Speculation that dual Mathieson Medal winner Harry Benson was headed for warmer climes has proven on the mark, with St Mary’s confirming he will play on the Gold Coast in 2025.
Saints co-coached Luke Rayner confirmed to K rock Football that the two-time premiership midfielder has signed with Palm Beach-Currumbin in the QAFL.
“He indicated a little while ago that he was exploring an option to play elsewhere in 2025,” Rayner said.
“Losing any player is disappointing, and Harry’s had a fantastic three years, in particular, in the competition.
“It’s definitely a loss that hurts, but I also respect his decision to do something a little bit different and try a new venture.
“There’s certainly no ill feelings either way… it’s probably come to a point in Harry’s life and footy where there’s an opportunity to go and do something a bit different.”
Benson is the fifth premiership player to depart Anthony Costa Oval this off-season, joining Kade Chalcraft (Shepparton United), Harry Ling (Anglesea), Damian McMahon (Barwon Heads), Joe Maishman and (Geelong Amateur).
Spearhead Sam Dobson, co-coaching Hampden League club Koroit, small forward Dion Johnstone (Newcomb) and ruck Nick Minchin (Murrumbeena) are also gone.
“We’ve certainly lost quite a few names now, and that’s going to generate a refresh of the list and give us a different look, which I’m excited about,” Rayner said.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to restart and refresh our group and get a bit of quality back in.”
That quality is headlined by the return of Paddy Dowling from Geelong Amateur and Charlie Lang, who is coming off winning a best-and-fairest with Murray League grand finalist Finley.
St Mary’s has also added former VFL star Ryan Pendlebury and Lara midfielder Bayley Cockerill.
“Charlie’s a ripping fella and really keen to contribute to the group overall, not just in playing sense; he’ll be a good young leader for us,” Rayner.
“Pendlebury brings some great experience in terms of the footy he’s played.
“Paddy’s had the freshen-up he needed, and he comes back with a rejuvenated motivation to be a really good player in the GFL.
“And Cockerill’s season just gone, in particular, was extremely impressive for Lara, so we think he’s going to be a good addition to our midfield group”.
Rayner also revealed premiership big man Trent McMullan is a chance to return after missing the 2024 campaign, which ended with a first semi-final loss to South Barwon.
“He arrives back from overseas in early December, (and) conversations have been positive with Trent, so far,” Rayner said.
“We think we’ll be able to acquire his services again.”
St Mary’s will be one of the last clubs to commence official pre-season training, holding three Wednesday night sessions in December.
“Most of them have been doing a fair bit of work and are keen to get back into it,” Rayner said.
“A bit of a lighter approach for our group pre-Christmas.”
X: @krockfootball
