Source : ABC NEWS
St Kilda AFL player Charlie Banfield accidentally ran over his close friend with a car on a private property in Western Australia earlier this month.
The ABC was contacted by two separate sources who said the accident occurred at a party at a rural property in Yallingup, in the state’s south-west.
The ABC has been told that the victim was hospitalised with broken bones.
But despite the severity of the injuries, the ABC understands emergency services were not called to the scene.
St Kilda confirmed the accident occurred and said in a statement: “The St Kilda Football Club is aware of an incident involving Charlie Banfield on a rural private property in Western Australia.
“Our thoughts are with Charlie and the injured individual, who we understand will make a swift and full recovery.
“The club has already spoken to Charlie about this incident and will continue to support him through the matter.”
It is understood the pair are close friends and no legal action would be taken against Banfield, as it was being treated as an accident.
A WA Police spokesperson said it had not received any reports regarding the incident, while St John Ambulance said it did not have a record of attending the area that night.
Charlie Banfield with his mother Amber and his father Drew ahead of him making his AFL debut in May. (Instagram: @stkildafc)
The 19-year-old midfielder grew up in WA and made his AFL debut this year.
The ABC contacted Banfield’s mother, Amber, who did not wish to comment.
Amber Banfield spent six years on the board of the West Australian Football Commission, while his father, Drew Banfield, was a two-time premiership player for the West Coast Eagles.
The teenager was picked up by the Saints after the Eagles decided not to match their bid in last year’s national draft.
Banfield was recruited from the Claremont Colts in the WAFL, winning the Mel Whinnen Medal as best on ground in the 2025 WAFL Colts Grand Final.
He was also vice-captain at his prestigious Perth private school, Scotch College.
The AFL has been contacted for comment.
