■ The western suburbs football community is mourning the loss of Ben Kelly, who died in his sleep last Thursday. The 36-year-old father of three was a very popular figure in football in the west through his playing and coaching days at Williamstown and Spotswood football clubs, and most recently at Willy CYs and the local Auskick centre where his three boys played.
Ben was a strong, robust, larger-than-life figure yet a very unassuming person. He loved a laugh, a beer and his mates and especially his family. The sight of his three young sons running onto Point Gellibrand with Williamstown seniors on Saturday was a wonderful gesture by the Seagulls.
In a fitting and moving sign of respect, players from Spotswood and Werribee Districts formed a circle after the siren in the senior game at Soldiers Reserve on Saturday. Ben was big on respect. He earned it as a player, coach and a man and he gave it in return. His nickname, ‘Chopper’, was bestowed on him by his Williamstown development coach, Anthony Eames, when Ben came down from Heyfield. Eames thought Ben had a backside of similarly large proportions to former Williamstown champion Ian Rickman, known as Chops, and the name stuck. My thoughts are with wife Carly, his boys Judd, Nate and Austin and his family and friends. Vale Ben Kelly.
■ In light of the emotion, Spotswood pulled off a remarkable victory in the WRFL match against Werribee Districts on Saturday. The Woodsmen were in a pretty good position with a six-goal half-time lead. But by the time the siren sounded for the final break, scores were level. The next 30 minutes will long be remembered by those who follow the green and gold as Tom Langlands and his boys found something special to finish off a very a gutsy 14.10 (94)-12.9 (81) victory.
Both teams gathered in the middle of the ground after the match to pay their respects to Ben Kelly in a gesture that epitomises what local footy should be about. In the final analysis, football clubs are about people like Ben. I hope that will always be the case and that money and the lust for success by whatever means necessary never overtakes the basic reason we’re all involved – and should always be – to play with our mates and enjoy the game, the people and whatever success comes our way.
Any news, let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au. Follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier, plus check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
