Since Ben Woodburn made the move in 2022 from Northern Victoria to the Gold Coast, he has become one of the key midfielders not only for his club Surfers Paradise but in the TPIL Lawyers QAFL competition.
Image: Ben Woodburn playing for Surfers Paradise in 2025
In the process, he has found a neat work-life balance with his burgeoning real estate career.
The obvious question is: how does he get to play the game he loves on a Saturday with the focal point of real estate business being on the same day?
Woodburn says it is all down to a very supportive boss – Brad Scott (no not that one!) the key principal of Smart Real Estate based in Southport.
“Brad is very understanding and also a major sponsor of the club which naturally helps,” said Woodburn during the week.
"I work Monday to Saturday and if it is a match day it allows to me to not think too much about the game later until I need to. Brad has helped teach me to compartmentalise my work-life balance.”
Image: Ben Woodburn with Surfers Paradise leadership, in front of a sold property by Smart Real Estate.
It has obviously worked as Woodburn has steadily improved in his role as an inside mid and been recognised for his ability by winning the Demons best and fairest (Simon Fenton Medallist) the last two years and representing the Queensland state team in 2025.
Image: Ben Woodburn part of the Queensland Representative Team in 2025
Although when the matches are in Brisbane the traffic can cause issues as we know, and one match last year he did not appear until 30 minutes before the first bounce!
The 22-year-old also admitted he is not a big eater on game days sticking to the usual routine of “egg soldiers” and yoghurt!
It is a far cry from when he first arrived on the coast straight out of school and from the Yarrawonga Pigeons Junior Football Club.
Image: Ben Woodburn playing for the Yarrawonga Pigeons Junior Football Club.
One of his first jobs was building concrete water tanks for former Surfers legend and ruckman Matt Green.
Part of the job was painting them white and putting logos on the tanks.
“One day I was climbing the ladder and spilt the paint all over myself” laughed Woodburn conceding he was not destined too long in that line of work.
The focus of course now turns to football and Round One of the TPIL Lawyers QAFL where the Demons have an eagerley awaited re-match on Saturday against their Grand Final conquerors Redland-Victoria Point, at Totally Workwear Park.
“Unfortunately we were not at our best and probably did not handle the conditions as well but the opposition on the day were too good,” lamented Woodburn about last years finale.
He conceded the influence of Sharks goalkicking machine Matt Hammelman (who kicked the first seven goals of the match) and losing close Surfers teammate Lucas Snowball to a headknock in the first quarter did not help.
Image: Surfers Paradise's 2025 Grand Final team
“Our (premiership) window is still open and we are getting better. We have a chip on our shoulder being so close last year and a lot of guys have made a lot of sacrifices over the pre-season to achieve the ultimate goal.”
Woodburn was having a beneficial pre-season before suffering a slight setback but is back on track in readiness for this season.
Image: Ben Woodburn part of the 2025 TPIL Lawyers QAFL Team of the Year
The key midfielder also praising senior coach Sammy Dwyer - his second year in the role - for the teams' approach to 2026 creating a positive team culture and declaring “a few fixtures have been circled.”
Despite losing a few players from 2025, Woodburn believes the club has more than compensated those absentees with additions such as former Gold Coast SUNS skipper and fan favourite David Swallow.
“He is a great role model and when he speaks, we listen,” Woodburn said glowingly of the new signing.
“He (Swallow) has been a big help with my role and structure as an inside mid.”
Other players the midfielder is excited about include ex-Werribee and North Albury product Josh Minogue and Lochie Simpson's arrival from the now-defunct VFL outfit the Preston Bullants.
Rory Tarlington has moved down to the Gold Coast from Aspley to help strengthen the backline while Woodburn believes Josh Niass is set for a breakout year.
Long time servant Matt Doran has taken over the captaincy, while gun utility Hugh Greenwood will play some QAFL matches, as he has coaching commitments with the Gold Coast Suns VFL team.
Ben's older brother Will is also a Surfers player and the younger sibling is hoping they can play alongside each other on a regular basis in the senior team.
One aspect the younger Woodburn noted is the pace and growth of the game since he arrived from country Victoria due to the success of the Brisbane Lions and the mergence of the Suns in the AFL.
“South-East Queensland has become a real destination for interstate players,” observed Woodburn enthusiastically.
“Interest in Aussie Rules has increased dramatically as has the pace of the game. It took me over a season to adjust.”
As far as his own aspirations are concerned, Woodburn is more than content with his current situation with some unfinished business on the horizon.
“Surfers got me the job and have been so supportive so I owe them a premiership after being so close.” he said.
There is another item missing off his list since moving from Victoria and that is a visit to the nearby northern NSW river town that carries his surname – Woodburn. Maybe some real estate opportunities will arise to make a name for himself there as well!