In what would have been grand final week, it's only fair we tie a knot on the season that was, instead of my regular Team of the Year column as I didn't feel there was enough games to validate one, and look forward to what is shaping up as a bumper 2022 campaign.

As such, I'll be highlighting what caught my eye and who impressed me (not necessarily each team's top performers), across the South Coast rugby league fields this season.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Third

The season that was:

After close to a decade of no semi-final action, the Eagles, coached by Ian Jones and Steven Johnson, appeared set to end their drought in 2021.

During their run, the Josh Sainsbury-captained side chalked up impressive wins against Shellharbour, Gerringong and Kiama - proving their worth as a contender for the Artie Smith Trophy.

A large reason behind this was their ability to score points, with the Centenary Field side finishing third (330 points) in that department in 2021 - thanks to many strike weapons all over the field including Donte Efaraimo, Jack Walsh, Sam Clune, Paul Roberts, Buddy Braddick, Dallas Harrison and Chase Stanley.

Players that stood out:

Sam Clune

In his second season at the nest, Clune was again showed why he is one of the competition's top playmakers, creating countless chances for his sides.

It didn't matter if he was playing at fullback or in the halves, he was their ace of spades in their opposition 20-metre zone and more often when he got his hands on the footy, positive things happened.

Buddy Braddick

The former Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpie well and truly left his mark during his first season back in Group Seven in a number of years, regularly terrorising the opponent's right edge defences.

As one of the hardest-running, hardest-hitting back-rowers in the competition, he added plenty to the Eagles in 2021.

Jack Walsh

The young playmaker was the Eagles' litmus test in 2021 - if he was playing well, the Park was usually winning games of footy.

Walsh was a deadset game-breaker for the Eagles this season, producing numerous big plays from the halves, fullback and centres.

He appears destined for a big future in the competition and a huge part of the Eagles' premiership ambitions.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

Although the club has recently announced a coaching change, with Tom Warner and Jay Efaraimo taking over from Jones and Johnson, the biggest key for the Eagles is keeping their core together.

A backline of Walsh, Clune, Roberts, Stanley, Efaraimo and young wingers Harrison and Cooper Tunbridge is an excellent starting point - combining plenty of experience and Park juniors.

Where they need a bit of help is in the forward pack.

For too long has the burden fallen on the likes of Sainsbury, Warner, Rodney Coates and Brent Wake.

If the Park is going to build on their impressive 2021 campaign next year, they need to add some much-needed depth to that forward pack - especially in the middle of the park.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Second

The season that was:

The 2021 season presented a new era for Gerringong, with Scott Stewart taking over from the great Michael Cronin.

But this coaching shift, as expected, didn't change the club's fortunes too much, with the Michael Cronin Oval-based side returning the majority of its 2020 premiership side while adding the likes of Dylan Farrell and Aaron Grigg.

Despite a bumpy season with injuries, which saw Kayne Brennan, Kal Collins, Toby Gumley-Quine and Alexander Weir all missed time, the Lions only dropped one game, to the Park, all season.

But as with any sport, this and the retirement of Matt Winchester and Tim Moore, created opportunities for youngsters to succeed, with Denver Ford shining at fullback, Cooper Roberts showing he belongs in the top grade and Hamish Holland cementing himself as one of the top centre/back-rowers on the South Coast.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the siren sounding on the season prematurely was us fans didn't get a chance to see premiership powerhouses Gerringong and Jamberoo lock horns - in the battle of the Griggs if you will.

Players that stood out:

Nathan Ford

A long been the heartbeat of the Lions' side and this season was no different.

Their captain courageous always seemed to be in the right spot when a tackle needed to be made or if an opposition defender was out of position - which ultimately led to a penalty or line-break for the tri-colours.

The five-time premiership-winning hooker, who will chalk up his 200th game for the club next year, again showed in 2021 why he's arguably one of the best to ever pull on the Lions' colours.

Speaking of club legends, Rixon Russell and his younger brother Isaac were quietly having a superb season together in the halves - with the siblings revelling in the chance to play alongside one another in the top grade.

