Ben King, a top forward for Gold Coast, has given the AFL community the strongest hint yet that a new deal is imminent.
King is regarded as one of the AFL’s most sought-after off-contract players despite not being able to enter the free agency market this year. This is because of his enormous talent, stature, and track record of 129 goals from 73 games.
The belief, however, has always been that the Sandringham Dragons product would probably turn down offers from rival Victorian teams—Essendon and St Kilda, where his twin brother Max plays—and return to the Suns, particularly in light of coach Damien Hardwick’s hiring in August of last year.
When asked explicitly on Wednesday night if he was getting close to re-signing with the Suns, King responded, “Yeah definitely,” on 3AW’s Wide World Of Sports.
“I’ve essentially stuck to my mantra throughout my time here at the Suns: I love the team and the people here, and I’m more optimistic than ever that we’re actually moving in the right direction in terms of football.”
After being selected with pick number six in the 2018 draft, King stated he had “close relationships” with the Suns and that he loved the “incredible” lifestyle on the Gold Coast.
Even though he admitted he would not be able to handle the demands of playing for a Victorian-based team, he did say he relished being outside of the often “brutal” Melbourne football bubble.
“While football is growing here, it’s entirely different from what players in Melbourne (Australia) face,” he remarked.
To be really honest, I’m not all that into that side of things. I don’t play football in order to get attention. I engage in it as I adore the game.
After missing the final three games of the Suns’ 2023 season due to a knee ailment, King stated he was “not too far off” from going back to full training.
Although this preseason has been different, I think I’ve adapted quite well. I’m hoping to get into almost full training in the upcoming few weeks,” he stated.
“I suppose all I’m aiming for this year is consistency. Last year, I felt like I was playing pretty well in certain games and not so well in others. I was very up and down.
“I plan to and have already invested a great deal of effort into improving my mental toughness, which should help me play more consistently and lead us to the championship.”
Hardwick and the newly assembled coaching staff, according to King, had brought a “very clearly defined system and goal for the year.”
Regarding Hardwick, King remarked, “I guess he’s just really certain with everything he says.” “I believe the boys have appreciated that he has been very straightforward in delivering what he expects from each position and role on the pitch.
“His strategy is well-established and effective in the AFL, so that should instill confidence in us,”
When asked if he believed the Suns will adopt the same playing philosophy as Richmond did under Hardwick, King replied, “I think so.” They had manic pressure, were a very attacking squad, and could move the ball swiftly from the D50 to the forward 50. We’ve been practicing all of these, and perhaps this year we can replicate them.
“I’ve been enjoying that, for sure—we’ve been moving pretty quickly this preseason.”
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