South Adelaide 119-gamer Ben Heaslip joins Victor Harbor in Great Southern Football League

A star SANFL 100-gamer has signed with his hometown club ahead of season 2024 as it aims to take the next step after a straight sets finals exit in 2023.

A star SANFL utility has signed with his hometown club ahead of season 2024 after taking a step back from League footy.

South Adelaide midfielder/forward Ben Heaslip will don the Blue and White for Victor Harbor next Great Southern Football League season in a major move for the club.

The gun utility played 119 League games for the Panthers but said he intended to take a break from the SANFL in 2024 and make the move to his hometown club.

“After playing SANFL footy for around eight years now I probably felt I couldn’t give everything mentally next season and decided I wanted to have a year off,” Heaslip said.

“I grew up in Victor Harbor and have been around the club for a while now even though my junior club was Encounter Bay.

Ben Heaslip has joined GSFL club Victor Harbor after leaving South Adelaide. Picture: David Mariuz

“I’m pretty keen to have a kick with some old school mates and South Adelaide teammates before we get too old and washed up.”

The Roos, led by former South Adelaide forward Sam Overall and 2023 GSFL Mail Medallist Jesse McKinnon, bowed out of last season’s finals series in straight sets, going down to Myponga-Sellicks and Willunga by a combined seven points.

Heaslip believed he could help to boost the team to premiership contention.

“I’ll probably be playing a midfield and forward role and I’m just looking to add to what is already a strong list.

“Hopefully I can perform at my best and be another piece the club needs to go a bit further after just falling short last year.”

Heaslip in action against the Crows. picture: David Mariuz

Victor Harbor will face multiple challenges however, with the GSFL continuing to strengthen in quality and player numbers just a season after seeing multiple big names join up, such as West Coast premiership player Jack Redden.

Heaslip said he thought the club’s list could stack up against the competition’s best.

“The league is very strong and it’s always a good drawing card for big names being fairly close to the CBD compared to a lot of country competitions,” he said.

“We’ve got a pretty young list at the Roos – it’s really exciting.

“Having watched a few games last year, the club has a pretty potent forward line and was always able to kick a pretty high score.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the competition and I’m excited by what we can achieve.”