Overlooked in the 2016 AFL draft, Banfield played for Claremont in the West Australian Football League (WAFL), being a part of the Colts (WAFL) premiership side in 2015 and winning their 2017 best and fairest award.[1] He finished with 22 WAFL games for Claremont. He was then selected by Fremantle with their first selection, fifth overall, in the 2018 AFL rookie draft.[2]
Banfield made his AFL debut for Fremantle in the opening round of the 2018 AFL season after a series of impressive pre-season games.[3] He signed a two-year contract extension during the season, tying him to Fremantle until 2020.
Banfield was elevated to Fremantle's senior list in 2019.[4] Banfield had a standout performance during round 12 of the 2022 AFL season kicking a career-high four goals during Fremantle's 14 point win over the Brisbane Lions.[5]
Banfield was named on the interchange bench for Fremantle's opening game of the 2024 AFL season against the Brisbane Lions. He kicked Fremantle's first goal of the game as well as collecting 14 disposals during the 23 point come from behind win.[6] He was impactful the next week against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium collecting 18 disposals and kicking two goals. His fine form throughout the season saw him ranked above average in almost every statistic. As of April 18th 2024, he was ranked the third best wingman in the league by Champion Data.[7] He primarily plays as a high forward but can seamlessly switch to the wing, providing strong support and run. After attracting interest from several Melbourne based clubs due to entering 2024 as an unrestricted free agent, Banfield signed a two-year extension to remain at the Dockers until at least 2026.[8]
Personal life
In October 2023, Banfield announced his engagement to Julia Edwards.[9]
^The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
^2022 statistics include five games when Banfield was used as the substitute (round 3, 6, 11, 16 & 22) and five games when Banfield wasn’t used as the substitute (rounds 4, 7, 20, Finals Week 1 & Semi Final).
^2023 statistics include a game when Banfield was substituted out (round 13).