EFNL 2023: Narre Warren ruckman Lachlan Benson signs at South Belgrave

The big signings have continued at Eastern Division 1 club South Belgrave, with the addition of a premiership tall from a rival comp.

It’s another big signing for the Eastern league Division 1 power.

Two-time Narre Warren premiership tall Lachlan Benson has signed at South Belgrave in what senior coach Heath Black hopes to be a long-term prospect for the club.

Benson featured in Narre’s 2019 and ’22 flags in Outer East’s top division.

The Saints have been active recruiters this off-season following their shock grand final loss, with former St Kilda midfielder Luke Dunstan headlining the signings.

Black touted Benson as a potential successor to experienced ruckman Mitch Garner.

Benson in action for Narre. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Out of all respect to Mitch, we know he’s coming to the back end of his career and predominantly plays 90 per cent of the game in the ruck which is a huge effort,” Black said.

“After the grand final, I promised him that we would try and find someone to share the load.”

Black, who previously coached Narre Warren, said Benson approached the Saints in the hunt for a higher standard of footy in Eastern’s Division 1.

“They’re really hard to find, ruckmen, but we had a contact at the club and we went from there,” Black said.

“I wanted to be very respectful (to my former club) … I got others to reach out when the approach was made to our club first and then the discussions were had.

“Tricky situation with having connections back at Narre, but ultimately Lachie wanted to play, in his mind, a better brand of footy.”

Benson suffered an ankle injury in Narre Warren’s losing grand final to Wandin this year, and is set to undergo a restricted pre-season ahead of Christmas.

“He’s in a process of rehabbing (sic) that – he won’t be training for the next eight weeks with lower-body stuff, but upper-body he’ll be fine,” Black said.

Black likened Benson to “an extra midfielder”, adding his addition would help ease the load on Garner while developing his skills under the premiership-winning veteran.

“We found during the year that teams were using two ruckmen against Mitch, in particular Mitcham in the grand final, and they had an impact,” Black said.

“It’s an opportunity for him (Benson) to learn off Mitch and develop – we went through that discussion with him that he’ll be able to work on his ruck-craft with an amazing tap ruckman.”