Reigning Central Highlands Football League best and fairest David Benson has recommitted to Bungaree for another year.
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It will be the Melbourne-based ruckman’s fourth season with the Demons.
Bungaree senior coach Heath Pyke said it was exciting for the club to have Benson staying on.
“There was a bit of speculation about what he might do at the end of the season.
“It’s really positive that he has the confidence in the direction we’re taking to stick with the club,” Pyke said.
It’s really positive that he has the confidence in the direction we’re taking...
- Bungaree coach Heath Pyke
He said Benson had given some thought to returning to his former VAFA club Penleigh Essendon Grammarians as he weighed up getting the right family and career balance while meeting the time requirements to play with Bungaree.
Pyke said the Demons were delighted that Benson had been able to find a way to stay.
He said retaining the competition’s number one ruckman was a great foundation as Bungaree prepared for another pre-season.
Pyke has no doubt that keeping Benson on board would assist with player retention and recruiting.
“We know what we’re going to get from him...first use of the ball.”
Pyke said Benson was also a great person to have around the club, and mentor to younger players.
Benson has already had a massive impact with the Demons.
He was a premiership player in his first year with Bungaree in 2014, when was judged best on the ground in the grand final.
He won the CHFL best and fairest award, the Geoff Taylor Medal, this year by one vote over teammate Chris O’Keefe and Daylesford onballer Jordan Alexander.
Pyke said he pleased with the player retention rate and confident the Demons would secure some quality recruits.
“I’m comfortable where we’re at.”
Bungaree finished third this year with 14 wins, but did not win a final and dropped out of the premiership race in a semi-final.
GORDON’S Ben Peters is returning to his former club Melton South in the Ballarat Football League.
Peters joined Gordon this year, missing the early part of the season with a hamstring injury before going on to play finals.
The 28-year-old midfielder played with Melton South at junior level before progressing to Western Jets.
He played seniors with the Panthers and is a past co-captain.
He also spent time time on Coburg’s VFL list and with Riddell in the Riddell District league.
