Bennell Embraces Indigenous Leadership RoleWednesday, July 9, 2025 - 8:36 AM

Receiving Life Membership at Peel Thunder is a major motivation for Traye Bennell who has returned to the club in 2025.

Highly regarded at the reigning premiers, Bennell has embraced NAIDOC Round and his Indigenous heritage as part of the two-week celebration in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL season.

“NAIDOC Round means everything to me and makes me proud that we can celebrate our culture with everyone,” Bennell said.

“It also provides opportunities to learn stories related to our history, combined with dances and other cultural activities.”

Bennell has praised Peel for its contribution to NAIDOC Round.

“Peel has embraced it really well with a smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country on game day and we get to wear the Indigenous jumper with pride,” he said.

The club has also called on Traye’s standing in the squad to play a mentoring role, with he and WAFLW player Cassie Davidson leading Peel’s Indigenous Hammer Group.

The group focusses on a range of areas including a football connection program, community connection, social and family connection, Indigenous connection, along with values and relationships.

“I really enjoy helping the young indigenous boys coming through if they are struggling with footy training or personal things and checking on them and helping them as much as I can,” Bennell said.

The Peel premiership player watched and admired many Indigenous stars of the past.

“I looked up to my dad growing up watching him down in Bunbury and then the likes of Arron Davey, uncle Leon Davis and cousin Roger Hayden and Micheal Johnson,” he said.

The 30-year-old, who has played 130 WAFL matches, spent last year in Victoria, but has returned to the Mandurah club with the intention of reaching 150 games and Life Membership.

“I'm really enjoying my time back at the club as it's always home for me and just coming back and seeing the club grow with all the young fellas coming through is great to see,” Bennell said.

“I enjoy playing at WAFL level and wouldn't be anywhere other then Peel and I'd love to get my Life Membership for the club.”

Peel has a bye this weekend before facing East Fremantle at The Good Grocer Park on Saturday, July 19.