The brothers' creativity was pivotal in Gerringong's league-leading attack, which had scored 326 points from its nine matches.

Corey Mulhall

Despite being one of my favourite players in the competition, Mulhall consistently flew under the radar of many pundits and opposition teams - that was until they run hit his shoulder and were stopped in their tracks.

The ball-playing lock, who pulled in the NSW Country colours for the first time in 2021, is a player every coach would love to have at his disposal each week, as he is as consistent as they come and very rarely has a bad performance.

Easily one of the best tacklers on the South Coast - which led to the nickname 'jukebox because he constantly produces the hits - the 2020 grand final man of the match sets the tone defensively for the Lions and adds another dimension to their attack - thanks to his long-standing relationships with Ford and Rixon Russell.

The scary thing is he's only 26 and it feels like he's only just starting to scratch the surface on the player he could be over the next couple of seasons - which could easily be said for his back-row partner Jake Taylor, who has established himself as one of the top edge forwards on the South Coast, that can also nail goals from anywhere on the field.

Denver Ford

Despite filling in nobly for Winchester at fullback during the 2020 decider, I'll admit I still had reservations that young gun Ford could fill his shoes full-time this season.

Although he shared the custodian role with Gumley-Quine at times, Ford well and truly proved me wrong and that he is more than capable of playing fullback week in, week out in first grade.

Similarly to his predecessor, he plays with a pace that it feels like he's always got time on his side, not to mention his calm nature in the face of adversity.

Him, Holland and now Roberts, all showed glimpses of their potentials and the future looks very bright for all three in the red, white and blue.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

Continuity has never been a problem for the Lions, with the majority of their core being in the squad for more than half a decade.

Sure they add the odd player here and there but it appears the Lions will again be poised for another premiership tilt in 2022, especially with so many youngsters coming through the ranks.

The main questions probably surround their forward pack, with Collins set for a stint on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL, if Weir can shake off that lingering ankle complaint and what happens to Farrell, after being stood down by the NSWRL in July.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: First.

The season that was:

After a couple of near-misses, following their drought-breaking premiership in 2017, the stars appeared to be aligning for the Superoos this season.

Through their seven fixtures in 2021, they were yet to taste defeat - largely due to their rock-solid defence, which only conceded a total of 48 points and just nine tries all campaign.

As well as their defence, a lot of their on-field success can be credited to their continuity, with everyone who pulled on the green and red jersey this season, having previously played for the Kevin Walsh Oval-based club over the past five seasons.

Especially in key positions, with halves Jono Dallas and Mark Asquith, middle forward Luke Asquith and hooker Jimmy Asquith all remaining for the title side - not to mention workhorses Kyle Stone, Corey Grigg, Kieran Pearce and James Gilmore and talented outside backs Jake Clarke, Dean Watling and Ben Barnard.

As mentioned earlier, one of the greatest shames of the season being abandoned is we never got the heavyweight Jamberoo vs Gerringong clash.

Players that stood out:

Mark Asquith

It would be remiss of me to not name Mark Asquith first and foremost.

Last season, although his brother Luke and Kiama's Kieran Poolie shared the Michael Cronin Medal, I thought Mark and recent Melbourne Storm recruit Tyran Wishart were the two most dominant players on the South Coast.

While Wishart has gone onto bigger and better things, you can easily make an argument that Asquith was the best player in Group Seven this season.

His dynamic ball-running ability, combined with his strength, speed and explosive power made him a nightmare for opposition defenders - highlighted by his 13 tries in 2021.

He appeared destined to become the second Asquith to claim the Cronin Medal in as many seasons.

Jayden Morgan

Going into the season, I picked Morgan as my favourite to win the Cronin Medal in 2021, and if not for the play of his five-eighth Asquith, he would have been right in the mix.

The damaging middle forward, with a huge engine, quickly established himself as one of the premier props in Group Seven last year and took his game to even greater heights through the Roos' first seven matches.

