By the start of the 2010 season Bennell had experienced a growth spurt and selectors began to take more notice of him as he solidified a spot in the Peel Thunder seniors side.

During the 2010 season Bennell would also be picked for the Western Australian under 18s team that competed in the AFL Under 18 Championships, he would walk away with the Larke Medal which is awarded to the best player of the tournament.

Bennell would cap off a stunning 2010 season by being picked number 2 in the 2010 AFL draft by the Gold Coast Football Club.

Bennell would then skip a compulsory training session by staying in Perth longer than allowed by the club.

[5] In July, The Courier-Mail and Herald Sun newspapers published a photo on their front pages, allegedly showing Bennell preparing to inhale a white powder, presumed to be an illicit drug.

[9] Since the start of 2016 Bennell has had a string of soft tissue injuries to his calf, this effects his running ability and has struggled to be fit enough for the rigours of AFL football.

[10] After four years on Fremantle's list for a total of two games, Bennell parted ways with the Dockers in June 2019.

[11] He was invited to train with a number of clubs, and was signed to Melbourne's list in February 2020 as part of the supplementary selection period (SSP).