After a breakout 2012 season that saw him finish second in the Suns' best and fairest behind Gary Ablett, Bennell played just 15 games in an interrupted 2013.
He strained the hamstring in round three against the Brisbane Lions, missing two matches, then did it again in round eight against the Western Bulldogs, which cost him a further five matches.
But aside from "a hiccup" during the recent altitude training camp in Arizona, Bennell has been flying so far this pre-season, saying he wants to become even more explosive.
The quietly-spoken Sun said he wrestled with the frustration of the injury last season.
"I just took off and went to go for a sprint and felt a tinge really low.
"It just kept cropping up and it was annoying having to go back and start again and tick all the boxes.
"I just have to strengthen my core, through my hips and hopefully I can play more games next year."
Bennell is back to full speed and ready to build on what was still a solid 2013.
In his 15 games the 21-year-old kicked 19 goals, averaged 23 disposals and finished 10th in the best and fairest.
He is perhaps the best ball user at the club and is just as lethal when playing as a forward, using a combination of speed and agility to beat opponents.
Opposition coaches have taken notice, sending taggers to Bennell a number of times last season.
"It was a challenge," he said.
"We've got some elite midfielders like Dion Prestia, Dave Swallow, Jaeger O'Meara and even Jarrod Harbrow - teams started tagging him last year.
"It's not just me they're looking at. If it's not Gaz (Ablett), it's not me, it's not Jaeger, it's Dion. If it's not Dion, it's Jaeger. If it's not Jaeger, it's Dave.
"We've got a lot of quality in our midfield. If any of us get sat on, there's other boys to fill the role."
Bennell said dual Brownlow medallist Ablett had been a huge help, talking his protégés through dealing with taggers and ways to break free at stoppages and centre bounces.
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
