Benetti was a popular player with Carlton supporters, who nicknamed him "Tank" due to his thick thighs and direct style of play from defence.
He also earned the nickname "Troubles" from Carlton's then Chairman of Selectors Jack Wrout in response to his habit of complaining whenever he was omitted from the senior team.
[2] Benetti had played schoolboy football at CBC Parade alongside his first cousin Sergio Silvagni, who also started at Carlton in 1958.
The following year he was one of four Carlton players to appear in all 18 rounds and represented the VFL in an interstate match against South Australia.
He was dropped from the playing team at midseason due to poor form, and immediately resigned upon being informed that the financially struggling club could not afford to pay him as a non-playing coach.