Bye Bye Ben/Benny announces retirement

[Industrial Fan]

Said a lot about his character when he gave Jack his notes on Power when he knew he wasn't getting a game.

Also played a part in my favourite goal of the 05 gf (the steal from Fletcher on f50).

No-nonsense player who we called mr yawn - but he got the job done most of the time, and I think he'd be pretty satisfied that he got the best out of himself.
I can also say the football wont be the same without Gardeners Rd, Rosebury.

Well done Ben.

[Primmy]

Good on you Benny. Always a quality cortina, not flashy, reliable most of the time, didn't fall apart, courage of his conviction, carried the number 4 well. Importantly played his part in the ressies with dignity and generosity. Apart from his hair do in his first senior year (what WAS that!) he has maintained an even keel, and a great smile. Well done son.

[Matt79]

Well done Ben on your career with the Swannies!

[reigning premier]

Almost had a teaer in my eye writing that.... almost...

[liz]

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.

[reigning premier]

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.

[ernie koala]

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.

[Glenn]

Good luck in retirement Ben, and thanks for the loyal service to the Bloods.

[Xie Shan]

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.

[AussieAnge]

Congrats on doing the job asked of him. Good luck in retirement.

[Jeffers1984]

Congrats on a good career Benny. Best of luck in retirement..

[Mogg0]

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.

[31 hard at it]

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

[Darren Thomson]

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

[royboy42]

Onya number 4! Well done!