Football
1 April, 2026
Hobbs back at home this season
After 65 AFL games, Ben Hobbs will, in 2026, get the opportunity to play for the side that kick-started his career kick started with in his hometown of Horsham.
Hobbs, who won a premiership in seniors with the Demons at just 15, was delisted by Essendon in 2025 after four seasons, but was subsequently picked up in December last year by Port Melbourne in the VFL.
Last week, the Demons announced his return to the blue and red after Hobbs nominated the club as his home team for the upcoming season.
It is expected that Hobbs will line up for the Horsham side up to four times this year.
It's delightful news for the coach of the Demons, Jake Short, who is looking forward to having the former AFL player complement his side's work in the middle of the oval, as well as be an option in the forward line.
"Not only is this exciting for the club, but also our young list," Short told Wimmera Mallee News.
"Ben is obviously an exceptional talent, so on-field, no doubt he'll excel when he comes back with us at stages throughout the year."
Short said there will also be benefits from Hobbs, including the knowledge and standards he has learned at an elite level.
"He can share that with our young group, and I have no doubt we'll see the benefit of that this year," he added.