ROSS Elliot medallist and South Mandurah local Blair Bell made an impressive return to WAFL-level football last weekend.
The former Falcons star took to the field for Peel Thunder’s league side for the first time since 2013 in a win over Claremont last Saturday.
Bell recorded 16 disposals and created plenty of scoring opportunities for himself, booting one goal and three behinds.
“It’s great to be back at the club – it’s a different speed and preparation than the local level but it’s good fun to be back,” Bell said.
“Playing forward felt really comfortable in the first game.”
It’s been an arduous road back to Peel’s league side for Bell after tearing his ACL in a Peel colts game in 2012.
He returned to the Thunder in 2013, debuting for the league team and playing four reserves games.
The talented prospect then had to juggle football with his work as a commercial fisherman.
“Work made it hard to commit to footy so it’s really good to be back out on the field,” he said.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and the coaches have been really good to me.”
Bell played three reserves games in 2014 before returning to South Mandurah for the 2015 season, helping the Falcons win the premiership and taking out the Peel Football League’s top honour.
He then played one reserves game before being selected for the league side in 2016.
Cementing his spot in the side has now become Bell’s main ambition.
“I just really want to establish myself as a regular league player and play at the WAFL level for as long as possible,” he said.
“I’ll keep doing my best to contribute to the side and help get more wins.”
Bell said taking to the field among experienced AFL players through the Peel-Fremantle affiliation was boosting his own game.
“It certainly helps having players like Matt de Boer and Nick Suban who have played around 100 games for Fremantle standing on the field with you,” he said.
“In a way it does sort of drive you to play better and make sure you keep your spot.”
Bell said the high morale around the team had made it an easy environment to step into.
“It was a good win last weekend and the side’s in the top three, so it’s really good at the moment,” he said.
“Everyone is really happy at the moment so hopefully that can translate to more good on-field performances.”
Peel Thunder plays Perth on Saturday at Bendigo Bank Stadium, 2.15pm.
