Stepping into the limelight with skill and grit, Ben Hobbs has made a mark in the AFL as a rising midfield star for the Essendon Bombers. Fans look up to Hobbs not just for his on-field talent but also for his inspiring work ethic and character.
In this article, you will get a full view of Ben Hobbs’ net worth, career earnings, contract, career overview, stats, his personal life, and more.
Ben Hobbs’ Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ben Hobbs |
| Date of Birth | 16 September 2003 |
| Age | 21 |
| Education | Ballarat Clarendon College |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 183cm (6’0″) |
| Weight | 80kg |
| Turned Pro | 2022 (AFL debut with Essendon) |
| Current Club | Essendon Bombers |
| AFL Jumper Number | 8 |
| Contract Until | End of 2025 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $800,000 |
| Salary | Estimated $325,000 |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Ben Hobbs started his football journey in the Victorian country town of Horsham, playing junior football with the Horsham Demons. His talent showed early when he won a Wimmera Football League premiership with the Horsham Demons at just 15 years old in 2018, where he was awarded the best player under 21 in the game.
Growing up on a farm about an hour from Horsham, Hobbs lived a typical country lifestyle that included being outdoors, swimming in the river, and riding motorbikes. His football development continued when he moved to Ballarat Clarendon College as a boarder, where he honed his skills further.
Hobbs’ competitive nature extended beyond football, as shown when he took up golf during the COVID-19 lockdown and quickly achieved a handicap under 15 after starting with barely any experience.
His dedication to excellence in everything he tried became a defining characteristic. During his time with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the NAB League, Hobbs showcased his ball-winning ability and leadership qualities.
An ankle injury in April 2021 threatened to derail his draft year, requiring surgery and a nine-week layoff, but he returned with a dominant performance of 34 disposals, two goals, and nine tackles resilience and work ethic during this setback impressed recruiters, and he finished the season strongly, averaging 28.5 disposals, 5.8 clearances, and 5.5 tackles from his four full NAB League games.
Professional Career
Ben Hobbs made his AFL debut for Essendon in round 5 of the 2022 season against Fremantle, quickly establishing himself as a promising young midfielder.
His debut season proved impressive, playing 17 games and earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round 14 after a standout performance against St Kilda, where he collected 22 disposals, five marks, and eight score involvements.
Hobbs became the second Bomber to receive a Rising Star nomination that year, following teammate Nic Martin. His rookie season statistics showed his immediate impact, averaging 14.4 disposals per game with strong defensive pressure.
The 2023 season marked Hobbs’ breakthrough year, playing 18 games and significantly improving his output to average 19.7 disposals per game. His development as a midfielder was evident as he increased his clearance work and became more influential in Essendon’s engine room.
However, the 2024 season presented challenges for Hobbs, with limited opportunities due to Essendon’s deep midfield stocks. He played only 12 games, averaging 12.5 disposals, as he found himself behind established midfielders like Sam Durham, Jye Caldwell, and Dylan Shiel in the pecking order.
Despite strong VFL form throughout 2024, Hobbs struggled to maintain consistent AFL selection.
Ben Hobbs’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Ben Hobbs’ net worth is estimated at approximately $800,000. This figure comes from his AFL salaries, bonuses, and minor endorsements.
Contract
Hobbs is currently contracted with the Essendon Bombers until the end of the 2025 AFL season. He secured a two-year extension in 2023, reflecting his increasing value to the team.
His contract is performance-based, in line with young player contracts, and positions him as a core part of the Bombers’ future. There have been trade speculations, but as of now, Hobbs remains loyal to Essendon.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Ben Hobbs’ estimated AFL salary sits at around $325,000. This figure considers his experience, his recent two-year contract extension, and his role as a regular first-team player. His salary reflects solid growth from his entry-level deal as a draftee.
Career Earnings
| Season | Club | Estimated Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Essendon Bombers | $120,000 |
| 2023 | Essendon Bombers | $220,000 |
| 2024 | Essendon Bombers | $275,000 |
| 2025 | Essendon Bombers | $325,000 |
| Total | $940,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Games | Goals | Disposals | Kicks | Marks | Handballs | Avg. Disposals | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 17 | 8 | 245 | 121 | 60 | 124 | 14.4 | 43 |
| 2023 | 18 | 6 | 354 | 195 | 72 | 159 | 19.7 | 73 |
| 2024 | 12 | 2 | 150 | 77 | 25 | 73 | 12.5 | 35 |
| Totals | 47 | 16 | 749 | 393 | 157 | 356 | 16.0 | 151 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ben Hobbs and what sport does he play?
Ben Hobbs is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He began his AFL career after being drafted as Essendon’s top pick in the 2021 draft.
2. What are some of Hobbs’s notable achievements in his football career?
Hobbs played 47 games with the Essendon Bombers between 2022 and 2024, scoring 16 goals. He quickly became known as a tough midfielder and earned a Rising Star nomination in his debut season for his outstanding performance.
3. Where did Ben Hobbs grow up and what is his educational background?
He grew up in Horsham, Victoria, and played local football with the Horsham Demons. Hobbs attended Ballarat Clarendon College as a boarder, which helped shape his football journey and provided academic support.
4. What are some personal interests and favorite activities of Ben Hobbs?
Hobbs enjoys playing golf, watching the LA Lakers, and spending time on the beach with friends after a good game. He likes watching TV series such as “Euphoria” and has a keen interest in cooking, particularly steak.
5. How do coaches and commentators describe Hobbs’s playing style and influence for Essendon?
Coaches and commentators often mention that Hobbs’s relentless tackling, ball-winning ability, and leadership skills set him apart. His commitment to hard work on and off the field has made him an important player for Essendon’s future.
