Bentick played for two years in Victoria's top under-18s competition, the TAC Cup for the Calder Cannons.
In that time, he established himself as a promising mid-fielder who was particularly good at roving the hit-outs and getting a quick kick out of the packs.
[1] Despite captaining the premiers and averaging 20 disposals per game in the TAC Cup, Bentick was passed over in the 2003 National Draft.
Given the midfield role he relished, he amassed a high number of possessions, as well as a strong tackling game which could not be ignored.
This eye-catching performance earned him an AFL Rising Star award nomination,[1] as well as three Brownlow Medal votes.