| Originally from Cairns but moved to Brisbane at an early age, Ben is one of Gold Coast’s brightest attacking hopes for the future. While his Dad was a keen AFL fan, Ben decided to focus on football and attended Brisbane State High School, combining with teammate and now fellow Gold Coast striker Chris Harold to form a near-psychic understanding. Ben later joined the QAS under the tutelage of coach of Mike Mulvey and followed him down the M1 to Gold Coast United as a member of United’s inaugural Youth squad. Ben had a successful 2009/10 season, scoring five goals in the National Youth League and knocking in his first at international level for the Qantas Young Socceroos against Vietnam, as they won the 2010 AFF U-19 Youth Championship. Season 2010/11 was even more productive for Ben when he netted three club awards including NYL Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and NYL Goal of the Year. Ben also broke through for five first team appearances last term, displaying his raw potential at senior level, which should now become fully realised as he steps up to full-time Hyundai A-League action.
2010/11 season: 5 appearances. |