St Kilda rookie and son of West Coast great Drew Banfield, Charlie Banfield, has been involved in a camping accident that saw his friend run over while on a trip in Western Australia last weekend.
The 19-year-old West Aussie was part of a group of mates camping on a rural property in Yallingup in the State’s South-West when the Saint decided to move his car.
However, during the attempt, a close friend of his was accidentally struck and required hospitalisation in an incident a source told the Herald Sun was “innocuous” and “purely accidental”.
Banfield’s friend has since been discharged from Fiona Stanley Hospital.
The two young men’s families are believed to be close and supporting each other after the ordeal.
No police or ambulances were involved in the incident, and it is believed there will be no legal action.
WA Police have received no further reports relating to the incident.
Fellow St Kilda player Alix Tauru was also reportedly on the trip, and the club was informed of the incident.
“The St Kilda Football Club is aware of an incident involving Charlie Banfield on a rural private property in Western Australia,” St Kilda told the Herald Sun on Monday night.
“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.”
Banfield was taken with pick 41 in the 2025 national draft after West Coast declined to match the bid under the father-son rule.
He played three games in his debut AFL season.
His dad was a dual West Coast premiership player, while his mum, Amber Banfield, spent six years on the board of the West Australian Football Commission.