Ben loves sinking his slipper

By ZAC MILBANK

South Adelaide’s Ben Heaslip is ready for anything as he approaches his 100th Hostplus SANFL League game on Saturday.

Having made his name at Noarlunga primarily as a big-bodied midfielder, the 26-year-old hinted that he could be recast as a medium-sized forward as he reaches triple figures.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Heaslip said he enjoyed playing as a third tall forward option against North Adelaide in Round 10 while kicking three goals, including the match-winner in the fourth term.

Standing at a deceptive 190cm, the man known as ”Slipper” boasts a booming kick whilst also being a strong overhead mark for his size.

Originally from Encounter Bay in the Panthers’ country recruiting zone, Heaslip has relished his time at Lovelock Drive since arriving in the development squads and rising from the Under-16s in 2011.

South’s No.21 fondly remembers his SANFL League debut in Round 1 of 2015 against Glenelg at the Bay, particularly his first goal which was originally a free kick to then Panthers’ ruckman Daniel Bass.

Heaslip enjoyed a breakout season under coach Garry Hocking in 2017, featuring in 16 League games and has gone on to be a fixture in South’s best 22 each week.

A real estate agent with South Coast Realty, Heaslip is now driven by earning a premiership medal but first, his side desperately needs to topple Adelaide in Round 12 to keep in touch with the top five.