He is mobile and a strong overhead mark and has improved his tank with a strong off-season.
Jeremy Hausler
The five-time Saints premiership ruckman is a critical cog in the onball brigade.
Has excellent strength in the contest and great tap work to allow midfielders first touch of the football from stoppages around the ground.
Dan Nicholson
Port Fairy's on-ground leader has pace and is a proven goal scorer.
The former AFL-listed player will be eager to make an impact on his return to a big stage.
Adam Wines
Can play at both ends of the ground and is a proven goal kicker and goal stopper.
He is starting on the bench but expect him to have a big impact from the moment he steps onto Mars Stadium.
Sam Cowling
The Bottle Greens captain is a strong mark and can kick a bag if he is left to run amok.
Has benefited from two full pre-seasons with a massive boost in his match fitness and confidence.
Ballarat top five
Lachlan George
Redan midfielder's first season in Ballarat Football League after 175-plus VFL career.
Has made an immediate impact with precise delivery. Reads play exceptionally well. Extremely difficulty to shut down.
Jordan Johnston
High-flying youngster from East Point with an ability to turn a game quickly off his own boot.
Does not need a lot of touches to have a major influence in a key forward post.
Grant Valles
The versatile Sunbury swingman can play in almost any position, but has settled into a defensive role this season.
Classy player with impressive aerial skills. Expect to get a major stopping job.
Jake Owen
Experienced ex-VFL key position player, now at Bacchus Marsh, with ability to play at either end.
Plays smart and has strong pair of hands. Strong leadership qualities.
Daniel Jones
The strong-bodied midfielder is creative, with a knack of finding open space.
The North Ballarat star can go all day and just keeps finding ways of getting the football.
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