After the Jack names its top 20 players in Goulburn Valley Playing Area

It’s the kind of exercise which provokes significant debate about what should — and, more fervently, should not — factor into placing somebody on your list.

East Shepparton’s Ash Williamson and Brian Nisbet, the two co-hosts alongside News editor Tyler Maher, each continued their annual ritual of bringing their lists with the 20 names which impressed them most into the studio.

Naturally, the two top 20 rundowns had their share of notable discrepancies — one omitting Tallygaroopna dynamo David Daws entirely, for example.

It says something about the collective dominance shown by the Redlegs and premiership-winning Shepparton Golf that Williamson’s list features 12 out of its top 14 names hailing from one of those two clubs, including a stretch of eight consecutive entries from 14 down to number seven.

There was perhaps a touch more diversity in the upper echelon of Nisbet’s offerings, with Euroa’s recently crowned GVPA singles Champion of Champions Ken Sutcliffe receiving far more love on his list.

Nisbet’s approach encompassed a range of factors related and unrelated to league competition, while Williamson put significant weight on performance in the Matheson Shield for his list.

Nisbet on Ferguson: “Another player who’s come on in leaps and bounds. Top skip this year, and played very well with the regional side in Ballarat the last couple of seasons.

“I think he’s been Golf’s best player this season apart from the imports, no doubt about that.

“Well done Kris on your Skip of the Year award.”

Nisbet on Ryan: “He’s not getting better and better, but he hasn’t slipped back either.

“Very consistent draw bowler and a big occasion player; very good out on the green.

“He never loses his cool. He’s cool, calm and collected and gets the best out of his side.”

Nisbet on Sidebottom: “Got runner-up in the Masters in Adelaide last year.

“He’s played quite a few state events and made semis without going on to win, but showed his class in that win in the qualifying final at Euroa.

“He bowled exceptionally well and kept his team in it well into the match.”

Williamson on Ryan: “He was in and out of Tally’s side, playing some permit games for Port Melbourne.

“Ryan again proved his singles prowess by winning Tally’s club championship, which would have to be the most loaded club championship field in the comp.

“I feel he had his colours lowered by Brad Orr in the qualifying final against Golf.

“We know Ryan’s bowling resume is unmatched in the GV, which is why he’s always respected as a match-winner.

Williamson on Sidebottom: “Another Tally skip who has missed his share of games this season, but continues to play his best bowls on the big occasions.

“Finally got the Brent Reiner monkey off his back in the qualifying final. The man they call ‘Moo’ will have taken plenty of confidence from ending his pennant head-to-head drought against the ‘Rein Man’.”

Williamson on Ferguson: “This one may surprise, but it’s hard to argue with the Shepp Golf coach’s season.

“He was the GV’s leading skip in the Rowlands-Sutcliffe Challenge and I feel his performance probably should have earned him a skipping role at the Region Sides Championships.

“I’d say he’s probably underrated over the years compared to some of his contemporaries such as Orr, Ryan, Daws and Sidebottom.

“However, Ferguson consistently continues to deliver, season after season.”