Harley Bennell comeback: Mate and mentor Andrew Krakouer’s advice to Melbourne debutant
Having lived his own story of AFL redemption, Andrew Krakouer says he couldn’t be prouder of Harley Bennell’s resilience to overcome a hellish injury run and return to the field after more than two years.
Melbourne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Melbourne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
"Enjoy footy."
This is the advice mentor and friend Andrew Krakouer has given jubilant Melbourne debutant Harley Bennell.
After 1021 days in the AFL wilderness the 27 year-old Bennell marks one of the great footy comebacks on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.
“He's done all the hard yards,” Krakouer said.
“Now, it's just to go out and put everything into practice and have fun, enjoy footy and go and get a kick, which he does best.”
Get your footy fix on KAYO ahead of live matches returning soon. Watch classic battles from the 60s to today, docos, news and more. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Ex-Gold Coast Suns livewire Bennell managed only two games with Fremantle in four years wrecked by repeated calf injuries.
But a medical discovery and surgery last year to remove an extra muscle growing across the back of his knees put Bennell in a position to attempt the unlikeliest of comebacks.
The 2010 No. 2 draft pick Bennell moved to Melbourne last year in December, a last roll of the dice attempt to get on the Demons' list, and reunited with long-time mate and mentor Krakouer.
The moment Harley had been waiting for. 🌟#GoDees pic.twitter.com/w8b6VXe6N3
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) June 10, 2020
Former Richmond and Collingwood goalkicker Krakouer knows the road to redemption well, having gone to prison during his own AFL career.
“Every (comeback) story has their own challenges and they're all very unique,” Krakouer said.
“When he first came over to Melbourne … he knew he had his work cut out and had a hell of a lot of work to put in to give himself the opportunity (to play again).
“He was under no illusions it was going to be a hard road, but certainly one that he was capable of walking and being able to make sure he didn't leave any stone unturned to get the opportunity.
“To see the result of all that hard work, I'm absolutely so proud of him.”
MORE AFL NEWS:
Brad Green opens up on Melbourne’s grand gesture for his two children after his wife’s passing
No Victorian crowds for a month despite Prime Minister’s permission
Grim forecasts about AFL in 2020 after one match were premature
KFC SuperCoach late mail: All the latest whispers and news ahead of Round 2
The vision of Bennell being overcome by emotion at training last Thursday after coach Simon Goodwin said “you’re ready” struck a chord with Krakouer.
“It did make me emotional,” Krakouer said.
“Just understanding all the hard work you put in before the result so.
“No doubt Harley will be confident and Melbourne footy club, (coach) Simon Goodwin and his teammates will be very confident knowing the hard work Harley has put in.”
Krakouer credited the fairy tale comeback to Bennell’s own resilience and the love and support the midfield jet has received from partner Amy and their daughter Carter.
“I really think Harley has learned from that (off-field issues during Fremantle days) and understood how much he does really love the game and how much he wants to play,” Krakouer said.
“We all know what kind of talent he is, I've always been a massive fan of him, not only for his footy ability but the man himself and what kind of person he is off field.
“I love the bloke and just so happy to see the resilience that he did show, he could have quite easily put his hands up and said this is too hard, but he put the hard yards in.
“Now he's going to play at his third AFL club … and no doubt he'll be like a duck to water.”