Ben Warland

Benjamin Warland
Born	(1996-09-04) September 4, 1996 Gawler, South Australia, Australia
Occupation	Professional footballer
Years active	2013–present
Known for	Central defender for Brisbane Roar

Benjamin Andrew Warland (born 4 September 1996) is a professional Australian footballer who serves as a central defender for Brisbane Roar.

Early and personal life

Born in Gawler, South Australia, Warland grew up in a sporting family; his father was an Australian rules football player with Gawler Central Football Club. Although initially encouraged to pursue Aussie rules, Warland chose to begin his soccer journey with the Gawler Eagles at the under-6 level. His development continued through stints at Adelaide City and Campbelltown City before he advanced to the AIS academy at age 14. He is married to Olivia Warland (née Alarcón) and they have two children: a daughter born in December 2021 and a son born in November 2023.

Adelaide United

In August 2013, Warland received an invitation from Adelaide United to train with their senior squad. Shortly thereafter, in September 2013, coach Josep Gombau secured his services on a two-year deal, with Warland officially joining the team the following season. Throughout 2015, he competed with Adelaide United Youth in both the A-League Youth and the National Premier Leagues South Australia competitions.

Warland’s first appearance for the senior team came on 25 April 2015 during a 4–1 league victory against Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium. Following the conclusion of the 2014–15 A-League season, he continued with the Youth squad and extended his contract by two years in November 2015. His first start for the senior side occurred on 25 February 2017 in a 2–1 defeat to rivals Melbourne Victory.

An injury to his thigh sustained while on international duty caused Warland to miss the pre-season leading into 2017–18. He returned as a substitute during the FFA Cup semi-final on 24 October 2017, helping secure a 2–1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Subsequently, he started in the FFA Cup final after Ersan Gülüm was sidelined with injury; Adelaide United finished as runners-up following a 2–1 loss to Sydney FC. Due to limited opportunities for first-team appearances, Warland requested and was granted release from Adelaide United in January 2018.

Sydney FC

Following his release, Warland committed to Sydney FC by signing a contract lasting one and a half years. He made his first appearance as a substitute on 13 March 2018 during a goalless draw with Kashima Antlers in the AFC Champions League. Just four days afterward, Warland debuted in the A-League, coming off the bench in a 2–1 defeat to Brisbane Roar. He again featured as a substitute in a 3–2 victory over Perth Glory, contributing to Sydney FC securing their second straight Premiership title.

Warland netted his inaugural professional goal on 1 August 2018, helping Sydney FC to a 4–2 cup win against Rockdale City Suns. However, a month later, he sustained a foot injury during training that sidelined him for three months, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2018 FFA Cup run. Sydney FC eventually lost the final to his former team, Adelaide United. Despite this setback, Warland extended his contract by two years in October 2018. In November of that year, Jacob Tratt was brought in as a short-term replacement due to Warland’s injury. Warland made his comeback on 19 January 2019 but unfortunately suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on 17 March 2019, necessitating surgery and an estimated year-long recovery.

While he was undergoing rehabilitation, Sydney FC clinched the 2019 A-League Grand Final via penalties against Perth Glory. Although named among the substitutes in February 2020, Warland did not take part in any matches and missed the entire 2019–20 season. He recommenced full training in June 2020 and returned to competitive play on 19 November 2020 during an AFC Champions League fixture versus Shanghai Port. On 22 January 2021, Warland accidentally scored an own goal in a 2–0 defeat to Central Coast Mariners, marking Sydney FC’s first loss to them in seven years. In February 2021, he secured a two-year contract extension and participated in the 2021 A-League Grand Final against Melbourne City. Warland’s tenure with Sydney FC concluded when he was released in June 2022.

Return to Adelaide United

Warland rejoined Adelaide United from Sydney FC in June 2022 by signing a two-year contract. After completing this period, he was released in May 2023 upon contract expiration, having made 33 league appearances and scored three goals during his second spell at the club.

Honours

Sydney FC

• A-League Premiership: 2017–18, 2019–20
• A-League Championship: 2019, 2020