Ben Hart

Ben Hart is a former AFL footballer who played as a defender for the Adelaide Crows between 1992 and 2006, playing 311 games for the club including 2 premierships and 2 best and fairest awards and was a 4-time All Australian.

Hart’s journey began on the dusty fields of Rostrevor College. At just 16, he caught the Crows’ eye with his natural defensive talent and fierce determination. In 1992, he became the youngest Crow ever to debut, defying expectations with his composure and skill. His rookie season was nothing short of remarkable, earning him All-Australian selection which he followed up in his second season with another selection.

Premierships and Best & Fairest

He was an integral part of the Crows successful team throughout the late 90’s, with the club winning their first premiership in 1997 since inception into the league in 1991. They completed an historic back-to-back feat in 1998, winning their second premiership in as many years.

Although the Crows couldn’t maintain their dominance toward the end of the decade, Hart earn his first best and fairest award at the club in 1999 and followed it up with a second in 2002. He also earned All Australian selection in both seasons, giving him 4 for his career.

Injuries & Games Record

After 12 reliable seasons, 2004 saw his first plagued by injuries. He played just 6 games that year, suffering hamstring and back problems that kept him out for most of campaign.

He returned in 2005, breaking team mate Nigel Smart’s games record of 279 for the club, who had retired the previous season. His final season 2006, saw him become the first Adelaide player to reach the exclusive feat of playing 300 AFL games. Injuries again took their toll, restriction him to just 13 games before being delisted at the end of the season.

Retirement

Hart was subsequently named in the Crows Team of the Decade between 1991 and 2000 and was one of the inaugural members of the Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame after being inducted in 2015.

Post retirement Hart has worked in assistant coaching roles at both the Adelaide Crows and Collingwood.