But with John back at WAFL club Peel Thunder this year after an unsuccessful 12-month stint on the Pies’ rookie list, the younger Bennell would now also recognise that natural talent - no matter how obvious - is not enough to make it as an AFL player.
It’s a lesson he has learned quickly, with hard work, along with his sublime natural ability, credited with driving the midfielder into top-three calculations for this year’s NAB AFL Draft.
Peel Thunder’s Peter Brear was coaching and development manager at the WAFL club when both Bennells came through, and there is a noticeable difference that he thinks will benefit Harley when he moves into the AFL system.
“Harley may be a little bit more determined,” Brear said of the younger of the two Bennells, who are cousins of Melbourne’s Jamie.
“Harley certainly rates his brother as being a very good footballer and he’s someone he looks up to and admires, so what happened to John has probably kept his feet on the ground a little bit.
“The opportunity can very quickly be taken away, and unfortunately for John that’s probably been a big example for Harley.
“Johnny certainly has the ability to play at a higher level, unfortunately he was probably let down by his attitude and his work ethic.”
When Harley first started at Peel Thunder Brear thought he was exciting but inconsistent, but he has always known how to find the footy and excelled at whatever he turned his hand to, including basketball.
Playing all over the ground, Bennell was runner-up in Peel’s best and fairest award as a second-year colt and he debuted at league level at the end of last year, aged 16.
WA under-18s coach Brad Wira was already tracking Bennell at that point with one eye on this year’s state squad, and he says the versatile youngster has given WA valuable flexibility at the national championships this year.
“Harley’s a natural talent and we don’t want him to curb that,” Wira said. “So we’re encouraging him to play with some flair and really take the game on.
“I think we’ve seen Harley develop a little bit more in that side of his game.
“He’s got great skills, really good awareness (and) he likes to run and carry the footy, which is what they’re looking for in this modern day. So I could see him playing midfield and half-back [at AFL level].”
Highlighting Bennell’s determination and work ethic was his six-goal haul for WA to open this year's U18 championships, his effort a shining light on a disappointing day for the Sandgropers against South Australia.
“He was fantastic,” Wira said. “He was tagged from the outset, which we expected, and the bloke that played on him is a pretty hard-nosed player for South Australia who just followed him everywhere.
“We played him wing, half-back, full-forward, onball, and for him to kick six out of our eight goals was outstanding. He never stopped trying.
“He’s doing everything we ask of him and more and he’s been fantastic for the program.”
Like Johnny did before him, Brear says Harley is paving the way for his three younger brothers who are playing junior football in WA’s south-west.
“Footy has played a huge part in the Bennells’ lives,” he said. “They’re a very strong football family down here in the south-west and have great football heritage.
“He’s certainly laying the trail for quite a few boys in the family; there’s three younger brothers and they can all play footy.”
