BENSON KNOCKS BACK VFL CHANCE TO STICK WITH SAINTS
MATHIESON Medal winner Harry Benson has turned down VFL interest to remain full-time with St Mary’s this year.
Benson, 22, enjoyed a breakout 2021 campaign to be a runaway winner of the GFL’s highest individual honour.
The ball magnet had received inquiries from Geelong, Werribee and Carlton, but has committed to the Saints for 2022, resuming pre-season training on Wednesday night.
Benson (pictured) said he had taken his time to weigh up playing VFL before making his call before Christmas.
“I took a few months to think about it and realistically I just thought about where I really wanted to play footy for the next couple of years,” he said.
“I couldn’t really see myself leaving St Mary’s.
“I wouldn’t say it was a hard decision, but they definitely made me think about it.”
Benson established himself as a GFL star last year, averaging 144.6 fantasy points, 33.6 disposals, 13.4 contested disposals, 6.5 inside-50 entries, 5.6 score involvements and 8.3 tackles in his 11 games on the TAC Stats Tracker.
He said he would play VFL to put his name up for an AFL listing but was “pretty realistic about it all”. “I know the toll on how long it might take,” he said.
“I just feel like socially, with work and all that, that I’m much more comfortable just playing where I love and enjoy so much at St Mary’s.
“It’s not that I didn’t want to play at the VFL (level), it’s just I’d probably rather play where I enjoy.
“I’m pretty realistic about my chances.”
St Mary’s will again be expected to be a premiership contender in 2022 with the additions of Kade Chalcraft (Shepparton United), Kyle Galloway (Coburg) and Jesse Travaglini (Southport), and the retention of Benson.
But Benson said he had not ruled out revisiting VFL opportunities.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve put a line completely through it because you never know who might contact you,” he said.
“I’m pretty certain I’ll be at St Mary’s if nothing really happens.
“All my mates are there, they offer me the most enjoyable time. That’s kind of why I play footy.”
IT’S NOT THAT I DIDN’T WANT TO PLAY AT THE VFL (LEVEL), IT’S JUST I’D PROBABLY RATHER PLAY WHERE I ENJOY.