AFL round 2 news: Harley Bennell and Jack Higgins named to return

Two heartwarming stories have greeted footy fans ahead of round two getting underway with two stars set to step back onto the field.

Two heartwarming selections have landed on the AFL’s doorstep ahead of the game’s return this weekend.

Harley Bennell is set to take the field for the first time since 2017 after officially being named in Melbourne’s side for round two.

The smooth moving midfielder last played in round 23, 2017 when he was a member of the Fremantle Dockers.

His return was made official during Melbourne’s training session on Wednesday morning with the news being shared on the club’s Twitter account.

He's in. 🔒#GoDees pic.twitter.com/MQWSRaoITm

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) June 10, 2020

Bennell has endured a nightmare run over the past few seasons as he struggled to overcome troublesome calf issues.

After being let go by Fremantle at the end of the 2019 season, Melbourne took a punt on the damaging midfielder who has used the shutdown time frame to get his body back in shape.

His impressive performance in Melbourne’s match simulation session on Saturday and how he pulled up was enough to convince the Demons to name him against Carlton.

Along with Bennell’s comeback, Richmond’s Jack Higgins is set to return to the Tigers’ line-up in round two.

Higgins underwent brain surgery last year and there were fears he may never fully recover, let alone step foot back onto the field.

So excited for you, Higgo 💛 #gotiges pic.twitter.com/1XOuXCrNFv

— Richmond FC 🐯🏆 (@Richmond_FC) June 10, 2020

The Tigers will open round two on Thursday night when they take on Collingwood at the MCG.

News of the fairytale returns to the AFL were met with widespread joy among football fans who couldn’t wait to see both players back out on the park.

Two heartwarming selection stories this morning. So great to have Jack Higgins and Harley Bennell back out on an AFL ground this weekend

— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) June 10, 2020

What an unbelievable story. Harley Bennell has been through hell and back with his persistent calf injuries. Hope this is the start of something special for him at the Demons. https://t.co/kSYJcR2BaR

— Jordan McArdle (@jordan_mc12) June 10, 2020

And Jack Higgins.. great news. Footy.. ❤️ it!

— Rick Lyon (@ricklyon) June 10, 2020

1,021 days since Harley Bennell's last AFL game, hell of a story.

— Ethan (@ethanmeldrum_) June 10, 2020

Harley Bennell and Jack Higgins playing this Round. These are the happy vibes we need. May they both tear it apart on the weekend.

— Dylan Leach (@leachitup) June 10, 2020

One of the winners of the season suspension - Harley Bennell to make his Melbourne debut this weekend. https://t.co/eZ7RbmEYYC

— Anna Harrington (@AnnaHarrington) June 10, 2020

Originally published as AFL round 2 news: Harley Bennell and Jack Higgins named to return