THE Spotswood Football Club will honour one of their favourite sons, Ben Kelly, who suddenly passed away earlier this month, on Saturday.
The western suburbs football community have been mourning the loss of Ben, who was a well-loved and respected player and person who also had an incredible footy career.
Ben played football at Williamstown, there he played 13 senior VFL games between 2001 and 2003.
He also played in the Reserve’s’ back-to-back premierships in 2002 and 2003. He was also the co-captain during that time.
Ben then made the move to Spotswood in the Western Region Football League, where he was involved in arguably the club’s most successful period.
He won two best and fairest awards in 2005 and 2006 and won three premierships between 2007 and 2009 and was a part of the Woodsman’s runners-up side in 2010.
More recently, he was involved with the Williamston Juniors Football Club as the director of coaching.
Spotswood football manager, Tony Walshe, said Ben was an outstanding man.
“His leadership skills were obvious and again this shone through in his work, life and also on the football field,” he said.
“His charismatic nature and love of life meant he always seemed to be enjoying what he was doing, his smile, engaging personality and sense of humour was infectious.
“He was a dedicated and loving husband to Carly and a brilliant father to his three wonderful sons, Judd, Nate and Austin.”
Walshe said his impact on Spotswood, not just as a player, but as a person was enormous.
“If you never saw Ben play, think of Patrick Dangerfield, a big strong bodied midfielder, super competitive and just a winner,” his said.
“As a coach and clubman he always wanted the club to improve and get better.
“He was very big on trying to get quality people to the club. Loyalty and respect were his key values”
“When you combined his playing ability with his leadership and coaching, you just knew that he would make us successful.”
WRFL Football Operations manager David Newton said the WRFL Board, administration, member clubs and greater WRFL Community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ben.
“Ben’s contribution to the Spotswood Football Club was significant as a premiership coach and player and recently assisted the WRFL as a runner for the under-19 interleague team,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with Ben’s family, friends and all involved at the Spotswood Football Club.”
Spotswood has planned a special tribute to honour Ben today as part of their match with St Albans at McLean Reserve.
The 2007, 2008 and 2009 premiership flags will fly at half-mast and members of Ben’s family will also be in attendance.
“In one of his early speeches as coach, he stated that, when it was time leave Spotswood, he wanted it to be better than when he arrived, he certainly did that,” Walshe said.
“Ben will be remembered forever at Spotswood FC as a player, coach and just as an outstanding person to know.”
Last Modified on 24/06/2016 11:18