Adelaide Footy League: Lockleys’ Ben Haren first to 100 goals in senior local SA footy for 2022

Fans have stormed the ground in celebration as an ex-AFL forward became the first player to boot 100 majors in local SA footy this season. See the goal and the reaction.

An Adelaide Footy League gun has become the first player in SA to kick 100 goals in a senior competition this season, sending fans into a frenzy.

Lockleys Football Club key forward Ben Haren needed seven goals against struggling division five opponent Salisbury today after kicking 30 over his last three games.

The former Port Adelaide and South Adelaide player, who was previously listed with Sydney in the AFL, joined Lockleys in the preseason and made the switch back to the forwardline after four years as a defender in the SANFL.

Haren boots his seventh goal for the day and 100th for the season. Picture: Lockleys Football Club

Haren celebrates as his kick sails through the sticks. Supplied: Lockleys Football Club

The move paid dividends, with the Demons gun booting the seven majors needed just one and a half quarters into the game at Lockleys Oval to reach the tonne for the first time in his career.

“The goals probably came a bit quicker than expected,” Haren said.

“To do it right in front of the home fans and have hundreds of people run at me to celebrate, it was an unreal feeling and something I never thought I’d experience in my career.”

Haren’s seventh was a pearler, the spearhead collecting the ball in the left forward pocket and snapping it through with his left boot.

Lockleys fans mob Ben Haren to celebrate his 100th goal of the season. Supplied, Lockleys Football Club

He said he had no doubts about having a punt for goal from the tight angle.

“The ball came to me and I just thought I may as well kick this, no one’s going to get annoyed at me for having a go,” Haren said.

“It was probably the best goal I’ve kicked all year.”

Haren also credited Lockleys for helping him make the 100-goal-mark, saying the club had made him feel welcome on and off the field since joining for season 2022.

Lockleys Footballer Ben Haren (front) with his teammates after kicking 100 goals for season 2022. Picture: Lockleys Football Club

“The coaches gave me the opportunity to play up front and play freely right from the start, which has been great,” he said.

“We’ve got a strong group and there are so many great people around the club.

“There’s such a strong culture - Lockleys has reignited my love for the game and I’m really keen to help the club build something great and move up to higher divisions.”

Haren finished with eight goals as the Demons defeated Salisbury 31.25 (211) to 4.5 (29) and sealed top spot on the division five ladder with finals fast approaching.