Harley Bennell is set to play his first AFL game in almost three years this weekend.
The immensely talented 27-year-old will debut for Melbourne in Saturday’s Round 2 clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium having last played at the elite level with Fremantle back in 2017.
Bennell has been plagued by calf injuries throughout his career with the Gold Coast Suns and Dockers but successful surgeries, plenty of hard work and the support of those around him have enabled him a third crack in the AFL.
So what kept Bennell coming back?
“My love of the game,” he simply said on SEN Breakfast.
“I’ve honestly loved the game of football since I was a young boy and just having that never give up mentality.”
Bennell also spoke of some special people around him, highlighting his mum Kayleen, daughter Carter and partner Amy.
“I’ve got a beautiful mother who never gave up on her nine kids, single mum, I think I gained it from her so I’m pretty lucky,” he added.
“She’s been there for the ride and she knows what I’ve been through. It’s going to be a fairy tale story hopefully.
“She’s (Carter) changed my life. She’s the reason why I’m still here in the game and doing what I do.
“Amy’s been great for her. She allows me to go to training. She does everything for Carter.
“We are loving it, we are loving Melbourne and the boys around the footy club have welcomed us with open arms.”
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The 83-game midfielder/forward also reserved some special words for his coach and mentor at the Dockers, Ross Lyon, as well as his current coach Simon Goodwin.
“You’ve got to have good people around you. Obviously I had Ross back home to lean on and here I’ve got Goody,” he said further.
“He’s (Lyon) been great, he’s been with me on the journey. We stay in touch basically every day.
“He’s like my life coach and Goody’s my footy coach. I see Goody as a father-figure to me.”
As he prepares to return to an AFL field for the first time in 1021 days with the Demons, Bennell is confident his body is in prime condition after years of struggles.
“I was talking to Gawny (Max Gawn) the other day about it. Over this whole COVID-19 thing, I’ve trained at a high intensity which I haven’t been able to do in a very long time,” he said.
“I’ve had four or five (full) years off playing AFL footy so I feel like I’m back to 2013, 2014.
“I’m bouncing out of my skin but we’ll see how we go on Saturday.”