Toast Welcome to Fremantle Eric 'Roy' Benning (Pick 54 2021 AFL Draft)

[Purple_Turtle]

 

[Purple_Turtle]

POSITION: Key Forward/Ruck


SNAPSHOT: "A mobile ruck-forward who has developed quickly over the last year, showing promise with his aerial game and versatility."





Fremantle's Next Generation Academy (NGA) production line rolls on in 2021, with Claremont tall Eric Benning the latest graduate to garner attention. The 18-year-old hails from Kununurra in the Kimberley region, and has shown marked signs of improvement throughout his top-age campaign to become a genuine draft chance. At 196cm, Benning's leap is useful in the ruck but his dynamic athleticism also makes him a threat up forward, with his exciting mix of traits pointing towards enormous upside. He was a key member of Claremont's Colts grand final side and represented Western Australia in 2021, adding to the state's raft of key position options.





STRENGTHS:


+ Athleticism
+ Vertical leap
+ Clean hands
+ Follow-up work
+ Upside





IMPROVEMENTS:


- Consistency
- Raw





There is little denying the excitement that Benning has the potential to bring as a key position player, with his game not limited to aerial nous. While not as consistent or high-production as others, he can turn it on in a flash and impose himself on contests with dynamic work both around the contest and inside attacking 50.





Benning's athleticism and clean hands see him follow up to collect the ball beautifully below his knees, and that's a dangerous asset when presenting on the lead or winning his own clearances. At 196cm, his leap and aerial prowess are also strong and when packaged with everything else he can produce, makes for a well-rounded ruck-forward game.





As somewhat of a confidence player who impacts in bursts, Benning can certainly look to add consistency to his game. He produced handy disposal and hitout averages of 11.2 and 17 respectively, but kicked four of his seven Colts goals in one game. Further to that, Benning would produce big quarters but fade in others, which he can level out over time.





As far as raw prospects go, Benning has stamped himself as one who has many of the skills modern day talls require, boosting his ceiling high among this year's key position crop. If he can turn his highlight reel into an extended tape on the back of a steep rate of development, he has scope to become a dangerous ruck-forward.





DRAFT PROJECTION: Late/Rookie





SUMMARY:


While there are improvements to be made for Benning, he remains a strong chance of attracting a bid within the National Draft after interest grew in him throughout the season. If not, Fremantle will essentially get a free hit on him as a rookie. His current size points towards more of a forward-oriented role with rotation through the ruck and if that's the case, Benning will need to hit the scoreboard more often. Given how far he has come in 2021, he has the potential to do so.

Eric Benning

central.rookieme.com

 

[MadMundy]

We must have faith in him to pick him in the ND considering we could easily have waited. I'm excited.

 

[Ge3ks]

Welcome to Freo, Eric! Stoked to have you aboard.

 

[Arkhitect]

Welcome Eric!

 

[gaskin]

 

[bfff]

Sandi likes this.

 

[Freo Big Fella]

Could be absolutely anything this kid.

The natural talent of all kids that come out of the East Kimberley, plus a really good head on his shoulders and an excellent work ethic. Was interviewed on local radio up here the other day, and his response to "what happens if you don't get picked up?" was "I'll go back to Claremont and work harder." Super exciting.

 

[salim malik]

Love this kid, he will be the best of the four.

 

[FD2646]

Raw and mobile....I think his mobility won over the recruiters and placed him ahead of Williams in the eyes of Freo.

 

[gaskin]

Watching his highlights I can't help but think Lobb replacement. When we took him one of the guys on Fox gave a Paddy Ryder comparison and I can definitely see that.

 

[Taylor]

Looks good doesn't he.

Some players just have that look like they are playing in the moment and others look like they are playing to their premeditated plan, especially in the ruck but Eric looks to be quick to react.

 

[Wabjub]

Meek now has some competition. I like players coming in with talent to push for spots.

 

[Dockeroo]

Welcome to Freo Eric!

 

[Purple_Turtle]

 

[gaskin]

 

[oldgoat]

same height as JL, 200cm+
"The Big Easy"
Go ROY!

 

[Lach72]

The Clem Michael

Clem Michael

Age

47

Ht

192cm

Wt

98kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.5

3star

K

4.2

2star

HB

6.3

4star

HO

13.6

5star

No current season stats available

D

5.2

2star

K

2.6

1star

HB

2.6

3star

HO

7.6

5star

we all wanted

 

[Kepfan]

Cult hero in the making!
loved his message to all the docker supporters in that clip.

 

[Halfbaked]

When he tackles, they stay tackled.

 

[Snuffaluphagus]

That poor kid was so ******* nervous and excited haha.

Welcome aboard Roy!!!

 

[SiempreFreo]

Love ya Roy boy - those highlights!

 

[Dockernut]

Welcome aboard, Eric - can’t wait to see you tear it up.

 

[Gekko71]

Four local lads, all with enormous talent, and all of them showing instant and complete buy-in with the club's goals and direction... Bloody magnificent!

Welcome Eric - so looking forward to watching you improve over time, and see your enormous potential realised.

Put your head down mate and quietly get to work... Opportunities will come in their own good time. Great to have you aboard.

 

[Dale147]

Sky’s the limit Roy. Go well young man.