Australian Football

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Key Facts

Full name
William Benton

Known as
Bill Benton

Born
11 March 1906

Died
31 August 1979 (aged 73)

Age at first & last AFL game
First game: 22y 48d
Last game: 26y 190d

Height and weight
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 87 kg

Senior clubs
Richmond; West Perth

Jumper numbers
Richmond: 3

Recruited from
Birchip (1928); Richmond (1933)

Bill Benton

Advanced stats
Club
League
Career span
Games
Goals
Avg
Win %
AKI
AHB
AMK
BV
RichmondV/AFL1928-193256410.7370%4.80—1.200
West PerthWANFL1933-19376620.03—————
Total1928-1937122430.35—————

Pre 1965 stats are for selected matches only

AFL: 3,390th player to appear, 4,049th most games played, 2,411th most goals kickedRichmond: 300th player to appear, 286th most games played, 178th most goals kicked

The full-back vacancy caused by the departure of Donald Don has been ably filled by Bill Benton, the ex-Birchip player, a player of sturdy physique. He is young, and is improving all the time. He leaves his goals often to come out and get the ball away, but does not take foolish risks. His sense of anticipation is sound, and that is the main thing for his position. His kicking in is particularly good, and he can also mark well.¹

Despite the fact that his VFL career was comparatively short - just 56 games, yielding 41 goals, between 1928 and 1932 - William Benton's versatility made him an eminently useful player. Originally from Birchip in Victoria's North Central District Football League, he was at full back in Richmond's losing grand final team of 1929 against Collingwood. However, he could also perform effectively in any of the other key positions.

In 1933 he transferred to West Perth and over the ensuing five seasons distinguished himself as a fine servant of the club. He played in the 1934 and 1935 premiership winning combinations and was appointed captain in 1936. He also served as temporary coach that season until Jack Cashman returned from Victoria.

Author - John Devaney with additional material from Adam Cardosi

Footnotes

1. “Sporting Globe”, 1/6/29, page 6.

Sources

Full Points Footy Publications, Crème de la Crème

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Footnotes

* Behinds calculated from the 1965 season on.
+ Score at the end of extra time.