JAMIE Bennell says Sunday's win against the Western Bulldogs felt like his AFL debut all over again.
The 65-point win was the 23-year-old's first AFL game since round 16 2012, and his first in West Coast colours after 57 matches with Melbourne.
"It was a great feeling running out yesterday," Bennell said on Monday.
"(It was) something I won't forget.
"It was almost like a first game again. It was beautiful to get out there. I enjoyed it."
Originally from Bunbury in WA's south-west, Bennell was drafted to Melbourne with pick No. 35 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
He suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Fremantle in 2012.
The Eagles took a chance on Bennell at the end of 2012 by rookie-listing him during his rehabilitation.
He played three WAFL reserves and 12 senior WAFL matches for Swan Districts last season, which was enough to convince West Coast to elevate him off the rookie list.
That decision has appeared to pay handsome dividends, with Bennell backing up a tremendous pre-season with a solid performance in round one, gathering 16 disposals as a lockdown small defender.
"I was lucky enough and am so grateful to the West Coast Eagles for giving me another opportunity to play at AFL level," Bennell said.
"Putting on that jumper yesterday was a special moment for me. I took the moment in, had a look at the jumper before I put it on and really soaked it up when I was out there."
His jumper number had extra significance. Bennell was a West Coast supporter growing up and idolised David Wirrpanda. He has now formed a relationship with the Eagles premiership player.
"I saw 44 was available and jumped straight at it," Bennell said.
"As a kid I watched 'Wirra' very closely so it's pretty special to wear that number.
"I've spoken with him a few times. I caught up with him after the game and he was pretty happy to see the 44 out there again. When I need him I'll contact him and speak to him when I can."
