I too think Ben may have gone a year or two too long. However, having said that, when you watch the 05 season highlights Ben was truly one of the reasons we won the flag. Well done Ben, I hope you enjoy your life after football.
I too think Ben may have gone a year or two too long. However, having said that, when you watch the 05 season highlights Ben was truly one of the reasons we won the flag. Well done Ben, I hope you enjoy your life after football.
Does God believe in Atheists?
Onya number 4! Well done!
Another great no 4. Consistent and reliable not flashy but a great team man, and great teams win flags. Too bad players in Ben's mouold are being forced out of the game early I say
Paul Roos for PM
A stalwart of the club.
Many brave times on the field.
Great role model for all around him both on and off the park.
We are forever in his debt as with the other players who contributed to '05.
Bon Voyage
Never liked him. Looked constantly smug and I think I held a grudge since he refused to give the No 4 to Plugger.
I was only 15...
Still, there was a time there when you could always rely on his tagging abilities. He was solid as a rock. Deserved his medal.
Grandson of South Melbourne legend Keith Schaefer.
Congrats on a good career Benny. Best of luck in retirement..
Official Driver Of The "Who Gives A @@@@ As The Player Will Get Delisted Anyway" Bandwagon.
Congrats on doing the job asked of him. Good luck in retirement.
You know, I'm not going to be a hypocrite, cuz a lot of us have been frustrated with players like "Ball-up Benny" over the years, and that's a normal, natural part of following a football team -- every move the players make on (and off!) the field is scrutinized -- but I think at times like this, you have to stop and appreciate the skills of these guys, yes, including Ben, and the sheer amount of hard work they've put in to play senior footy. Dependable player at his best, and he had a pretty handy game in the 2005 GF, too. Good luck in retirement Ben.
Good luck in retirement Ben, and thanks for the loyal service to the Bloods.
Premiers 09,18,33,05
"You Irish Twit", Quote attributed to a RWO member who shall remain nameless.
He's got to be a lay down certainty for the 'Canberra comp MVP award'. Now that would be a fitting send off for 'Beguiling Benny', an ordinary player who could tag a bit, but a loyal club man to the end. Happy Days Benny.
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect... MT
All jokes about him playing this weekend aside.... (Then again, it is Roos we're talking about)......
Ben personifies the "Cortina".... May not have played as many games with another club but he's done more than OK for us and he's been a pleasure to watch. As AnnieH often says, Benny is a "work horse" of the club. There's nothing fancy about him. Nothing pretty. Nothing spectacular. But he's one of those players that just goes out there, gives his all, and most importantly, more often than not, gets the job done and the better of his opponent.
He's been bashed about here on this forum and, at times, rightfully so. But I think that everyone here would agree that Ben Mathews has been here through the bad times as well as the good. In reality, it's a credit to how far the Swans have come. We're now lucky enough that we can afford to be fussy about our players.
It wasn't that long ago that we just wanted a player in red and white to show a bit of ticker and fight a game out. And if there's one player that has shown "a bit of ticker" over the last few years it's been one B.Mathews. Good onya mate. You WILL be missed.
Well said RP.
Let's hope Ben has another moment or two of glory left in his career. It will be a tough ask but if he can lead the cygnets onto their own form of September glory over the next fortnight, it will be a fitting end to a dignified career.
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