The 23-year-old would regularly roll up the sleeves and take more than two hit-ups per set for Jamberoo, made all the more impressive by his leg drive and post-contact metres.

His ability to offload the ball to the likes of Mark Asquith, Jarryd Smith, Daniel Burke and Jimmy Asquith can't be underrated either, as that would put his side on the front foot in each set.

Luke Asquith

Going undefeated, obviously, numerous players produced strong seasons, including Stone, Simon Maslanka, Smith and Grigg, in their own rights.

But it's hard to go past co-reigning Cronin Medal winner Luke Asquith, who seems to get better and better with each passing game, let alone season.

He acts as a third playmaker in the middle of the field, which frees up teammates, such as Mark Asquith, Burke and Smith to play what is in front of them.

Much like Morgan too, he gets through an enormous amount of work in the middle of the park, especially considering he's playing against guys much bigger in stature than he.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

As disappointed as they probably are to not have a chance at winning another premiership in 2021, the club's culture, spearheaded by Dallas, will have them even hungrier to reach the summit next campaign.

The assumption would be, despite a slightly ageing roster, that the while squad would return to Kevin Walsh Oval in its entirety in 2022.

Ideally, they like to potentially add another middle forward to the ranks, to ease the regular-season workload Luke Asquith and Morgan.

But if the Roos can stay fit and injury-free in 2022, they'll be there when the whips are cracking come finals time.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Fifth.

The season that was:

During his first season after taking over from Matt Clarke, head coach Marc Laird admitted the club would have some ups and downs, during a "rebuilding" season.

The ups included a resounding win against Warilla-Lake South on May 2, while a 50-point loss to the Eagles is one they'd probably like to forget.

While lacking depth, due to the club's mass exodus at the start of 2021 and mounting injury toll - which saw the likes of Blake Rickard, Cam Cornell and Ethan Ford all miss time - the club showed plenty of promise, highlighted by the play of their talented juniors transitioning into the top grade.

Considering all the changes at the Kiama Showground-based club, Laird and his team will chalk up their progression in 2021 as a positive, which lays a foundation to build on the next campaign.

Players that stood out:

Dylan Morris

The speedster has always been touted for great things on the footy field from a young age and has shown flashes of brilliance - none bigger than that try on half-time of the 2019 grand final - during his time at Kiama, following a stint at the Dragons.

In past years, he probably fell into the hole of playing second fiddle to Cam Vazzoler, Tom Atkins and Kieran Poole.

But this year, Morris took his game to another level, with Laird allowing the fullback to roam and pop up as he pleased.

I'd go as far as to say he was probably the best fullback in the competition through the first few months - high esteem considering the abundance of custodian talent on show week to week.

He took plenty of pressure off this year's halves, Atkins and Rickard, and seems to be key in the club's plans moving forward.

Kieran Poole

As much as Dylan Morris is the key, the same can be said of the King of Kiama, Kieran Poole.

He captained the side to its first title in 34 years in 2019, before collecting the competition's player of the year honours in 2020.

The versatile lock, who's spent time in the halves and back-row previously, is as consistent of a player as you'll find and regularly plays above his weight - he's just one of those players you want on your team, pure and simple.

This season, like in years past, if a cover tackle needed to be made or a crucial play was needed, Poole was always there, leading by example.

Daniel Martin

The marathon man continues to evolve as a player each and every season he dons the red, black and white.

Although he's played more than 100 games for the Kiama Showground-based club now and was pivotal in their 2019 title, you can argue this campaign was his most impressive to date.

Not only did his phenomenal work rate step up a notch, which was probably needed to given the players that left the side, but his ball-playing ability, especially out of dummy-half, caused countless headaches for opponents retreating defences.

While Poole might be the figurative leader, who prefers to show by example rather than through words, Martin is the emotional leader on the field - always talking, hyping up his team and being the first to congratulate a teammate when they've produced a big play.

