When Carlton takes on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba this Sunday, Adam Bentick will play his 50th match in Navy Blue. He becomes the 292nd Carlton player to reach this milestone.
Despite being the Premiership Captain of the victorious Calder Cannons TAC Cup side in 2003, Bentick was overlooked in the National Draft of that year. However, Carlton moved swiftly and secured the promising midfielder in the following Rookie Draft. While he didn’t come with quite the same reputation as some of the other midfielders who were drafted that year, Carlton saw the massive up side in Bentick who boasted tenacity at the contest, maturity beyond his years and obvious leadership qualities.
After solid form in the midfield for Carlton’s VFL affiliate side, the Northern Bullants, Bentick was elevated to the senior list and made his debut in Round 18 2004. He would finish the season with five senior games to his name and was then elevated to the senior list for the 2005 season.
Bentick was in and out of the senior team for a large portion of the 2005 season, however, he continued to work hard and was rewarded with a best on ground performance in Round 20 against the old enemy, Collingwood. Adam finished that game with 34 possessions and also took out the NAB Rising Star Nomination for the round. Bentick played a total of nine senior games for the 2005 season.
2006 was the season in which Bentick really established himself in the senior team. He played the first 20 matches of the year until finally succumbing to a shoulder injury. From his 20 games he finished the year well clear as Carlton’s number one tackler, ending up with 84 for the season – 14 more than Eddie Betts in second place.
One particular highlight of Bentick’s 2006 season was his performance in Carlton’s second win of the year over Melbourne. He lined up on good friend and Calder Cannons premiership team mate Brock McLean. Bentick’s game in the midfield that day went a long way to securing victory for the Blues.
As one of those valuable in and under midfielders, more often that not, Bentick’s good work can go unnoticed by some. However, the powers that be at Carlton highly value Adam’s contribution to the team. This was never more evident when Bentick was given the prestigious number seven guernsey at the beginning of the 2007 season. What made it even more significant was that he was presented with the guernsey by Carlton hero Brett Ratten who also wore the number seven with distinction. This surely would have been a thrill for Bentick, who was a Carlton supporter growing up.
It is exciting to see yet another of Carlton’s youngsters reach that vital 50 game mark. Congratulations on achieving this milestone Adam. You have been called upon to lead an extremely young and inexperienced midfield group and you have done so admirably. We look forward to seeing many more of your games in the famous number seven.
Career Highlights:
2005 – Rising Star nomination
2006 – Women of Carlton Player Ambassador of the Year
2007 – Pre-season Premiership Player
Career Brownlow Votes: 5
Click here to link to the number 7 guernsey page in the Blueseum
