West Coast fans will get a glimpse of what they missed as Charlie Banfield, son of Eagles great Drew Banfield, prepares to make his AFL debut for St Kilda this weekend.
Banfield's Path to the Saints
St Kilda, playing as Euro-Yroke for Sir Doug Nicholls round, selected Banfield with pick No. 41 in last year's draft. The Eagles were unable to match the bid due to a lack of list spots, having hoped the Claremont product would slip to the rookie draft.
The 18-year-old impressed during pre-season and was in contention for an early debut before injuring his shoulder in round one of the VFL. After missing five matches, he returned strongly, averaging 15 disposals, more than five marks, and a goal over the past fortnight to earn a senior call-up against Richmond on Sunday.
Praise from Saints Management
Saints general manager Lenny Hayes praised Banfield's attitude and resilience. "We're proud of his willingness to learn, improve and put in the work required, as well as the way he's handled relocating to Melbourne and an injury setback in his first season," Hayes said. "He's earned this opportunity and the respect of his teammates. We know they'll be right behind him when he runs out for his first game this weekend."
Junior Career Highlights
Banfield was one of Western Australia's highest-rated draft prospects, with standout performances for WA and a Mel Whinnen Medal win in the WAFL colts grand final to cap his junior career. He trained with West Coast before the 2025 season but expressed excitement about continuing his family legacy at St Kilda.
"I definitely was on the Eagles radar and they had the chance to sort of pick me up but it's each their own," Banfield said post-draft. "They've watched enough footy of me and I guess if they saw better possibilities, that's how it works out. I'm overjoyed to join the Saints, a great club and I feel like I could fit in there really well. I did everything I could so to get to this moment, I'm over the moon."
