NEAFL players to watch: Lexie Bennett

Belconnen captain Alexander ‘Lexie’ Bennett has enjoyed a strong season with Belconnen, and has been an integral part of the Magpies’ finals structure.

Bennett was one of the top players last week in his side’s victory over fellow Canberra rivals Ainslie in the first qualifying final.

The on-baller has been with Magpies since 2000, with a foray into interstate competitions in between.

The now-29 year old left Belconnen at the end of the 2011 season and played amateur football in Perth for a season before returning to the Magpies this year.

He was joined in his return by brother James, who is back at Belconnen after a season playing in the South Australian Football League.

The Bennett brothers through the centre have been a lethal combination for opponents all season.

His side has been the top Canberra side of the NEAFL Eastern Conference this season, and while they haven’t beaten this week’s opponents – the Swans reserves – this year, Lexie believes Belconnen are every chance to get the upset.

“They’re the in-form team of the competition and we just want to play the best we can and compete against them,” he said.

“We obviously think we can win the game and we’ll be doing everything we can to do that.”

Belconnen have only played one game against the Swans this season, back in Round 11.

While the Magpies went down by 91 points that day, Lexie says that won’t be a preview of this weekend.

“I think we’ve improved a lot since then,” he said.

“We don’t rely heavily on the forwards, backs or mids, it will be a team performance this time and as long as everyone performs their role we’ll always be in a good position to get the win.”