Early this season he had that role in the West Coast team, but in the last couple of weeks has returned to the WAFL with East Perth and has worked on a few of the areas of his game that needed attention.
If the instruction was to close down a dangerous opposition forward then he performed that role with distinction when the Royals beat East Fremantle by 28 points at home on Saturday.
Bennell had the task of manning dangerous Sharks forward Brett Peake, nullifying the former Fremantle and St Kilda wingman with a disciplined performance and unwavering concentration in the first three quarters.
He was then thrust into the midfield in the final term and did all he could to propel the Royals to victory. He ignited the game, kicked one goal himself and set up three others as East Perth turned a three-point lead at the last change into a comfortable victory.
Young key forward Fraser McInnes was also a significant contributor, both up forward and as the ruck support for Paul Johnson. He had 17 possessions and took six marks, finishing off his work with three goals.
All of the other West Coast players performed their respective roles to good effect, the class of Sharrod Wellingham shining through in a 26-possession performance that should give him a shot of confidence.
Forward Josh Hill kicked two goals – and it could easily have been four or five – in an eye-catching performance where his defensive traits were as noticeable as his assaults on goal. Hill had 14 possessions and five tackles.
Jamie Cripps had 17 possessions and seven tackles, rounding off his day with a couple of goals while Malcolm Karpany was lively in the first quarter when he kicked two goals and created another. He had 16 possessions and the next phase of his development will be to sustain his output over four quarters.
Young utility player Dylan Main produced an outstanding 30-possession effort in the reserves, which also included eight marks and eight tackles, as he strives to force his way back into senior football. Playing as a half-forward and also running through the midfield he was ubiquitous from start to finish.