To some, those kinds of actions might seem small, but to a club with numerous talented youngsters such as Brad Kilmore, Jordan Morn, William Webb and Parish Bellette, they are absolutely pivotal in galvanising the group and creating a culture for future success.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

First and foremost, the Knights can't go through a similar exodus in first grade talent - losing Vazzoler, Luke Chalker, Tom Angel, Toby Nobes, Josh Dowel and Sean Payne all in a matter of weeks.

So they have to retain as many of their first grade squad and try and add some pieces, especially in the forwards.

The club's backline of Dylan and Matt Morris, Jay Delaney, Ford, Kilmore, Atkins and Rickard is as dangerous as any in the competition, especially when you throw in the creativity of lock forward Poole and hooker Martin and potency of edge back-rower Cam Cornell.

But the club, by its own admission, is a little light on troops in the engine-room and need reinforcement to help Tyler Clark, Matt Gladman and those previously mentioned youngsters - which will no doubt be aided by the return of former premiership-winner Tom Angel, he recently announced his return to the castle for 2022.

If they do that, the club, will solidify itself as a finals side and potentially even vault itself into premiership contention.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Ninth.

The season that was:

While the records will show the Bulldogs went winless through their nine matches this season, the real story lays beneath the surface.

After more than 18 months out of the first grade competition and no big-name recruits to speak of, the 2021 campaign was always going to be a tough one for the Bill Andriske Oval-based club.

But the side, just like I am, should take the glass half full approach and look at the positive strides they took on the field.

Considering the majority of their squad, bar the likes of Blake Mackey, Steine Lofts and Simon Harris, went into round one with little to no first grade experience, Peter Leffley's troops should hold their heads high because all clubs go through these troughs and it's how you work out of them together is what counts.

On numerous accounts, the Dogs held leads in matches, but their lack of depth and experience at the top level came back to bite them.

But all this on-field experience will be invaluable if the squad can keep its young core together and add another couple of pieces around the edges.

Players that stood out:

Travis Wooden

Heading into the season, I and many others had pegged Cody Roach to be the Dogs' chief playmaker in 2021.

But his injury-riddle season came to a halt at Kevin Walsh Oval, which meant someone else had to step up and steer the ship.

Enter Travis Wooden.

The young five-eighth, along with his halves partner Luke Millard, created plenty of chances with his blistering speed, sharp footwork and heads-up play.

Although it didn't always lead to points, he continually asked questions of opposing defences and he appears to be a key cog in their operations for years to come.

Lleyton Roach

Being a youthful side, many teams probably thought they could out-muscle the Dogs from the first whistle.

That wasn't the case, largely due to the barnstorming play of prop Lleyton Roach.

The towering front-rower never stopped trying for Milton and would consistently put his body on the line, just to try and get them out of trouble.

It wasn't just his physical tools that impressed me though, with Roach also possessing a handy offload and all-around ball-playing ability, which you love to see from a man his size.

Oh, and did I mention he can kick goals too?

Lachlan Self

The diminutive number nine might be one of the smallest players in the competition but he doesn't let that stand in the way of his massive heart.

Every game I watched the young hooker player for the Bulldogs in 2021, he proved dangerous out of dummy-half, with his scooting, heads up play - which helped his teams get a much-needed roll-on against some bigger outfits.

He also added another dimension to the Dogs' attack, taking pressure off the likes of Wooden, Luke Millard and Zane Gallagher.

Then on the flip side, the amount of tackles he got through, with his fantastic technique is exceptional.

Although he missed a few games during the season, his experience in 2021 will bode well for him and his body moving into the 2022 campaign.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

The culture Leffley and his playing group created in 2021 will lay a strong platform for the club to take into next season, especially if they can keep the majority of their young core.

Internal growth during the off-season will be a massive one for the Dogs, who are expected to welcome back former Cronulla-Sutherland Jersey Flegg half Jayden Millard and injured playmaker Cody Roach to their squad.

Those two add much-needed punch to their attack, which is sure to benefit outside backs Mackey, Dylan Carriage, Elijah Humble, Liam Conlon and Gallagher.

