After an inaugural season that was heavily interrupted by Covid, Ben Savage will lead the Over 45s’ again in 2022 as player/coach.

Ben’s football journey is rather unique considering he gave up footy at the early age of 20 to try his hand at Lacrosse – a sport which had long family ties with the Savage clan, as Ben’s uncle represented Australia back in the 60’s.

Ben rekindled his love for footy when he began coaching his son James’ team (Greythorn) at junior level and from there decided to dust off the boots and join DVSRFC as a player (with the Supers) back in 2007.

A stalwart of some 120 games plus, Ben, a midfielder/half back flanker, is a two time Premiership player enjoying premiership glory for the first time in 2013 and then saluting again in 2018.

He believes that if not for the Covid interruptions in 2021, his 45’s would have come very close to winning the flag last year and is excited about the year ahead in 2022. “I think we have an even better list than last year and if we manage to stay relatively healthy and have a good run with injuries then there is no reason we can’t win it” he said.

Off the footy field Ben runs his own excavation business “Jim’s Diggers”

Prior to this he played professional poker for four years between 2008-2012 and has even dabbled as a racing car driver. When he’s not working or playing footy, Ben enjoys following the pursuits of his son James who is a renowned E-Sports champion.