Ben Kinnear

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**Ben Kinnear**
Personal information

Birth	February 27, 1979(1979-02-27),
Recruited from	Central District (SANFL)
Death	29 June 2007,
Playing career¹
Debut	Round 9, May 24, 1998, Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide, at Football Park
Team(s)	Collingwood (1998-2004) 50 games, 11 goals
¹ Statistics to end of 2005 season
Career highlights

Ben Kinnear (born February 27, 1979) is a former Australian footballer who played in the Australian Football League.

Debuting in 1998, Kinnear was selected with pick 56 in the 1997 AFL Draft by the Collingwood Football Club and was touted as a key forward.

He had a breakthrough period in 2000-01 which saw him somewhat live up to potential as a key-position player. He could play as a mobile forward, with good hands and had height, and was retained on the list. 2002 however saw him only play one game, after an infamous pass across the face of goal against Carlton, similar to Luke Ablett in the 2005 Grand Final. Playing most of his years with the Williamstown Seagulls, he fought back in the side in 2003 on several occasions, but a serious ankle injury against Richmond saw him stretchered off the ground, and looked like the end of his career. However, 'bolt' was bought back in the side for the finals after he recovered and played in the 2003 Grand Final.

In 2004 he brought up his 50th game in his 7th season, but that was all he would play, prematurely retiring at the end of the season. He won the best and fairest with Lalor in 2005, and will take up a playing-Assistant coach role at the grassroots club for 2006.