Big Ben Reaches Triple Figures

By ZAC MILBANK

It wasn’t easy for Ben Haren to leave Port Adelaide but now the South Adelaide bigman is reveling in his role with the Panthers.

Set to play his 100th Statewide Super League match against the Eagles on Saturday, the 28-year-old revealed he and his whole family grew up barracking for the Magpies.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Haren still leaves in the north-western suburbs but doesn’t regret his decision to don the Navy Blue since 2015 for the past 85 games after playing his first 14 in the prison bars in 2013 and 2014.

Crediting his 2012 season spent on Sydney Swans’ rookie list as critical in shaping his career on and off the field, the long-kicking left footer revealed this preseason produced the most excitement bubbling around the club in his seven years at Noarlunga.

After starting the season with four consecutive wins, the Panthers suffered a hiccup against Norwood last Friday night which should ensure they are desperate to atone in Haren’s milestone match at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Off the field, Haren has joined forces with former Glenelg ruckman Daniel Kirk in forming Nexa Sports Performance, a business aimed at helping budding young athletes form elite habits in their quest to achieve personal goals.