Having to prove himself in the NEAFL first, Ben King came in to make his AFL debut in Round 9 against Port Adelaide. It wasn’t his day in the wet conditions, but the key forward went on to play every game for the remainder of the season to reach 14 for the year. After starting the year in defence, King proved his aptitude when swung forward in the NEAFL, impressing with his leading skills and contested marking. Those skills translated well at AFL level, with King earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination and Mark of the Year nomination in Round 19 after booting four goals.