Continuing our 10-for-10 series with the newest members of the Future Force Foundation, get to know towering 19-year-old Ben Grant.
Name: Ben Grant
Position: Lock
Born: 18/05/1998
Height: 204cm
Weight: 104kg
Club: Cottesloe
Ben, how have you found your experience with the Future Force Foundation so far?
Well it’s been unreal. The transition from training part time back in Queensland and taking on a full time program has been good. I guess I’m really enjoying all the new things that I’ve been learning and just the full time schedule. I’m now starting to get used to it but it was a little bit to take on to start but I’m really starting to enjoy it.
You moved from Queensland, how are you enjoying Perth?
I haven’t actually had a chance to look around yet because I’ve been touring and playing games most weekends with the Under 20s. Probably now that 20s are over I might get a chance to explore but my family lives here in Perth so I’m sure they’re going to show me around a few spots as the year goes on. I’m looking forward to actually having a look around the place.
What is the best thing you’ve learnt in the program so far?
Probably how much full time training can take a toll on your body and how important recovery is. So the whole aspect with nutrition, hydration and sleep and how important those factors actually come into it with being able to back up the next day and even that night. So definitely the recovery aspect is something that I’ve had to take on to keep going.
What do you think your biggest strengths are as a player?
I guess because I’m two meters tall I would say the line out is my strongest aspect. The ability to read the play and be able to call it, I would say that’s the strongest aspect of my game.
Which current international player do you look up to or you model your game on and why?
I haven’t necessarily modeled my game on him but Ben Daley is one. He actually went to my school and all throughout me being at school from year seven to year 12 he would stop in and actually do coaching clinics and stuff. He came up to me on the first day of being here and we didn’t have our Future Force kit yet and I was in an All Saints jersey, and he came up to me strait away and introduced himself. He actually didn’t recognise me from when he last saw me but he’s been unreal. He’s spoken to me a few times and given me some advice about training and recovery tips as well so he’s definitely been one of the ones who I’ve gotten to know quite well since being here.
What are your rugby goals for 2017 and ultimate career aspirations?
I guess for this season it would just be to have a crack at the club season and hopefully make that NRC side at the end of the year. Hopefully I’ll be training with the pros come next year and get another chance at the Aussie 20s. And then as an all-time-goal I would say to run out for the Western Force and the Wallabies one day.
Which Western Force player have and can you learn the most from at training or around the club?
I was able to speak to Adam Coleman when I came in for a pro session when they were short. He was quite helpful around the scrum side of things I was struggling with my bind and he came and sat down with me for a while so he’s been good. But I wouldn’t mind getting in and getting the chance to talk to the boys a little more, I think they’ve been a bit busy touring around a bit but hopefully as the year goes on I will have an opportunity to get to know them a bit more.
How has Steve Anderson’s coaching methods helped you develop since you arrived?
Really, really enjoying it. He loves pushing me to the limit. He keeps saying to all of us that he sees potential in all of us and I think he’s really pushing us to get there and succeed. He always makes sure that everything that we do is 100%, and if not we re-wind and go again until it is. It’s good to have someone there constantly pushing you and testing your limits.
What are your current pursuits outside of rugby?
I’m hoping to start second semester this year. I did do university last year but this year I’m looking to do Business and Sport Management because I like the idea of being a sport agent and actually representing players of my own. I’m planning on looking into it more as the year goes on so that’s probably something that I’ve taken an interest into.
What is your favourite thing to do on a day off?
Probably just relaxing to be honest, going to the beach with mates and just taking it easy. I wouldn’t mind actually getting around Perth and sightseeing. Yeah a bit boring but just hanging out with mates and family and taking it easy.
