Former Gold Coast, Fremantle and Melbourne utility Harley Bennell still has dreams of returning to the AFL.
The 30-year-old last played at senior level with the Demons in 2020 but had his time cut short at the club after breaking AFL COVID protocols prior to his delisting.
While Bennell showed glimpses of immense potential across his 88 AFL games – particularly with the Suns from 2011 until 2015 – off-field indiscretions and injury never allowed him to reach his full potential.
Speaking to the West Australian, Bennell says he plans on reigniting those AFL dreams by making his way back to the top level through the VFL as he confirmed he’s currently “in talks” with an unnamed club.
“I’m heading off to Melbourne after this (NTFL) season to give it one more crack,” Bennell told The West Australian.
“I’m in talks with a VFL team at the moment, I won’t say who but I’m going to give it one more crack.
“I think coming up here was the best thing for me, I’ve only been up here for five months but it’s been a life-changing experience.”
Since departing Melbourne, Bennell has been plying his trade for the Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL while working at Tiwi College.
Bennell credits his move to 60km north of Darwin as life-changing as he continues to grow both on and off-field.
“I’m absolutely loving it, it’s probably one of the best moves I’ve ever done,” Bennell said on his move north.
“I’ve met some great people along the way, they’ve been outstanding for me and the support I’ve had up there has been amazing.
“I’m helping the young juniors in life, not just with footy. Myself and a couple of others at the club have had that AFL experience so whatever I’ve learnt along the way, I want to pass on to those boys and hopefully they can grow off me as well as me growing off them.
“The talent over there is unbelievable.”
Before his Tiwi move, Bennell last played for the Harvey Bulls in WA’s South West competition.