Storm boosts midfield with Bennett signing

Strathfieldsaye has bolstered its already strong midfield stocks, signing former Goulburn Valley league on-baller James Bennett.

The big-bodied midfielder makes his way to the Storm off the back of a solid season with Tatura.

The 2026 season marked a return to the Goulburn Valley league for Bennett.

He spent the previous two years playing with North Cairns in the AFL Cairns competition, where he was a premiership player with the Tigers in 2025.

Their win in 2025 broke a 37-year premiership drought for the club, with Bennett kicking two goals in a 28-point triumph.

Bennett was in that season ranked as the number one footballer in Northern Queensland, as voted by a readers’ poll in the Cairns Post newspaper and later represented the Cairns All Stars against the Indigenous South Pacific (ISP) All Stars.

Announcing his arrival in a statement on the club’s Facebook page, the Storm were rapt to welcome Bennett onboard for 2027.

Jimmy arrives at the club from Tatura in the GVFL where he was recognised as a big-bodied competitor with great ability to win contested ball through the midfield,” the club said.

“Before that he spent time in Queensland with North Cairns where he was a league runner-up best and fairest and named vice-captain in the team of the year.

“We expect Jimmy to add some additional grunt to our midfield next year and his leadership and experience will be invaluable to our young players.”

Bennett joins a Storm team which finished the 2026 home and away season in second place but was eliminated from premiership contention with back-to-back finals losses to Eaglehawk and eventual premiers Gisborne.

A tremendous home and away season brought 12 wins and four losses.

In a blow, the Storm announced the departure of multiple-premiership player Ben Lester after a distinguished 200-plus game career in navy blue and white, including more than a decade at senior level.

Lester has joined former teammate Lachlan Sharp at Loddon Valley league powerhouse Bridgewater, where he will play a significant role in the development of the Mean Machine’s younger footballers.

He leaves Tannery Lane with the club’s full blessing.

“It is with a heavy heart, overwhelming gratitude, and sincere appreciation that we wish Ben Lester and his family all the very best as Ben looks to continue his football journey elsewhere in 2027,” the club’s statement read.

“After years of commitment, leadership, premierships, coaching, and a presence that has shaped our club and culture, Ben has made the decision to close out his current chapter with Strathfieldsaye.

“On the field, Ben has consistently shown what it is to be a team man, selflessly delivering what his team has needed and willing to play any role required. His football has spoken for itself, with each season arguably better than the last, including one of his best seasons to date this year.

“Through injuries and setbacks, he has shown tremendous resilience reaching 200 club games this season, playing in multiple grand finals and premierships, and countless memorable games.

“Ben’s impact stretches far beyond the 200-plus games he has played with the club.

“Off the field, his legacy is just as strong. A club man in every sense, he’s contributed to the culture, defined loyalty, provided strong leadership, and importantly, has been a steady mentor for our young Stormers in his role as reserves coach and as a teammate.”

Meanwhile, following a stint with Longwood where this year he was awarded the McNamara Medal as the Kyabram league’s best and fairest, Jye Formosa has returned to the Storm.

A fast and skilful player, Formosa is capable of winning his own ball on the inside and is equally damaging on the outside.

He was named vice-captain of the Kyabram District’s interleague team in 2026.