Glenelg’s Ben Sawford earns weekly honour after impressing against Adelaide
GLENELG onballer Ben Sawford has responded to his demotion to the reserves and has been honoured for his efforts against Adelaide.
GLENELG’S Ben Sawford sat down with coach Mark Stone mid-season to discuss what the classy midfielder needed to do to retrieve his spot in the league side.
Sawford had been sent back to the reserves as Stone searched for the right formula on the ball, the depth of inside hardball winners forcing him out of the line-up.
The pair sat in front of the computer with Stone showing him vision of his game and areas he needed to improve.
It was a tough time for Sawford, dropped to the reserves and damaging his thigh. After being forced out of action for four weeks, Sawford returned in the reserves and his efforts had an instant impact, rewarded with promotion back to the league.
And the benefit of continuity was evident against Adelaide at Glenelg Oval on Saturday when he amassed 38 possessions, including 22 contested, and had an incredible 18 clearances. His stats also included six tackles in a performance which earned him the honour of The Advertiser/SANFL Player of the Week.
“Ben had discussions with Mark and was well aware of what he needed to do, and how he had to change the way he played a bit,” Tigers football manager Paul Sandercock said.
“Mark gave him his opportunity and we saw on Saturday what he can do. His strength is his ability to win the contested ball and it was his best game for a long time.
“His attitude has been terrific. He was disappointed to be sent back to the reserves, but he took it well. He is a competitor and likes proving people wrong.
“Ben has been really good and upbeat, did his rehab well. He is a popular member of the club.”
Sawford joined the Tigers in 2016 after leaving Port Adelaide to seek more opportunities.