The West Coast Eagles today rounded out its 2013 playing roster, securing a developing tall forward and a lively utility player who venture to Patersons Stadium after detoured journeys.
Callum Sinclair, a tall forward originally from Melbourne, and former Bunbury boy Jamie Bennell each made their way to the club via today’s AFL rookie draft.
Bennell, selected with pick 35 in the AFL National Draft in 2008, played 53 games for Melbourne before being delisted this season. The 22-year-old is currently mid-way through the recovery phase of a knee reconstruction.
Sinclair, who thought he was ‘down and out’ 12 months ago when he missed selection in the Port Melbourne team for the VFL grand final, moved west at the start of last season and played with Subiaco. It was a decision he contemplated for some time before committing to shift to WA, but that gamble reaped the highest possible reward today.
“I can’t really believe it,” said the 199cm Sinclair. “The internet is down at home, so I was down at the shop getting something to eat when my phone started to go off. One of the text messages from a mate said ‘West Coast Eagles’ so I started to think I might have been drafted.
“It was the intention when I came over here, to get a fresh start with my footy, and try to get an opportunity with an AFL club.
“From the disappointment of missing out on the grand final with Port Melbourne last year, things have turned around pretty quickly. I thought I was down and out, so I am very grateful for the opportunity and just want to get stuck into it.”
Sinclair made his way to WA on the recommendation of former Port Melbourne teammate Patrick Hassett, who had already enjoyed a season with Subiaco.
“The club then got in touch with me and I pretty much jumped on a plane to give it a go.”
Sinclair, 23, has just completed a degree in sports management and lives just a short torpedo from his new football home.
Bennell has remained in Melbourne after being delisted by the Demons, but will be heading home as soon as possible, with his fiancée Stephanie.
“I followed the draft online and I knew West Coast were interested,” Bennell said.
“It’s great to get another opportunity and I am really looking forward to it.
“I am about five months down the rehabilitation path after a reconstruction on my left knee, and after training on my own it will be good to get into a professional environment.
“My fiancée is a graphic designer and we have bought a house in Ringwood (Melbourne), so we will have to find some tenants and try to get Stephanie a transfer. We kept her boss in the loop on this and he said he might be able to help with a job in Perth.”
Bennell has always been rated highly by the West Coast recruiting staff and was on the club’s radar before he was snared by Melbourne in the 2008 ballot.
