Bush and ‘Burbs: Harley Bennell teams up with his brothers and Hayden Ballantyne for Pinjarra

Harley Bennell returned to where it all began tonight, lining up for his junior club Pinjarra in the Peel Football League. The controversial former AFL star teamed up with two of his brothers - John and Matthew - and fellow ex-Docker Hayden Ballantyne for the Tigers against reigning premiers Rockingham at Sir Ross McLarty Oval. More than 1000 fans packed the Pinjarra as the club returned to the Peel competition after pulling out last season due to coronavirus. It was Bennell’s first appearance since his rollercoaster three-club, 88-game career at the top level came to end after a coronavirus breach in Melbourne’s Queensland hub. Four Bennell brothers played across Pinjarra’s league and reserves sides, with Mervyn in the twos. Harley hit the scoreboard for a third-quarter goal and was a lively contributor across half-forward and in the midfield in his first game in the yellow-and-black in about a decade. Pinjarra coach Craig Milward said the former No.2 draft pick was in a good head space and a model citizen around the club. “It was good to see Harley come back to his roots, he wants to enjoy footy and he’s doing that,” Milward said. “He’s having fun, enjoy life and enjoying footy so it’s fantastic. “He’s integrated into the club really well, he stays back and helps us clean up after a function or after training. “He’s committed, his head is in the right space and he’s having a ball.” Fremantle great Ballantyne was late to the warm-ups due to horse-training commitments but that had little effect on his performance, booting three of his four majors in the opening term. He also had a run through the midfield. Despite their ex-AFL additions, including ex-West Coast midfielder Jamie McNamara, Pinjarra went down to the Rams by nine points in a see-sawing contest. Former Swan Districts forward Leigh Kohlmann was the hero for the visitors on debut, finishing with five goals.