Fremantle recruit Harley Bennell has continued his good pre-season form by kicking four goals and gathering 23 touches in a dominant performance for Peel Thunder on Saturday.
Bennell backed up a strong NAB Challenge performance against Geelong with a polished four-quarter display under the watchful eye of Fremantle coach Ross Lyon.
In just his second competitive game since returning to WA, the former Gold Coast midfielder used his damaging run to rack up 23 disposals and lay four tackles.
He capped off the performance with a brilliant running goal in the final quarter that brought the Thunder to within two points of Subiaco.
But Peel, which boasted 18 Fremantle-listed players in its line-up, was unable to reel in the Lions, who held on to win 12.10 (82) to 10.14 (74).
Ruckman Zac Clarke put in a dominate performance to establish himself as the frontrunner to partner Jonathan Griffin against the Western Bulldogs next weekend.
The athletic big man amassed 35 hit outs – more than double that of Subiaco rucking pair Lachlan Delahunty and Clancy Wheeler – and kicked two goals. He also reeled in seven marks and had 15 disposals.
Fremantle defender Alex Pearce said Bennell and Clarke had recovered strongly from injuries suffered during the off-season.
“I did a lot of work with both of them in the rehab program in the off-season and it’s really exciting to see them both back and performing well,” he said.
Pearce, who had a quiet game after a restricted pre-season, said he was still working hard in an effort to return to his best.
“I’m happy enough, but not content with my performance,” he said.
“After missing a lot, I have a lot to catch up on with the other guys so I’ll keep trying to improve over the next few weeks.”
Young gun Lachie Weller seemed to benefit from his first full pre-season, showing strength around the contest to finish with 21 disposals and two goals.
The second-year midfielder regularly created space in the corridor and on the wing, using his impressive skills to pinpoint Peel’s forwards.
First-year defender Sam Collins showed he had a big future, gathering 20 disposals and 12 marks while opposed to Delahunty and Hamish Shepheard, while fellow defender Alex Silvagni had 17 disposals and 10 marks.
Senior Fremantle players Matt De Boer (26 disposals) and Clancee Pearce (32 disposals) worked tirelessly across the backline and in midfield.
Fremantle faces the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday 27 March.
