100 VFL GAMES: DYLAN BENWELL – THE PRODIGY
In his first year at the VFL in 2011, Dylan Benwell was touted as a ‘once in a century’ goal umpire by Development Squad coach Leigh Keen. Even though ‘Lethal’ also bestowed this praise upon Benwell’s fellow rookie Simon Plumridge, being a once in half a century umpire still isn’t something that has got to his head in the years since.
In fact, Benwell has been a model of consistency, being a mainstay in the Senior Finals panel since his elevation to the Senior squad in 2012. His 100 Senior games have included (at the time of writing) nine Senior finals & three Grand Finals – in 2012 (Reserves), 2015 (TAC Cup) & 2013 (VFL Grand Final) – completing a full set of medals for him!
In achieving this, Benwell’s application to his craft has not gone unnoticed by his coaches, with him winning Coach’s Awards in his rookie year (2011), then his first year at Senior level (2012) and again last year. His current coach, Brad Letson, considers Benwell to be ‘a leader of the goal umpiring squad’, who ‘always sets a high standard for the group, leading by example with [his] fitness and match day performance[s]’ and is, furthermore, ‘keen to listen and improve on his umpiring, taking feedback on with a positive attitude.’
Outside of umpiring, Benwell is a primary school teacher, who enjoys ‘having a hit of golf’ in the summer and, more competitively, representing Clayton Bowls Club. Such is Benwell’s ability in lawn bowls that he has a second ton to his name, representing Victoria 100 times in the sport.
Like his golf, enjoyment is what keeps Benwell umpiring. A popular but simple sentiment amongst umpires, he says, ‘I love umpiring because I love football. I’ve got the best seat in the house. [I] love the atmosphere during the game, but also the camaraderie and friendships I’ve made throughout my journey.’
As has been the case with his career to date, Benwell also enjoyed his milestone game – the Round 21 clash between Footscray and Collingwood at Whitten Oval. He said that it had ‘a great atmosphere in a contest between two great teams’ and that it was ‘great to have friends and family there to watch’. Benwell’s dad – his ‘number one fan’ – ‘even made a t-shirt with a big number 100 across it!’ To top it off, Benwell says that it ‘was great to run with an excellent panel… which made the day an unforgettable one.’
To finish, goal umpiring began for Benwell with the Southern Umpires Association as merely ‘a part-time weekend job’ which he took up after his good friend (and ex-Senior VFL goal umpire) Matthew Richardt. However, ‘being a competitive person’, he says that he ‘was driven to take it as far as [he] could’ and, with his next goal now being AFL football, Dylan Benwell is as close to the jack as anyone.
Benny also took a bit of time to dish some dirt on some of his colleagues…
Loudest: ‘Anthony [Kyrkou].’
Best dressed: ‘‘Sparkles’ Standfield – not a hair out of place!’
Worst dressed: ‘Doyley.’
Best trainer: ‘Simon [Plumridge is] clearly best on [the] track.’
Smartest: ‘Callum Leonard – wealth of knowledge from Ballarat.’
Compiled by Cyrus Wong for vfua.net