When you chat with Ben Jolley you instantly understand why he has forged such a lengthy career in the Peter Jackson VFL.
The Seagulls captain is modest, down to earth and simply loves to play football at the highest level possible.
This weekend he will pull on the boots for his 200th VFL game – a major milestone in a competition that has changed greatly since he started back in 2005.
Drafted from the Calder Cannons as a rookie to Essendon at the end of 2004, the hard at it midfielder managed four AFL games in his two seasons at the Bombers, playing most of his time with Bombers VFL affiliate Bendigo.
After he was delisted, he remained at Bendigo for another season before starting his career with Williamstown in 2008.
- CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Ben Jolley's AFL and VFL career
From his early days as an Essendon rookie developing his game at Bendigo across 52 games, to captaining Williamstown, Jolley has had a major presence in the competition.
He is a four time club best and fairest winner (Williamstown 2011, 2012, 2014 / Bendigo 2006), two time VFL representative player, a five time VFL Team of the Year selection and was last year awarded VFL life membership.
Jolley has former Collingwood player and Bendigo teammate Jason Cloke to thank for helping him get to Williamstown.
“Jason played a season with Bendigo and at end of that year, was heading back to Williamstown and asked whether it was OK to pass on my details,” Jolley said.
“I met with Gotch and Cuz (Brad Gotch and Brendan Curry) and I just wanted to play football at the highest level so I did not consider any other offer.
“I just jumped on board then and there and the rest is history.”
- Sunday's Williamstown v Coburg match will be live video streamed via the VFL website from 2pm.
He has seen many teammates come and go over eight years at Point Gellibrand, with just Cam Lockwood remaining from his first year at Williamstown in 2008.
Despite the changing nature of the Williamstown side over the years, the Seagulls captain continues to stay motivated and is still one of the best and most respected players in the competition at age 29.
“Every week poses a new challenge, not only the opposition you play against, but for myself personally,” Jolley said.
“If you want to continue to stay motivated and play sport you constantly need to be challenged to get the best out of yourself.
“I have just enjoyed that aspect – you win some, you lose some but the challenge every week is what keeps me going.”
Read the full extended feature in the AFL Victoria Record this weekend when Ben talks about his VFL coaches and his favourite VFL memory to date.
Friday on the VFL website we speak to a number of people that have been involved in Ben's career, including former coaches Brad Gotch, Peter German and Matthew Knights, and ask for their thoughts on the Williamstown captain leading up to his 200th game.
Last Modified on 21/05/2015 09:16