AFL Draft: The rapid rise of Dandenong Stingrays draft hope Ben Hopkins

Ben Hopkins wasn’t always the draft hopeful he is today. We discover how the clever defender went from dreaming of playing for his region to hoping to land on an AFL list.

Ben Hopkins. Pictures: GETTY IMAGES

Three rounds and a couple of phone calls had Ben Hopkins daring to dream.

The Dandenong Stingray out of Langwarrin was welcomed to the Stingrays’ program for the first time 12 months ago.

In awe of the opportunity, he’d only hoped to still be in contention for a list spot at the Christmas break.

After making the final cut, he then aimed to cement his spot in the side.

A string of notable performances — and some external interest — triggered further motivation for greater opportunity.

He went from a kid dreaming of playing for the Stingrays, to a rising star aiming to land on an AFL list.

“As most kids on the Peninsula, I dreamt of playing for the Dandenong Stingrays, it was a bit overwhelming at first,” he said.

“Once you get there, it’s pretty professional, you get to know the boys and it’s all good.

“It was kind of weird, I was pretty nervous going into the Christmas block about whether I would even make the list.

“Luckily I got an extra opportunity and got through, then going into the first couple of games I wanted to just play well enough to solidify my spot and be a consistent presence in the team.

“It was probably after my first three games, I got a couple of calls and I realised I’ve kind of got a shot here if I continue to work hard and play the way I was playing, continue playing the team way.”

Hopkins kicks during the Wildcard round. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Hopkins, a dashing defender, played 14 games for the Rays this Coates Talent League season.

He averaged 19.8 disposals a game and broke the club’s distance-covered record.

While Hopkins’ running capacity, short and long, is an obvious strength, he prides himself more on his footy IQ.

“My smarts and how I position myself on the field, I enjoy running but most of the time you run without reward,” he said.

“Putting yourself in positions where you get the ball instantly or three or four times down the chain is what kind of set you up.

“That’s probably one of my biggest strengths.

“I have been at my most dangerous at half-back, I have had a bit of time in the midfield but I am a lighter frame, so going through senior footy and Stingrays, I think they’re waiting for me to get my weight up.”

Hopkins. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

His rapid rise resulted in two trial matches for Vic Country and an invite to the state combine.

The combine was an experience he said was “incredibly humbling” and one he was grateful for because “12 months ago I wouldn’t have imagined being in that position.”

Whatever happens on Tuesday, Hopkins will return to the Dandenong Stingrays and try his luck at landing on a VFL list.

He doesn’t want to wait until the mid-season draft to hear his name called but said it will add extra incentive if he is to be overlooked next week.

“It can add to the motivation a little bit,” he said.

“I am obviously very grateful for where I am because I didn’t expect to be here, but getting a taste of it, being this close to your dream.

“Having that extra opportunity, I am going to put everything into it if it isn’t to happen this year.”