Western Force fly-half Ben Donaldson has applauded the Club’s coaching staff for bringing out the best in him after claiming the 2024 Nathan Sharpe medal at Friday’s Awards Night at The Westin.
Donaldson was crowned the top Force player for 2024 after an outstanding debut campaign for the Club following his move from the NSW Waratahs, starting every game bar one at fly-half, where his playmaking ability shone with ball in hand and his boot.
The versatile back, who was settled at fly-half at the Force in 2024, was dangerous with ball in hand, scoring two tries, leading the Force for defenders beaten (31) while he had the second most carries in the team (84) and the second most metres gained (525).
Donaldson’s kicking game was excellent too, leasing Super Rugby Pacific for kicks in play (136) and kicking metres (5,444), while he was deadly off the tee, finishing third overall in the league for points (111 with two tries) and fourth overall for goals (42 goals at 76.4% accuracy).
“I moved over here from Sydney late last year. It was a big move for myself,” Donaldson said.
“Moving over here with Crono backing me, the boys backing me, it gave me a lot of confidence and belief in myself to play my brand of footy this year and help steer the boys around the field this year. To receive this off a decent year is really rewarding.”
Donaldson, who was part of the Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup campaign where he played at both fly-half and full-back, was pressed further on the reasons behind his strong 2024 season.
“Honestly I think it’s just playing every single game this year in the number 10 jersey,” he said.
“The past couple of years I’ve played 10, played full-back, been on the bench, been dropped, been in and out.
“I think just getting the backing from Crono, Oz and the coaching staff to be the 10 every week has really helped me gain a bit of confidence and I guess lead the team and know that you’re leading the team around every week.
“Once you get a little bit of confidence you start playing well, you start enjoying your footy, that’s what I did this year. I just tried to enjoy my footy with some of my best mates. It was an awesome year.”
Inaugural Force captain and 116-cap Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe was on hand to present his namesake medal to Donaldson.
The medal is voted by players on a 3-2-1 basis after every game and Donaldson was blown away by the recognition from his peers.
“It feels awesome. Obviously to be voted by your peers and teammates who you’re with all year round, training every day, it’s an awesome privilege to receive this,” said Donaldson, who lives with teammates Jeremy Williams and Will Harris.
“To be recognized by them is very special. I’ve got some best mates in there. Honestly, I’m a little bit speechless, I didn’t really expect this, it’s a special time for me.”
Donaldson won the medal with 224 votes, finishing ahead of Bayley Kuenzle (200), Hamish Stewart (168), Carlo Tizzano (143) and Reed Prinsep (139).
“I was shocked. Guys like Bayley, Hamish, Carlo, Reed Prinsep, I could mention many more boys, they all had exceptional years,” Donaldson said.
“It could’ve gone to anyone, so I wasn’t really expecting it. I just came here tonight to have a good time with everyone, see all the boys and coaches again (following Wallabies duty).
“To see the leaderboard and my name at the top was awesome. Bit of a surprise but it’s a great honour. I’m very happy and honoured to be awarded it.”
