The creative forward certainly repaid the faith shown in him after Guy McKenna’s Match Committee team gambled on the 20-year-old Western Australian, who had played just one week with the Reserves following his four-week stint on the sidelines as he nursed a hamstring injury.
Finishing with a team-high 28 touches and two goals for the afternoon, Bennell provided a much-needed spark around the centre clearances alongside David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara.
Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au immediately after the final siren, Bennell said it was disappointing not to bring home to four Premiership points after such strong build-up to the sixth bi-annual QCLASH.
“Unfortunately we weren’t able to come away with the win,” he said.
“We had plenty of opportunities around goals early, but we just weren’t able to make them pay on the scoreboard and you just can’t afford to not make the most of your opportunities against any team.”
And while it wasn’t the final result he was hoping for in his return to the Premiership football, the Gold Coaster said it was great to be back on the park alongside his teammates.
“It was good to be back out there but we just wanted to get a win and that was my focus going in to the match.”
“Unfortunately we weren’t able to do that, but we’ll definitely be out to make amends for it against Richmond in Cairns next week.”
The Gold Coasters will now begin their preparations to take on the premiership hopeful Tigers, and Bennell knows it won’t be easy as Damien Hardwick’s top eight contenders look to avoid a 3-0 whitewash in their third and final meet at Cazaly’s Stadium next week.
“We know how hungry the Tigers are going to be, and we need to be physical at every contest.”