In saying that, word out of Bill Andriske Oval is the club is on the lookout for some big-name signings, especially in the forward pack, where any new additions can mentor the promising players coming through the ranks.

While the road ahead to the premiership might seem far away, at least the Dogs are on the right path and to be honest, success might be closer than most think.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Sixth.

The season that was:

Heading into the 2021 season, the outlook looked grim for the Jets, after losing more than half first grade side that was ultimately eliminated the previous year by Kiama in the finals.

Those names included Dylan Farrell, Ryan James, Tyson Simpson, Zac Kershaw, Jason Gillard, Matt Scott, Mase Harrison, Paul Roberts, Josh Coulter and Saxon Onur, which obviously left a big hole at the club.

But behind the hard work of the club's board and new coach Ben Wellington, the club rebuilt itself, after welcoming back Jake Gould and the Brandon brothers (Steven, Mark and Kieran) back to the fold.

These four, plus the natural progression of junior products Kealen Blattner, Kuyan Wellington, Jayden Brody, Jonah Longbottom and Brayden Omoeboh throughout the season and the consistent performances by veterans Kurt Quinlan, Matt Rouen, Nathan Falzon, Nick Falzon, Dwayne Connors and Brayden Walsh, helped the Jets secure two wins and go agonisingly short of winning countless others.

The Rugby Park-based club can take plenty of positives out of the season, especially when you consider the talented group of under 18s they have coming through too.

Players that stood out:

Jake Gould

Despite sitting out the 2020 Group Seven season, the electric Jake Gould hit the ground running from the first match against Milton-Ulladulla.

The speedster, who spent time at fullback and in the halves, was well and truly the club's x-factor in 2021, seemingly being involved in every attacking raid during their seven matches this campaign - highlighted by his hat-trick against the Dogs on June 22.

In past seasons, the Culburra junior had shown glimpses of this potential but really took it upon himself to lead this club in 2021, especially with fellow dangerman Steven Brandon was on the sidelines with injury.

With him only being 23, Gould looms as a pivotal piece in the Jets' jigsaw puzzle for years to come.

Brayden Walsh

Another player who took his game to a higher level in 2021, after being handed more responsibility.

The former Wentworthville Magpie spent most of last season on the wing but showed his strong ball-running ability and poise in both attack and defence during his time at fullback and centre.

His direction from the back took the pressure off halves Gould, Quinlan, Brandon or Blattner, not to mention helping the club's backline debutants in 2021.

On top of this, he again showed why he is one of the club's top sharp-shooters, regularly turning four points into six with ease.

Mark Brandon

Numerous other players were in the mix for this third position including Steven Brandon, Kuyan Wellington and Jayden Brody but a lack of games played ultimately went against them, leaving Mark Brandon as the club's other standout in 2021.

The cross-code star, despite not pulling on a Jets jersey since 2017, proved time and time again why he is one of the most prolific try-scorers the competition has seen over the past decade.

His ability to back up a teammate, regardless if he's playing at fullback or on the wing, is phenomenal, especially when combined with his lightning speed and exceptional finishing ability.

Watching him and his two brothers play at full-flight is a sight to be seen and I'm excited to see what highlights they can produce in 2022.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

It probably goes without saying but the key to the Jets' off-season is retaining their players, while nurturing their talented young core, including the likes of Kaleb Stewart and Longbottom from the under 18s.

Much like Kiama, the club can't afford to have mass exoduses in back-to-back seasons.

On top of that, the club needs to either lure some of their former players back to the club or attract new additions to the fold, which shouldn't be too hard considering their large catchment area.

In particular, they too needed some engine room muscle, which would help create opportunities for their talented playmakers to score tries in 2022.

With the respected Ben Wellington in charge, the Jets appear in a much stronger position than they did ninth months ago.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Seventh.

The season that was:

After missing the finals for the first time in close to a decade in 2020, the Sharks went on a big recruitment drive heading into this season, to ensure it didn't happen again.

