IN his short time with North Launceston, Tom Bennett has had some ups and downs.
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After switching Hillwood for red and black in 2015, the 24-year-old was looking the goods before he snapped his Achilles tendon against Burnie in the State League preliminary final – missing the Northern Bombers’ premiership victory.
Bennett spent 294 days in rehab before working his way back to play in last year’s decider, also against Glenorchy, and is now an important role player in coach Tom Couch’s line-up.
So far this season the former Longford Primary and Launceston Church Grammar student has played deep forward, at centre-half forward and on the wing.
“I’ve had a pretty inconsistent year so far,” Bennett said.
“I struggled for a bit of form early and have had a couple of half-decent games, but not much to write home about.
“I’m working on playing my role week-to-week and that changes depending on the opposition, which is good as it keeps things interesting and you’re always learning.
“One week you might get on the end of a couple and then you might be laying tackles and just creating a contest.
“The forward line has changed a little bit under Tom with Bart McCulloch coming in and has been a good addition.
“But as far as structure goes, we are pretty much similar to last year.”
The qualified physical education teacher turned trainee livestock marketer kicked six majors against Lauderdale in Launceston when McCulloch was out injured in round 10, displaying the kind of potential that excites Couch.
Couch said a lot of Bennett’s work goes unrecognised by those outside the club.
“His defensive efforts for us are huge and they don’t go unnoticed.
“He’s a team player and he might not get the goals as he would if he was playing deeper, but he’s happy to do that,” Couch said.
“He’s a great teammate, clubman and player with what I think are the best hands in the competition.
He's a great teammate, clubman and player with what I think are the best hands in the competition. He is a great athlete and kicks with great endurance also.
- Northern Bombers coach Tom Couch
“He is a great athlete and kicks with great endurance also.
“He is an integral part of our set-up whether him rotating deeper or a bit higher up, he’s crucial for us going forward and the balance of our team.”