Last week, Ben Jepson became the latest senior men’s Southport player to be added to an AFL list, after signing a contract with the Gold Coast Suns.
Jepson has now joined a list of names which includes Marcus Ashcroft, Nick Riewoldt, Rory Thompson and Lachie Weller who all played at Southport Sharks before joining AFL clubs.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Jepson said, “It feels great to be on an AFL list. It’s everything I wanted growing up, so I’m super grateful to the Suns for giving me that opportunity.”
It has been a long road for Jepson, who missed out on getting drafted at the 2019 AFL Draft.
From there, the Oakleigh Chargers and Carey Grammar product went on to play three seasons for Coburg in the VFL.
In 2023, his last season at Coburg, he won their best and fairest, averaging 25 disposals, five marks, seven rebound 50s and two tackles a game.
With the ambition to still play at the highest level, he thought a move to the Gold Coast and playing VFL with the Southport Sharks was his best chance to do that.
He said, “Southport’s a very successful club, with some great players, so I wanted to explore what it would be like to come up.”
“When I did chat to people at Southport about their plan for last year, I was all on board and just wanted to be a part of it.”
Jepson made a huge impact in defence for the Sharks in 2024.
In his 22 matches, he averaged 25 disposals, six marks and two tackles, and was runner-up in Southport’s best and fairest.
He was also named in the 2024 VFL Team of the Year and played in the state game against the SANFL in April, last year.
Jepson spoke very highly of his year at Sharks. He said, “The culture at Sharks was unreal, the energy was always up and was such a good place to play footy.”
“I also learnt a lot and is probably a huge reason I am on an AFL list.”
“VFL standalone clubs are great, because they give you a lot of opportunity to learn and grow, whilst being exposed to a high level of football.”
“I honestly can’t thank Coburg and Southport enough for the opportunities they gave me.”
When the news dropped, Jepson’s phone was inundated with messages from former Sharks teammates wishing him well.
Jepson said, “They all got around me, which was nice. They’re great fellas and I’m keen to keep in touch with all of them.”