THE TEAM was so close to its first win last round. What were your thoughts from that match against Port Adelaide and how are you guys gearing up for round seven against the Western Bulldogs?

Daniel Bell: It's been a pretty long start to the season. We're yet to win a game, but we got so close last weekend. We were unlucky with a few (umpiring) decisions. Aaron Davey kicked a goal just before the end of the game that was disallowed and we were jumping around and celebrating, before we realised it was a free kick to Port Adelaide. All of a sudden it was taken away from us, which was tough, but we'll bounce back. We're a mentally strong group and we're getting a few players back from injury, so we'll take it right up to the Bulldogs this weekend.

The Bulldogs played against West Coast at Subiaco Oval last weekend. Do you think the notion that sides coming back from Perth struggle the following week will work in Melbourne's favour this round?

Bell: Neale might mention it in a meeting, but it won't be a big focus for us this weekend. We normally just focus on what we've got to do, but that's one factor that could influence the game. It's always a tough journey on the legs coming back from Perth, so it might be the difference – you never know.

Looking at your own form, you've become a permanent member down back now, after being in and out of the side and battling injury since you came to the club via the 2002 NAB AFL Draft. How are you assessing your own form?

Bell: It's been good to get a consistent spot in the side. I still don't feel safe, as I feel I've only played average to good footy. I still feel I've got a long way to go. If I can stop getting myself injured that will help. I've already broken my nose twice and been concussed this year. I broke my nose against Hawthorn and then broke it again the next week against Geelong, so it had to be pushed back in after the game. If I can stay out of trouble in that respect, then hopefully I can play some consistent football.

You talk about a couple of broken noses and concussion fairly casually, but how do you bounce back from those ordeals the following week?

Bell: I don't know. At the time, we introduced a 'warrior act' and if you get six warrior acts, you join the warrior club, so that was in the back of my mind – you get a shirt to say you're in the warrior club (laughing). I've played with injuries in the past, but if I can play, I'll get out there. I love being out on the field and helping my mates. When those injuries occurred, we had a few guys injured on the bench, so when those injuries occur above your shoulders, you can still go back on the ground.

How did you pull up from the concussion?

Bell: I probably shouldn't have come back onto the ground because as soon as I started running around, the blurred vision came back and I was out on the ground for about a quarter without being able to see. I got a warrior point that week (laughing). I probably should've got a stupid point because I shouldn't have gone back out there. It was a bit silly.

Just back on your time at Melbourne, how have you found your journey at the club?

Bell: It's been good. Initially, I probably thought it would just happen, but I've had to work really hard to get into the side. I've had to overcome injuries, 'Broady's' death, moving away from home, getting dropped and then returning to the side. That's pretty hard because I'm a confidence person, so I probably get down on myself more than what the coaches do. Getting mentally strong is the toughest thing to deal with, as I was just a quiet kid from the country. Trying to find your way through the city is a bit different, so it's been a long journey, but I'm starting to get some confidence and actually feel as though I belong in the side. As long as I keep working hard and giving my all each week, hopefully I'll be here for a few more years.

You've touched on a number of issues you've had to deal with as a person and footballer and one was Troy Broadbridge, a close friend of yours. How do you reflect on his tragic passing just over two years on?

Bell: I still think about him often. It was probably tougher at the time. I had another mate die (Ben Mitchell, an AIS/AFL Academy holder with Bell) when I was younger and it's one of things in life you have to deal with. People die in everyday life, like grandpas and brothers, so it's something that happens, but you really have to make the most of your life and hopefully everything works out.

Does Troy and Ben's passing give you extra strength?

Bell: Definitely. It makes you want to get the most out of your career. You always want to play for 'Broady' and Ben Mitchell. Ben wore No. 21 for West Adelaide, so that was interesting. I didn't even ask for that number at Melbourne and I got it, so I just try and play for both of those guys.

Moving onto how you were drafted. You were selected at No.14 in the 2002 NAB AFL Draft, a selection that was given to Melbourne in exchange for Collingwood receiving Shane Woewodin. Did you ever feel expectations from that situation?

Bell: No, not really because it came about in a roundabout way and it could've been (former Melbourne player) Nick Smith. I went at No. 14 and Nick went at No. 15. It was one of those things that happens. If I can keep going on with my footy, it'll make up for it. I don't think I'll ever win a Brownlow, but hopefully I can be a great clubman (laughing).

What do you get up to when you're away from footy?

Bell: I've done a personal training course in the past and I've got to go on to the next stage with that and become a personal trainer, so I'll be looking into that in the second half of this year. At the moment, I'm looking for a house and a car. I'm a big movie buff and where I live at the moment it's a halfway house, so a lot of the boys hang around.

Any favourite movies at the moment?

Bell: I like The Prestige. I saw that recently and thought that was good, but probably my all-time favourite is The Shawshank Redemption. I'm into the comedies as well like Old School.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.