Eastlake Football Club men’s first grade captain Ben McGuinness kicks out from the backline. Photo: Eastlake Football Club.
Despite attending the rugby stronghold of Canberra Grammar, Ben McGinness was always going to play for Eastlake Football Club.
His passion stems from a strong family connection to the Demons, with his grandfather Harold winning the club’s best and fairest in 1938.
Now Ben is on the verge of joining his grandfather on the honour wall as he prepares to play his 100th game for Eastlake.
“It’s a massive honour to have my name alongside my grandfather on the wall as a 100-game player as well as legends such as Guy Cannon, Aaron Bruce and Mel Backhouse,” Ben says.
Ben McGuinness spoils a mark. Photo: Eastlake Football Club.
And the path to the milestone, he recalls, is one full of memories.
“There have been many highlights on the field including making a couple of grand finals. Although we lost, we put ourselves in a position for the flag.”
Ben feels he’s been supported all the way to his 100th: “I’ve been lucky to have been mentored and I’ve played alongside some great players at this club.”
Beyond the field, Ben recognises the help of those closest to him.
“My family has been very important in supporting me through this journey. My mum Margot and my dad Paul; my brother Nic who is an AFL umpire in Melbourne, and my partner Niamh.”
This milestone has been eight years in the making after his debut in 2016 as a 17 year old. He also played in the Demons NEAFL team that year.
Ben McGuinness will be mustering all his energy for his 100th game in August. Photo: Eastlake Football Club.
Ben says such is his involvement with the Demons club, it has become as much a family as a football team.
“Its a great community. There’s great continuity between the men’s and women’s programs. I love the one club mentality.”
And in good times and in bad, the commitment to the club remains strong.
“This season has been a bit up and down but we have the belief that on our day we can defeat any team in the AFL Canberra competition.”
Outside the Demons, Ben works as a physiotherapist for SportsCare Canberra. This offers the perfect football/work balance and provides him greater understanding of health and fitness to help on the field.
On 12 August, when Eastlake takes on Queanbeyan, Ben will use all that understanding and years of experience and training, to again give his all to the Demons in his 100th game.
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