Jets trio Ryan James, Tyson Simpson and Zac Kershaw all headed north to Ron Costello Oval, as did the likes of Chris Browne, Scott Hogan and Jake Hay - with Jye Brooker (injury) and Brock Skelly also returning.

But despite these numerous additions and the fact the club was celebrating its centenary, the club barely got out of second gear.

The Abed Atallah-coached side, who understandably had to deal with a large injury toll, didn't record its first win until May 16 against Milton-Ulladulla - which proved to be one of only two victories they chalked up from their eight fixtures.

In saying that, the Sharks were in numerous of those encounters and could have easily won some of those games if the cards fell differently.

It's not all doom and gloom though, with the play of veterans Matt Carroll, who was named in the club's Team of the Century, and Brad Chapman being really encouraging - although it'll be interesting to see if either play on in 2022.

Others to show glimpses for Atallah's side in 2021 include Declan Morrissy, Ryan James, Jye Brooker, James Rousell, Bryce Magnone and Callan Sinclair.

Players that stood out:

Matt Carroll

The club's inspirational skipper was easily one of the Sharks most consistent players week in, week out in 2021.

Still one of the toughest players in the game, the playmaker was the spark for everything positive that happened on the field for the Sharks.

He still possesses one of the top all-around kicking games in the competition, which regularly got his team out of trouble or created havoc for opposition outside backs - inevitably leading to points for this side.

The veteran halfback also wound back the clock in terms of his running game, with numerous rivals being subject to that wicked left-foot step which has become one of his hallmarks over the past decade.

If Carroll, who became the competition's top ever point-scorer in 2021, were to hang up the boots, it would leave a huge hole in the side.

Ryan James

While he didn't produce his most damaging form for the Sharks in 2021, James was still an absolute handful on the edge each week.

The NSW Country star's strength and powerful ball-running created plenty of space down the right edge for Brooker outside him and Simpson inside him.

And when this trio was clicking, it was one of the most feared on the South Coast.

Unfortunately for Sharks' fans, it didn't happen as often as they had hoped.

As destructive as James was for periods of 2021 as a centre, I would have liked to see him slide closer to the play and line up in the back-row, where he originally made his name with the Jets - because players such as him need to get their hands on the footy as often as possible.

Brad Chapman

After a couple of years of not playing, following the 2018 premiership, Chapman returned to the Sharks and immediately proved to be one of their most crucial players in each game.

The hard-running, defensive workhorse also offered a different point of attack of Atallah's troops in 2021, with the lock - who played in the halves as a youngster - acting as a third playmaker and taking pressure off Carroll, Jake Hay and Chris Browne.

Although banged up at times, Chapman, as well as his brother Kane, never took a backwards step and gave the Sharks every chance to win each game they played.

Much like Carroll, is Chapman is to call time on this career, it'll leave a significant hole in the Ron Costello Oval-based side.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

Knowing Abed Atallah as I do, I have no doubts he has already started planning for the 2021 season.

Much of their plans will obviously hinge on whatever Carroll and Chapman decide to do but regardless of that, the club need to add reinforcements quick and they'll be looking down the barrel of another tough season in 2022.

While the outside back stocks are solid with Booker, Seabrook, James, Sinclair, Morrissy and potentially Wayde Aitken (although he and James can play in the back-row), the main area of concern of the club is in the middle of the park, as well as a secondary playmaker.

I've heard numerous names thrown around of potential middle forwards, such as Trent Merrin and Harold Snell, that might line up for the club in 2022.

As much as those two exceptional forwards would be to the Sharks, they'll need a couple more, especially if Abe Atallah and Zac Kershaw don't pull on the boots.

If Skelly returns from injury once again in 2022, that'll be a huge boost for the club, as will the rumoured addition of 2020 star Brody Riggs but they'll still need another half - especially if Carroll retires.

The Sharks are once again shaping up as one of the biggest movers and shakers of the off-season.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Eighth.

