After a year out of the game, Mandurah product Harley Bennell is champing at the bit to get back into AFL footy.
Bennell is yet to pull on the Freo jersey after a being traded from the Gold Coast Suns at the end of the 2015 season.
The 2010 number two draft pick injured his calf playing for Peel Thunder in round 1 of the 2016 WAFL season, seeing the young midfielder ruled out for the year.
The 24-year-old isn’t due back until the November 21 with his fellow five-plus year players, but that didn’t stop Bennell from shaping up for training off his own bat.
“My offseason was really good but I’ve been back for the last two weeks now,” Bennell said.
“My body feels good and the mind feels good. I’m feeling fresh.
“I had, well not a bad season, but injury-wise 2016 wasn’t so good so I’m just coming in to get the body right, get the legs ticking over and ready for a big season in 2017.
“I’m hungrier than ever.”
In 2015, Bennell averaged career high averages in clearances, inside 50s and contested possessions, and is seen as a virtual new recruit alongside some other new faces at Fremantle, including Bradley Hill, Cam McCarthy, Shane Kersten and Joel Hamling.
Hill and Kersten joined Bennell in training alongside McCarthy, who is a part of the one to four year group.
“It’s really good to see Brad, Cam and Kersto out there training with the boys,” Bennell said.
“We’re all really looking forward to a big 2017. Having Brad playing with his brother, he’ll give us some drive off the wing.
“I played state 18s with Kersto and along with Cam as well. He’s got some powerful legs so hopefully, they can kick some goals for us.”
