A camping trip gone wrong in Western Australia has seen St Kilda youngster Charlie Banfield accidentally run over a close friend when attempting to move a car.
It is understood that the Saints player, 19, was part of a group of mates who were camping on a rural property in Yallingup, near Margaret River in the state’s south-west, when an attempt to slowly move his car resulted in a close friend being accidentally struck and requiring hospitalisation.
The friend was hospitalised with broken bones in the “innocuous” and “purely accidental” incident that one source told this masthead “could have been so much worse”.
The families of the two young men – with Banfield’s parents Amber and Drew iconic WA football figures – are understood to be extremely close and are supporting one another following the incident that occurred last weekend and that no legal action looms.
St Kilda was informed immediately of what had occurred.
Teammate Alix Tauru was also understood to have been part of the trip.
No emergency services were called and WA Police have received no further report relating to the incident.
Banfield, who was drafted with pick 41 in the 2025 draft, played three AFL games this season and is being supported by the club.
“The St Kilda Football Club is aware of an incident involving Charlie Banfield on a rural private property in Western Australia,” the club told this masthead in a statement 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.”