The season that was:

After a promising first season under the Reh brothers, the Stingrays made their finals intentions clear in 2021 by adding Juvi Samui, Troy Errington, Jayden Harris, Rod Manuela, Jaime Cairney, Ben Weatherall, Luke Shiels, Temana Temaari and Dylan Weatherall.

It signs pointed to the Flinders Field-based club legitimately challenging for their first-ever appearance in the semi-finals - thanks to them having arguably the biggest side physically the South Coast has seen in years.

But as is the case in sport so often, not everything went to script.

Within the first month, the club had lost halfback recruit, Errington, not to mention failing to record a win until round six.

This laid the foundations on what can only be called an underachieving season.

While the team wasn't successful as a whole, there were many that can hold their heads high after 2021.

Jake Kamire again showed why he is one of the most unstoppable forwards in the competition, shown by his ball-running ability - which is usually requiring three of four defenders to bring him down.

His front-row partner Samiu had his moments too, as did hard-working skipper Kieran Rankmore, back-rower/centre Anthony Nabbe, utility James Andraos and outside backs Temana Temaari and Chance Perham.

Players that stood out:

Jake Kamire

The heartbeat of the Rays side in 2021 and arguably the most important player to any respective team in the competition.

With a constantly changing spine, which saw Jimmy Scott, Harris, Andraos, Hamish McLaurin, Zaan Weatherall, Jye Studdon Trey Barlow, Jack Bostock, Errington, Jayden Sergent and Coleby Smith all spending time at one, six, seven or nine, a lot of the team's offensive creation was burdened onto Kamire.

While the big forward does possess soft hands, a huge engine and extraordinary skills for a guy his size, he can't be asked to steer the team around as well as carry the side downfield.

If not for the Canterbury-Bankstown product, the Rays might have gone winless in 2021.

Anthony Nabbe

One of the few remaining players from the club's inaugural year in the top grade in 2017, Nabbe has regularly been one of the Rays top performers each season and this one was no different.

Whether he lines up in the back-row or centres, his game-style doesn't change and he never takes a backwards step.

He's a real barometer of the side because if he's up and about, usually the Rays are too.

Nabbe is one of those players you want on your side, as he gives 110 per cent each week and does all those little things your side needs, like leading the kick chase, putting his hand up for a hit-up when the Rays were pegged in their own end and more often than not, being in the right spot when a big play needs to be made.

The 26-year-old has improved every year he's played in the top grade and I expect that to continue in 2022.

Ben Weatherall

Powerhouse winger Weatherall was one of the few Stingrays recruits that lived up to expectations in 2021.

Moving across from New Zealand to join his cousins Zaan and Dylan at the club, Weatherall proved a handful each game he laced up the boots.

The towering winger consistently put his side on the front foot of their sets by making strong runs up the field.

He also proved super reliable under the high ball and had a niche for sniffing out a try when it was on offer.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

With the largest junior base in Group Seven, highlighted by talented juniors such as Jack Bostock, Trey Barlow and Coleby Smith, there's no reason the Rays won't take another step forward in 2022.

Their under 18s side finished as runners up last season and would have gone close to reaching another decider in 2021 if the season wasn't abandoned.

With these players transitioning into seniors and a solid core of players now at the club, there are only a few areas the Rays need to address ahead of next season.

First and foremost, as I touched on earlier, they need to find a star halfback and establish early on who their spine is going to be, so they can develop chemistry and continuity among themselves.

Some of those aforementioned playmakers from this season have the potential to fill secondary roles and play off the organisational nature of a dominant number seven.

If they do that, while adding another couple of pieces, I can't see why finals can't be a legit finals hope in 2022.

Ladder position when the season was abandoned: Fourth.

The season that was:

The young Gorillas surprised everyone, me included, by reaching the grand final in 2020.

On the back of that feat, plus adding former Cronin Medal winner Cam Vazzoler, Liam Quinn, Tom Harris, Aaron Henry, Tyson Brown and Lloyd Thomas to their squad, the Gorillas came into the season as one of the premiership favourites.

