Ben Jepson in action during the VFL Grand Final between Southport and Werribee. Picture: AFL Photos

Ben Jepson is an AFL player.

And the renaissance and value of the Smithy’s VFL’s standalone clubs have another undeniable example.

Two brilliant seasons at State League level and a brave move interstate have paid the ultimate dividend for Jepson, who on Thursday won the last spot on the Gold Coast Suns’ AFL list as a supplementary selection period signing.

Jepson, who turned 23 in October, was invited to train with the Suns over the summer following an exceptional 2024 campaign across half back for Southport, where he helped steer the Sharks to the Smithy’s VFL Grand Final.

He won the last spot on the Suns’ AFL list ahead of delisted livewire and VFL best and fairest winner Hewago Oea, who has signed with the Sharks as he chases a second chance at AFL level.

Jepson joins Werribee pair Riley Bice and Aidan Johnson, Richmond’s Sam Davidson and a host of Northern and Next Generation Academy talent as VFL-listed players to be selected by AFL clubs since the end of the 2024 season.

He becomes the first Shark to be promoted to an AFL list since they joined the Smithy’s VFL in 2021 and joins stars Adam Saad and Robbie Fox as recent Coburg players to make it to the top level.

Southport’s general manager of football operations Jarrod Field told the Sharks’ website that the club was thrilled for Jepson.

“We are really happy for Ben. He has worked so hard for this opportunity and thoroughly deserves it,” Field said.

“We strive to be a pathway for players who have missed out on getting drafted as an 18-year-old but still have the dream of making the AFL.

“Ben moved up from Melbourne in pursuit of that dream (and) after just one year in our VFL program he has achieved his goal by signing with the Suns.

“Although, we will miss having him play for us this year, we wish him all the best and hope to see him make his AFL debut soon.”

Coburg also showed its pride in Jepson’s signing on their X page, posting: “Ben’s time at Coburg before moving to Southport was marked by hard work, dedication and mateship, culminating in his well-deserved 2023 Jim Sullivan Medal win.”

Jepson’s move to Queensland at the end of 2023 was seen as a major shock after he dominated that season for Coburg, winning the Lions’ top honour, the Jim O’Sullivan Medal.

He went on to be an indispensable part of the Sharks’ charge to their second Grand Final in three years, playing all 22 matches during the 2024 season and averaging 24.7 disposals at a remarkable 82.2 per cent efficiency, 5.8 marks and 5.2 rebounds.

He finished second to superstar midfielder Boyd Woodcock in the Doc Mackenzie Medal and contributed a solid 18 touches and eight rebounds to be among his team’s best players in the thrilling Grand Final loss to Werribee to secure his invite from the Suns.

His efforts for Coburg in 2023 and red-hot form early in the 2024 season for Southport saw him selected in the Smithy’s VFL State team, where he had 19 disposals and five tackles in the defeat to the SANFL at Stratarama Stadium during AFL Gather Round.

Jepson played junior football with Camberwell before representing Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League (now Coates Talent League) and Carey Grammar at school football. He also played senior footy with Old Carey Grammarians in the VAFA prior to becoming a permanent fixture in Coburg’s VFL team.

Jepson joins the Gold Coast Suns after 61 VFL matches (39 with Coburg, 22 with Southport) heading into the prime of his career and capable of making an immediate impact.