Sokol Turns Career Around at Subi

After a disappointing 2015 season at South Fremantle which only netted two league games and a solitary goal, Subiaco mastermind and coach at the time, Jarrad Schofield pulled off one of his greatest ever recruiting moves by convincing 'Soks' to relocate his football endeavours north of the river to Subi. 

With Matt Boland returning to Melbourne, the Club needed a Full Forward and in its wildest dreams couldn't have imagined how a South Reserves player could have such a sparkling career, which puts him in the conversation with Austin Roberston, Jason Heatly and Brad Smith as one of the Club's best ever Full Forwards. 

In his first season at Subi he played 12 league games kicking 22 goals, but really hit his straps in years two and three kicking over 40 goals in all seasons except 2020 (covid year) and an injury interrupted 2024. His goal tally is sitting on 350 League goals. 

Soks seemed to revel on the big stage saving some of his career best games for Optus Stadium and the big dance.

Coach Beau Wardman was full of praise for the spearhead saying "Ben is a high achiever, not through luck, from discipline and hard work. He is his hardest marker and never satisfied. Ben has great ability to stand up under pressure, a Simpson Medallist, his performances on the biggest stages – finals, Grand Finals, and State Games sets him apart from his peers. The AFLs loss was Subiaco’s gain – he had the capacity to perform at the highest level, although never let that rejection curb his ability to compete and perform. Player’s walk taller when Ben is in the side and he provides a focal point forward, and you know a contest ensues. His support of others – young Koltyn, Jordy and Jake coming through the team and growing around Ben. I’m glad he stuck with footy – his tennis game needs some work."

This weekend will wrap up his time at Subi and fittingly he will play his 150th game which will automatically get Ben considered for Club Life Membership in the off season.  His list of achievements is highlighted by 3x League Premierships, 2 time Bernie Naylor Medallist, 5x Club Leading Goal Kicker awards and a Simpson Medal. 

A quiet unassuming presence and undersized for a key forward by modern standards, Ben could always be counted on to present strongly, hold his marks and hit the scoreboard with his long accurate kicking.

"We always knew when Soks had the shot within range, that the goal was in the book" said Wardman. 

To catch Ben's last game in the Maroon and Gold, head to Sullivan Logistics Stadium this Sunday at 12.30pm as we take on the Tigers.