But the injury bug soon hit the Cec Glenholmes Oval-based club.

Just days before the first game, they lost electric fullback Justin Jones to a season-ending knee injury.

Soon after, skipper and star playmaker Blair Grant hurt his foot and spent the ensuing months in a walking boot.

On top of this, players like Jake Brisbane, Tom Harris and Guy Rosewarn all spent time on the sidelines.

This led to the Gorillas jumping out of the gates slowly, sitting at 2-3 after seven rounds.

But some continuity and returning troops saw Troy Grant and Neil Farmilo's side win three of the next four matches - giving us a sense that the Gorillas were just about to hit their straps before the season was cancelled.

Players that stood out:

Cam Vazzoler

The former Knights was the Gorillas' prized recruit heading into the season and for good reason, as he'd established himself as one of, if not the top halfback, in Group Seven over the past few seasons.

While there were concerns there'd be too many chefs in the kitchen at Warilla, with Jones, Vazzoler, Brisbane and Grant all needing their hands on the footy, that never came to fruition because of the club's injury toll.

The only one of those four to not miss any games was Vazzoler, whose speed, evasiveness, ball-playing, kicking and on-field organisation were crucial in helping the team chalk up the wins they did in 2021.

Not only did he single-handedly beat the Jets by himself in round 10 but he also backed up, less than two hours after playing for NSW Country, to help the Gorillas down the Stingrays at Flinders Field.

While there were some growing pains for Vazzoler and his new team in 2021, I fully expect him to be leading their premiership assault in 2022.

Darnell Walker

When Jones went down, Blair Grant and Jacek McLaurin both spent time at fullback before Walker was given his chance.

Admittedly, he took a little while to find his feet but when he did, it was incredible to watch.

The fleet-footed custodian produced plays reminiscent of his predecessor Jones, with his calm nature under the high ball and right positioning while supporting a teammate who's made a break - not to mention, his knack for scoring a four-pointer.

Although Jones is likely to regain the number one jersey in 2022, the play of the former Mount Warrigal Koori has got to see him fit somewhere in the Gorillas' backline next year, alongside fellow young guns Liam Vane Tempest and Dane Nelson.

Dean Hodgson

While Jamie Burns, Duke Grant, Jake Goody and Tyler Atkins were all in consideration for this last spot (as were Dragons SG Ball players Sam Hooper and Callum Gromek), I had to reward Hodgson for his incredible season in the blue and gold.

A bit like a Swiss army knife, Hodgson filled many roles for the Gorillas in 2021, including back-row, hooker and lock.

Of those, I feel he did his best work at number nine, where he could really dart out of dummy-half and play heads up footy, which is his natural game.

While he was strong in those other roles, I feel he flourished with extra ball-playing responsibility, especially against tired forwards around the ruck.

If Hooper returns to the club in 2022, the coaches will have a tough decision on their hands, as Hodgson has to be somewhere in the starting side.

Questions heading into the off-season ahead of 2022:

Group Seven and Gorillas fans alike will be hoping we get to see just how dangerous a side with Jones at fullback, Blair Grant and Vazzoler in the halves, Brisbane at lock and Hodgson/Hooper at hooker can be.

That's easily one of the best spines on the South Coast, who should create plenty of opportunities for points.

Outside backs like Walker, Vane Tempest, Nelson, Tyson Brown and Kye Deane, as well as edge back-rowers Duke Grant and Burns, should find themselves in plenty of space in 2022.

The one issue I have with the Gorillas is probably in the engine room, which is rarely the case with a Warilla side.

As solid as Aaron Henry and Lloyd Thomas were in their returns, complimenting the energetic play of Rosewarn and Goody, I wonder how much the two former stalwarts have left in the tank - especially after being forced to play big minutes this season.

No one is doubting the quality of each of those four middles but maybe another addition or two the pack would really shore up their depth and quality across the park - especially if the outside backs continue their upwards trajectory.

- I hope everyone enjoys their off-season and I can't wait to see what the 2022 season has in store for us - bring it on!