Lockleys’ Ben Haren just seven goals from 100-mark after remarkable run in Adelaide Footy League

After years as a defender, this star Adelaide Footy League forward has booted 30 goals in three weeks to draw closer to a major milestone, but can he make it with only two minor round games remaining?

An Adelaide Footy League forward sits just seven majors away from making the 100-goal-mark this season with two minor-round games remaining.

Former AFL and SANFL player Ben Haren transitioned back to the forwardline after joining Lockleys in division five of the Adelaide Footy League for season 2022 and has seen the move pay dividends.

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Haren, who was listed with the Sydney Swans in 2010 and 2011 before returning to Port Adelaide and then South Adelaide in the SANFL, booted 10 goals each against Gepps Cross, St Pauls OS and Blackfriars OS in the last three weeks to take his current total to 93.

The tally has Haren ranked first for total goals among local players statewide and has come as a surprise for the gun forward, who played in the backline for South Adelaide for the last four years of his SANFL career.

“It definitely wasn’t something I set out to do at the start of the year, having spent the last few years down back,” Haren said.

“It was just nice to have a chance to kick some goals again, leading the goalkicking is just an added bonus.”

Haren tackles Sturt's Guy Page during his tenure at South Adelaide. Picture: Dean Martin

With previous experience as a forward at the highest level, it wasn’t long before Haren started dominating opposition defences from the key forward spot for the Demons this year, but with 30 goals in his last three his game has gone to yet another level.

He credited his teammates for the uptick in form, with the Demons – who sit top of the division with only one loss – now adhering to a strong game plan.

“We’ve really started to click as a team and the game plan is now coming together nicely,” Haren said.

“The way the team has been playing and moving the ball makes it easier for me to get on the end of it.

Ben Haren has rotated back to the forward position for Lockleys and now sits just seven majors from a 100-goal season. Picture: Supplied, Ben Haren

“I feel we are starting to play the way we know we are capable of and the better we’re doing, the more opportunities us forwards have.”

Haren also credited the environment off-field at the Lockleys Football Club for his successful year so far.

“After finishing up in the SANFL, I wanted to go somewhere I could play with my mates, have fun and be part of a club which had a strong culture,” he said.

“Lockleys has reignited my love for the game again and I’ve loved every second of training, playing and being around the club.

“The club has even allowed me to set up an academy for the junior players, which has grown so much in such a short period and become a big passion of mine.”

Pembroke Old Scholars star Alex Forster was the last Adelaide Footy League player to reach 100 goals in a season, achieving the feat last year. Picture: Tom Huntley

Haren has a strong chance of hitting the 100-goal-mark this weekend when Lockleys hosts bottom side Salisbury.

The in-form forward missed the club’s previous meeting with the Magpies.

“Hopefully I can get it done this week at home,” Haren said.

“Kicking 100 goals is something that I never expected in my career and it wouldn’t be possible on my own, I’m very grateful for the faith the club has shown in me and the support from my teammates – they make it easy for me.”

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