Ron Benton

Ron Benton was a speedy half forward flanker for West Adelaide during their successful era of the 50's and 60's. Lightly built, he specialised in dashing runs and taking on opponents with his pace.

Benton made his debut in 1955 at the tender age of 17. Two years later he was Magarey Medallist, a remarkable achievement for a young player in an era of stars and multiple Medal winners.

A member of West's 1961 premiership side, Benton was emergency for SA in the famous win over Victoria at the MCG in 1963.

..and I thought I was knowledgeable.

Have to confess to never having heard of him.

With the credentials you listed FB, you tend to hear about blokes of the past.
Was before my time, this guy slipped through my radar.

Don't you love this forum, you get an education too!

Got to show our legends off Chambo, no matter what era.

Absolutely.

I am embarrassed by not knowing of him.
Need to read the above in that context.

Hate to admit and I was only a kid bit I seen him play -- would have fitted into a modern team - very smooth mover.

Copied from official West Adelaide Legends site.
http://www.westadelaidefc.com.au/docs/team/legends.html

Fast, elusive and courageous, West Adelaide's Ron Benton was, in the words of Jeff Pash, "a heroic little figure" for whom "every game
seems to be another survival."

Over the course of his 178 game 172 goal league career between 1955 and 1959 and 1961 and 1965 he achieved virtually everything the game had to offer:
a Magarey Medal and club best and fairest award in 1957, interstate football, a near best afield performance in the winning grand final of 1961 against Norwood, and West Adelaide's leading goal kicker award (with 29 goals) in 1963.

He was, without doubt, one of the most illustrious players in the history of a club that, over the years, has been blessed with a disproportionately high number of top quality footballers.