Harley Bennell suffers fresh injury setback as he seeks Melbourne lifeline
Former Docker Harley Bennell’s injury curse has struck again, throwing a dark cloud over his bid to revive his AFL career at Melbourne.
Melbourne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Melbourne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Harley Bennell has broken down with yet another calf injury.
Bennell this week strained his troublesome left calf as he auditions for a fresh contract with Melbourne.
While the tear is only understood to be minor, it’s a potentially devastating blow for the injury-cursed midfielder, who is clinging to the possibility of securing a Demons contract under pre-season supplemental selection period rules.
Melbourne has been conscious of gently easing Bennell into its summer program, but the former Docker has still struggled to adapt.
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
Bennell hasn’t been able to clock big kilometres during training sessions, nor train with any intensity.
The goalkicking onballer, 27, hasn’t played since 2017 and has managed only two senior games since 2015 due to an endless string of calf tears on both legs.
He flew to Germany in 2016 to consult world-leading expert Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wolfhart.
Last year he underwent two rounds of surgery in Brisbane with renowned Geelong-based sports physiotherapist Peter Stanton, which had the Bennell camp confident the answer had been found.
Melbourne high performance boss Darren Burgess had given Bennell a light fitness program before he joins the club.
Bennell, his partner Amy and their infant daughter Carter Ivy shifted to Melbourne in November for the pre-season campaign
“There’s a bit of nervousness, but I’m also excited to be in Melbourne,” he told the Herald Sun in November.
“I feel comfortable here. We think this is the right place to be. Hopefully it all works out.”
MORE AFL NEWS:
Star ruckman Nic Naitanui calls on WA government to change the date of Australia Day
Brandon Ellis chats about his move from Richmond to Gold Coast ahead of 2020 AFL season
Golden rules: The 23 do’s and don’ts of KFC SuperCoach AFL
Dyson Heppell discusses his new look, Essendon’s pre-season injury list and coaching succession plan
He also told the Herald Sun he had no qualms with Fremantle’s medical team, which failed to fix his injured legs.
“I did my four years there, we tried everything, but I just needed a fresh start and a new set of eyes,” he says.
“It was miserable at times, suiting up and going to games.
“You want to be out there with your boots on, not sitting in the box watching on, because you know what you can do to help the team to win; and all I want to do is win.
“I hate losing.”
Meanwhile, young Melbourne forward Kade Chandler will be sidenlined for at least six weeks after breaking his wrist in a training drill.
Originally published as Harley Bennell suffers fresh injury setback as he seeks Melbourne lifeline
Harry who Dees need: Who is the kid central to Lions’ trade plans?
Two fringe Lions loom as the key to Brisbane pulling off a bumper trade and draft combination. CALLUM DICK looks at why Harry Sharp’s request to join Melbourne will benefit the premiers.
‘Like Tipungwuti’: Demons eye historic draft play
Having trained with Melbourne last year and hitting it off with Kozzy Pickett, a dasher from the Northern Territory could make history at the draft this November.