Jamie Bennell – One of the real positives for the club this year, playing 16 games in his first season. His attitude has been first-class and he's learned a lot, because he's played on some good players like Stephen Milne, Mathew Stokes and Leon Davis – those dangerous opposition forwards. Jamie has got some real excitement – he can provide run-and-carry and is a clean ball-handler. We're looking to physically develop him over the summer – Sean Wellman on Melbournefc.com.au

The last line about physical development is heartening. I distinctly remember reading that he thought he didn't need to be built up physically last preseason.

The kid has a chance to be a real star. Good speed, balance and generally pretty good disposal and an intangible quality that we need in spades, class. Looking forward to seeing him develop over the next few seasons. Should take the number 13.

Really have massive hopes with this kid. If he wants to be a star I think he can. has great skills great pace. Just needs to believe he does then stare his opponent in the eye and take him on just like Andrew McLeod did. Needs to be arrogant.

Edited October 22, 200916 yr by Clanger King

I was surprised, probably like many others on this board, when Bennell was drafted last year. Especially in the 30's, as i'd never heard of him before.

Now 1 year into his AFL experiance, i am very excited with what he has shown on the footy field. With another pre-season under his belt, i can't wait to see him running out from half back. Hitting team mates on the chest with his pin point passes.

The future is looking good

I like him based more on potential than anything he showed - I think he has some class, which you can't teach.

Could probably still go either way but I'm hopeful.

Has an amazing ability to pick the ball up at full speed. I think his skills are a myth though, i'm sure he can kick I just havn't seen him do it under pressure. The good thing is that he got plenty of game time this year, and he will be much better for it. Has potential, needs a switched on coach to bring it out of him.

Freakish speed, light frame and still learning the game. I have high hopes for him

Looks like a good find at pick 35, will enjoy watching his progress.

I like him based more on potential than anything he showed

Yup.

It's more than what you can expect from a 1st year player, particularly one taken mid draft as he was.

There's plenty to build on there, and very few faults that are so glaring that they'll stunt his growth.

He could be in our top ten most important players. Would like to see him add a string or two to his bow. Maybe make him a pinch-hitter through the midfield, or spend a little time up forward. Ultimately, a wingman or 30 possession rebounder is where he's at.

Promising first year (particularly early) but still not quite sure where he fits (you can only have so many rebounding defenders). Injuries permitting you would not expect him to be starting 22 next year. I would hope to see him spend majority of next year at Casey improving his versatility (forward/shutdown/inside mid). I think this will hold him in good stead for the years to come.

Tweet from Nathan Jones:

Jamie Bennel lit up the track this morning had a touch of Andy mcleod about it off half back ...

Good to hear

so silky smooth.. mmm

Has an amazing ability to pick the ball up at full speed. I think his skills are a myth though, i'm sure he can kick I just havn't seen him do it under pressure. The good thing is that he got plenty of game time this year, and he will be much better for it. Has potential, needs a switched on coach to bring it out of him.

I saw a couple of times where he hit a target while running full speed and iunder pressure. My Essendon supporter brother was very impressed with him in our narrow loss to West Coast over at Subi. Looks the goods to me.

Edited November 25, 200915 yr by forest85

Tweet from Nathan Jones:

Jamie Bennel lit up the track this morning had a touch of Andy mcleod about it off half back ...

Good to hear

Love that feedback from Jones. The kind of characteristics I had envisaged with Bennell.

Edited November 25, 200915 yr by High Tower

Liked the look of Bennell in his first year, would hope he gets a bit bigger but I'm sure he will be a long-term player at the club.

Will turn out to be a near superstar- like an Andrew Mcleod -David Wirrapunda cross.

Love watching this kid play! He just moves so well

I absolutely love this kid. Has the potential to be a Mcleod like player off half back. Very underrated by some supporters (Alot kept kept asking for him to be dropped/rested this year. Obviously weren't watching the same Bennell as me.)