Belle Dawes’ rise in the AFLW is a story of talent, grit and the kind of mentorship that doesn’t just shape athletes; it also shapes people. At the centre of this journey is Belle’s enduring bond with her coach, Ben. Their connection, which is rooted in mutual respect and unwavering support, shows what happens when belief and guidance combine with raw potential.
Where it all started
Belle and Ben, who’s also a schoolteacher, met as a result of an introduction by one of Ben’s students. “I had a student who introduced me to Belle. He said, ‘She’s an up-and-coming star of the AFLW. You should train her.’ He was the one who first put us in contact,” Ben says.
Belle was sceptical at first when she received a message from Ben. “I’m like, who’s this guy?” she laughs. But once she heard he’d trained former AFL star, Noah Cumberland, she gave it a shot. One session with Ben and she was hooked. “I was just blown away. I hadn't been taught how to break down a kicking technique, and we hit it off with our connection.”
Ben remembers the moment he saw Belle’s hunger for the game: “When you train an athlete, you can see it in their eyes,” he says. “I could see she was hungry, and she wanted success. Belle has this aura and energy about her that I hadn’t seen before.” Belle felt it, too: “I was so responsive to his feedback, and he helped me get so much better.” What began as a coach and player transactional relationship quickly deepened into something longer-lasting.
Coach, mentor, teacher, friend
Ben’s background as a teacher shapes his coaching style. “Teaching is coaching and vice versa,” he explains. This perspective has rubbed off on Belle: “You've inspired me to start teaching as well and helping guide people to their dreams,” she adds.
Since those early days, their relationship has become a cornerstone of Belle’s life. “He’s my coach, mentor and friend, and also a kind of father figure,” she says. “Our relationship is so strong, and that’s what makes the footy so great.”
Growth on and off the field
Ben has watched Belle evolve over time, to her current success as a leading player with the Brisbane Lions. “She’s become more mature, but who she is hasn't changed at all. She’s always trying to be a better person by reading, listening and asking mentors for advice.” Belle recognises that it’s the people in her life, like Ben, who constantly support and push her to be the best version of herself. This inspires her to keep growing.
Much of Belle’s drive stems from her upbringing. Ben gives credit to Belle’s older brother, Grant, for getting her to where she is and instilling competitiveness and toughness in her.
“She grew up with an older brother, where they were constantly wrestling and tackling,” Ben explains. Her mother also played, and continues to play, a significant role. “My mum is my biggest fan. I could have the worst game, and she’d still call me a superstar,” Belle says.
Hard work behind the highlights
Ben praises Belle’s work ethic above all. “She works harder than anyone I’ve seen. The things she does while no one's watching prove that she's willing to do whatever it takes.”
Belle shares how all these extra efforts fuel her game-day confidence. “We had our prelim this year, and I was doing my goal kicking before the game. All the sessions that we'd done throughout the season flashed through my mind, and it helped me feel so ready,” she explains.
Ben’s proudest moments aren’t just Belle’s wins but also how she plays. “She’s the best teammate in the AFLW, and that's what I'm most proud of,” he says. Belle attributes this to the Brisbane Lions’ culture: “They’re big on what makes a teammate great: being reliable, not remarkable.”
Moments that matter
From special gifts, such as a customised black-and-white coach’s football from Belle to Ben, to tough training sessions on the beach that ended in tears, every moment has meaning. “I try to push Belle to her limits,” Ben says. Belle nods, “You did push me to that next zone,” she agrees.
They both see the value in setbacks. Grand final losses hurt, but they’ve learned to look at things through a different lens. “From a broader life perspective, there’s always more going on,” Ben explains. Belle adds, “We’re positive no matter what, and we try to move on.”
A lasting legacy
Ben defines their relationship simply: “I’m her mentor, coach, friend and her number 1 fan.” Belle echoes it back, smiling: “I’m Belle Dawes, and Ben is my number 1 fan.”
They’ve built something bigger than wins and stats. Belle is shaping the next generation by inspiring young female players and helping grow the women’s game. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t met Ben,” she says. “I know he’s always believed in me.”
As Belle continues to chase greatness, she does so with a full heart, a clear purpose and a mentor who will always be in her corner.
