GFNL: South Barwon coach identifies gun ruck as flag hope

A young South Barwon gun has faced some of the competition’s toughest opponents and impressed his coach, who believes he is an important piece in the club’s flag hopes.

Ben Kellett has been one of the GFNL’s top surprise packets this season. Picture: Mark Wilson

Swans coach Mark Neeld says young ruck Ben Kellett has been one of the surprise packets out of South Barwon as the first-year coach steers his side into a grand final.

South Barwon has not played in a grand final since 2013, and has not been a part of post-season action since 2018, but Neeld led the young group to a semi final win over powerhouse St Mary’s to book a spot in the season decider.

Neeld said young players like Kellett had performed over their pre-season expectations, which had led to the successful year to date.

“I know you don’t wear L-plates or P-plates when you play sport but for 19 years of age I thought he’s played some really good footy this year and he played well (against the Saints),” he said.

“His best footy is still five or six years away, so it’s a great prospect for South Barwon and South Barwon people, knowing he’s going to be an important player for the club at the level.”

Ben Kellett and Samuel Christensen Picture: Mark Wilson

Kellett was recruited from North Warrnambool at the end of the 2022 season, and missed just three games this season as his importance in the side grew over the course of the year.

He averaged 11.6 disposals, 7.5 contested possessions, 2.3 marks, 2.4 tackles and 22.2 hit outs per game across the season, with South Barwon opting to use Kellett as the first-choice ruck midway through the season.

His four lowest hit out games (rounds 1-4) came while he was sharing the ruck duties with both Ryan Bell and Fraser Fort, while also recording 52 hit outs in round 9 against St Albans.

With the Swans through to the grand final, Kellett will face either Leopold’s Trent West or have a rematch against St Mary’s star Sam Christensen, with Kellett recording 11 touches and 32 hit outs against Christensen’s 12 disposals and 35 hit outs in the semi final.

“He did (do well), he held his own against a good opponent and a quality midfield that St Mary’s has,” he said.

“We know how good they are, they’ve been a dominant side in the competition for years now.”

South Barwon will get a week off, having earned a position in the grand final in the win over St Mary’s, while the Saints will play Leopold for a spot in the season decider.

Originally published as GFNL: South Barwon coach identifies gun ruck as flag hope