Originally from Bunbury, Western Australia, he was recruited by Melbourne in the 2008 National draft, and played 57 games for the club before being delisted at the end of the 2012 AFL season.

He was then redrafted by West Coast in the 2013 Rookie draft, and played an additional 30 games before again being delisted at the end of the 2016 season.

The following season saw Bennell move into attack as a small crumbing forward, earning both mark and goal of the year nominations against the Western Bulldogs in round 7.

The following fortnight Bennell had a career best four-goal game against Port Adelaide Football Club, his form however began to taper off towards the end of the season as he was dropped for round 22.

He had suffered a serious knee injury towards the end of the season, when playing against the Fremantle Football Club.