Ben Barnard
Sturt
2026 AFL Draft
Power Rankings- Power Ranking
- No. 115
- Position
- General Defender
- Height
- 182 cm
- Age at draft
- 18y 7m
- Plays for
- Northern Territory Academy
- Draft night
- 19 November
| 2026 averages | GM | KI | HB | DI | CP | MA | TA | CL | I50 | R50 | IT | SI | GL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talent League | 4 | 19.0 | 5.5 | 24.5 | - | 3.3 | 2.5 | - | 1.5 | 9.3 | - | - | 0.3 |
| Championships | 3 | 6.0 | 2.3 | 8.3 | 1.7 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
Bio
Ben Barnard is a promising general defender who splits his football between the Northern Territory and South Australia. Coming through the pathway at Southern Districts, he relocates to play for Sturt in the state talent league during the winter months. His strong draft-year form included standout performances for both Sturt and the Northern Territory Academy, eventually earning him selection for the Allies at the National Championships. He also gained valuable senior experience this season, breaking through for an appearance in the Men's Premier League with his home club in Darwin.
Operating primarily across half-back, Barnard is known for his smooth movement and terrific foot skills as a playmaking defender. Scouts have praised his shrewd reading of the play, which allows him to intercept the ball with high positioning and quickly transition into attack mode. Entrusted with kick-in duties, he remains composed under pressure and is capable of hitting targets off either foot to set up chains of possession. Widely rated as one of the leading draft prospects from the Northern Territory this year, his blend of reliable defence and elite distribution makes him an appealing option for clubs at the national level.
SANFL Under 18s career
14 games1 goals
- Debut
- R3 2025 v GLE29 Mar 2025
- Most recent
- R18 2026 v NWD15 Aug 2026
Stats
Bio
Ben Barnard is a promising general defender who splits his football between the Northern Territory and South Australia. Coming through the pathway at Southern Districts, he relocates to play for Sturt in the state talent league during the winter months. His strong draft-year form included standout performances for both Sturt and the Northern Territory Academy, eventually earning him selection for the Allies at the National Championships. He also gained valuable senior experience this season, breaking through for an appearance in the Men's Premier League with his home club in Darwin.
Operating primarily across half-back, Barnard is known for his smooth movement and terrific foot skills as a playmaking defender. Scouts have praised his shrewd reading of the play, which allows him to intercept the ball with high positioning and quickly transition into attack mode. Entrusted with kick-in duties, he remains composed under pressure and is capable of hitting targets off either foot to set up chains of possession. Widely rated as one of the leading draft prospects from the Northern Territory this year, his blend of reliable defence and elite distribution makes him an appealing option for clubs at the national level.
Profile
- Born
- 26 Mar 2008 (age 18y 195d)
- Height
- 182 cm
Teams
Bio
1 revisionBen Barnard is a promising general defender who splits his football between the Northern Territory and South Australia. Coming through the pathway at Southern Districts, he relocates to play for Sturt in the state talent league during the winter months. His strong draft-year form included standout performances for both Sturt and the Northern Territory Academy, eventually earning him selection for the Allies at the National Championships. He also gained valuable senior experience this season, breaking through for an appearance in the Men's Premier League with his home club in Darwin.
Operating primarily across half-back, Barnard is known for his smooth movement and terrific foot skills as a playmaking defender. Scouts have praised his shrewd reading of the play, which allows him to intercept the ball with high positioning and quickly transition into attack mode. Entrusted with kick-in duties, he remains composed under pressure and is capable of hitting targets off either foot to set up chains of possession. Widely rated as one of the leading draft prospects from the Northern Territory this year, his blend of reliable defence and elite distribution makes him an appealing option for clubs at the national level.