The 20-year-old Western Australian played a pivotal role in the last QClash when the two sides met in Round 3 at Metricon Stadium finishing with 27 touches and three goals in a vintage wet weather performance.
In his first appearance since sustaining a hamstring injury against the Western Bulldogs in Round 8, GC SUNS development coach Andrew Johnston told goldcoastfc.com.au Bennell gradually eased his way into the contest against the NT Thunder after starting on the wing.
“He started a bit slower after having four weeks off but as the game went on his workrate increased a bit more which was good,” said Johnston.
“He played around 80% of the game and he’ll certainly be better for the run under his belt if he is to go out and play senior footy against the Lions this week.”
But whether or not the elite on-baller would be thrust back into senior action after missing five weeks of senior football would be determined by the GC SUNS match committee.
“He’s been out for a while but showed some patches where he was good,” said Johnston.
“Whether or not he is AFL fit is the question, and that call will eventually be made by the match committee.”
