2008/09 Player of the season countdown

#16. Ben Doherty

Apps: 7

There was a stat that came up after the Phoenix Athletic loss which mentioned that Doc had not won a single Banter game all season. Well, it’s true, though it’s very harsh to highlight it as a serious issue. What must be remembered is that since fatherhood, Doc – unfortunately for Banter – only fills in when there is unavailability within the squad. Inevitably, that’s when Tino is unavailable, if not many more. It should be noted that the memorable partnership of Doc-Tino that performed so impressively in 2007/08 were together for just one game this season.

I think it’s safe say it doesn’t often go wrong with Doc. He is as good in the air as he’s ever been, throws himself 100% into challenges all game, and most importantly he provides plenty of foil for quote of the week. It was Boma who once said that when an opposing goal-kick is hit down field, that the second it leaves their laces and comes centrally, the call goes up of: "BEN DOC!", for him to duly rise and return to sender 100 times out of 100.

Doc’s performances in both Croydon Postal games were excellent, always a man mountain in the air and always organised and solid throughout. He was also one of Banter’s better performers in the farce that was the 4-0 defeat to Carlton on the frozen pitch after Christmas. Having played the first game of the campaign, he also played the last, where he was again one of few to come away knowing they hadn’t whimpered out, particularly if you remember some of the challenges he put in on the rude one up front. Doc vs. Chincharo all over again.

This season also saw him become Banter's oldest ever player, only for the record to be taken back from him by Rick Bennett a week later. The question is, will the 31-year old see the light and play for the blues full time and have such a good a season as he did in his first? Only time will tell.