Broadbridge and Bell, both from South Australia, were close mates. In fact, just days before Broadbridge became a victim of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Bell was a groomsman at Broadbridge's wedding.
Although they played just two matches together for Melbourne, Broadbridge's memory is a constant for Bell.
"I still think about him and catch up with [Broadbridge's widow] Trish," Bell told afl.com.au.
"Trish was on the '7pm Project' this year and it was good to hear it brought up again, because it became fresh in your mind, although it was pretty hard to watch as we were close.
"But as each year passes, you try not to take things for granted and it reminds me that things can get taken away from you pretty quick."
That thought process influences all areas of Bell's life.
"I've just got to nail down everything I can, because you never know how long you're going to be in the world and someone like Jimmy Stynes gives you inspiration as well," he said.
"It definitely makes you think about your life. It's really what you do when people aren't watching you that makes you the person you are and the footballer you are."
Now Bell is hoping his pre-season work on and off the field will make up for a disappointing 2009.
After trying to break into the midfield last year, Bell instead broke his thumb during the pre-season, missing the opening four rounds.
During his return with Casey, he was knocked out in one match and didn't receive a call-up until round 10. And after just two matches with the Demons, he was back in the VFL.
He returned in round 15 against Port Adelaide, but suffered a shoulder injury, forcing him onto the sidelines for the rest of 2009.
Now the likeable Bell is hoping for a change of luck, starting with his inclusion in the Melbourne NAB Cup squad against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.
"I haven't had any major problems this pre-season," he said.
"I didn't end up going away in the off-season, so I could get my shoulder right.
"That's all good now and I'm ready to have a crack this year."
Although known as a backman, Bell is aiming to be a utility in 2010.
"With young Jack [Trengove] and [Tom] Scully flying on the track, it'll be interesting to see [how the midfield takes shape]," Bell said.
"But there might even be a chance to go forward and smash into a few bodies like big Maxy Rooke does.
"I was actually drafted more as a midfield/forward, so I'm getting back to my roots."
And it's an impressive background.
In 2002, Bell won under-18 All-Australian honours after graduating from the AIS/AFL Academy.
He was then Melbourne's first pick (No.14 overall) in the 2002 AFL Draft. The Demons acquired that pick after trading 2000 Brownlow Medallist Shane Woewodin to Collingwood.
But after battling injuries in recent seasons, Bell conceded he was worried about his future last year.
"In my first few years, I didn't have to deal with it too much, because I was getting used to the system and then when you start getting injured, it definitely plays on your mind," he said.
"If you don't play well, it's a lot harder to deal with - but you can only do what you can control and everything else gets left up to fate."
Bell is also more determined to become more audible around the club this season.
"I've got a lot more confidence to help guys out where I can. But I still feel a little bit unsure sometimes because I've always been one to try and set the example on the field," the 24-year-old said.
"When I haven't been playing consistently, you don't feel as though you can say as much.
"I try to talk to everyone I can, make them feel welcome and be friendly to them. I like to make sure anyone can talk to me about anything.
"I'm not in the leadership group, but I like to help out whenever I can."
