Fans might have raised their eyebrows when they saw Bennell’s name among the omissions from the Melbourne side to tackle the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Saturday.
The 18-year-old, who has impressed in his debut season in the red and blue, last week played perhaps his best match for the club.
So it came as a shock to some Melbourne supporters to see the highly-talented draftee was among three changes for the side to meet the Bulldogs.
Notman explained that Bennell’s omission was all part of the Dees’ player management.
“From a club point of view, it (his omission) is about giving him a break,” Notman told melbournefc.com.au.
“We’re not just looking short term with him, he’s a long-term prospect.
“He’s played all the NAB Cup and Challenge games early in the year and he’s been going ever since then.”
Bennell collected 19 disposals against West Coast and showed what is quickly-becoming trademark dash.
“The other factor to take into consideration is that we’ve had the short week and the trip to Perth, so we’re just being mindful of a young guy,” Notman said.
“His body is probably just starting to feel the pinch a little bit; he’s just been a little bit sore, too. So we’ve just taken the opportunity to give him a week to freshen up.
“He trained with the group this morning, just to keep the miles in his legs … but we’re not looking short-term with any of those [young] fellas.
“We’re hoping that they’re eight-10 year players with us, so when they’re in [the team] early we just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing by them and not burning them out too early and making sure they do get that break when they need it.”
Notman said the club had been thrilled with Bennell’s progress. Taken with pick 35 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, he has played every match of the regular season and is likely to be recalled in round nine.
“He’s come in and played every game that we’ve had from the word go,” Notman said.
“Everyone has been impressed with the way he’s gone about things; he’s been great.”
