There is no doubting that country football is the purest form of Aussie Rules.

There is always the age-old debate of what competition is stronger, what team is the best in the state or country, and the same often applies when discussing premier players from different competitions.

Recently, the Daily Telegraph sought to find out who was the best player in country NSW and the ACT, amassing a list of 56 of the best male footballers, with this list then put to a vote to the general public.

After voting, it was revealed that Narrandera Eagle Luke McKay was considered the best, garnering 21% of the vote, finishing 3% ahead of Killarney Vale’s Tom Oostterhoff in second, while Merimbula’s Jack Bush finished third with 5%

McKay was coming off a strong 2022 season with the Eagles, winning his second club best and fairest, while making the Riverina Football League (RFL) team of the year at half-back flank, but he was caught off guard when named the overall winner.

“It was a bit of a surprise, and a nice surprise I guess,” McKay said.

“I don’t really know how to explain it. It definitely is a surreal feeling, and it’s special, because there is a lot of good players in the ACT and some really good ex-AFL players running around in NSW Country competitions, plus a lot of good guys that just missed out on the AFL, and to be recognised amongst them is something I wouldn’t have ever expected.”

McKay will turn his attention to a big 2023 season with Narrandera, who kicked off their preseason last week.

“They have started pretty early, which is good to see,” McKay said.

“Brook (Shaun Brooker) is revving them up, and they are doing a bit of running, so he will have them nice and fit.”

McKay will lead a strong Canberra contingent, which includes his brother Leigh McKay, Lachie Jamieson, Blake Renet and new recruits Jack and Tom Powell.

“We haven’t been down there as yet, but myself and the other Canberra boys have been doing our own individual running program, and Thursday (today) is our first session together, and we will kick on from there,” McKay said.

“We’re lucky, because I’ve got a good mate at the Gungahlin Jets, and he was very welcoming of us, and it means we can train with them, still be around a group setting, and get through our work.”

The Eagles are expected to be big improvers this season, and McKay said there is an air of expectation around the club.

“There’s some real excitement around the club,” McKay said.

“I know I am super excited for this season. Last year, we got a couple of wins on the board, and had some really close games, and I think it has kick-started everyone for this year.”

Pictured: Narrandera Eagle Luke McKay was voted the best country footballer in NSW and the ACT in a recent poll. Photo: Narrandera Eagles.