Harley a star in making
October 28, 2010: He’s back in the news for returning to the AFL via the Demons after a long run of injuries, but Harley Bennell was once dubbed the next big thing for the fledgling Gold Coast Suns.
WESTERN Australia’s dominance of recent national draft early selections is set to continue with Peel teenager Harley Bennell firmly on the Gold Coast’s radar as one of their top three picks.
The new club has already committed to East Fremantles David Swallow and he moved to Queensland to play for the Gold Coast’s VFL team this year.
Bennell and South Australian key forward Sam Day are favoured to join him when the draft is held in November. A quick ball-carrier with a penetrating kick, Bennell has been a standout player for Peel’s league team this year and also impressed during the recent AIS Academy tour of South Africa.
Often compared to North Melbourne’s Daniel Wells, WAFC high performance manager Craig Starcevich said Bennell was the ideal modern footballer.
“He’s as smooth as they come, kicks well and runs with the ball,” Starcevich said. “His first instinct is to get around his opponent, carry the ball 30m and then deliver it 50m. It makes him an 80m
player every time he gets the ball. He’s got that composure.
“The WAFL clubs are really starting to put some time into him now when they’re preparing to play against Peel because they don’t want him having any space with the ball.”
Bennell started 2010 in outstanding form for the Thunder, collecting 25 and 24 possessions in the opening two games before the South African tour.
He had less impact in the three games since returning to Australia but turned heads with a dominant display in a WA under-18 practice match last Saturday.
AIS Academy coach Jason McCartney said Bennell was a rare talent.
“I put a lot of high expectations on Harley and judge him harshly because I know what he can produce,” McCartney said.
“He’s very exciting. That’s what his game is about. Everything he does has an element of class. He’s got the ability to step straight into the AFL next year.”
HE’S AS SMOOTH AS THEY COME, KICKS WELL AND RUNS WITH THE BALL CRAIG STARCEVICH ON BENNELL