With so much tall talent on Casey’s list, Jack Bell has been a surprise packet in 2022.

Many players lose the drive to succeed in AFL footy after being delisted. For tall talents in particular it can be difficult to endure the work back to the top level while still developing as a player.

But it hasn’t perturbed Jack Bell. He’s quickly become part of the furniture for Casey’s VFL side in 2022 as he looms as an important ruck/ forward option for coach Mark Corrigan.

Previously the number five pick in the 2019 rookie draft, Bell enjoyed one year at St Kilda before being delisted at the end of 2020. He may not have been in the fold for long, but the ruck says he learnt plenty from his time at the elite level.

“It was a great experience,” Bell told Casey Media. “I was only there for a year but being in the system and learning it and living the life only makes me hungrier now to make sure I get back there.

“I learnt a lot and am grateful for the Saints for giving me that opportunity and making me a better player.”

But after being delisted at the end of 2020, Bell had to deal with the disappointment and plan his next move. With still plenty of time to continue developing and make it back onto an AFL list, Bell started training with St Kilda’s VFL affiliated club the Sandringham Zebras.

Yet in a twist of fate, Casey came knocking on his door as the 2021 season approached. Offering a fresh start and a unique opportunity, Bell made the leap.

“I never thought I’d get out of my area in Bayside and expand or do something different,” Bell said. “But I did. I didn’t know anyone there and it drew me to it as it was a fresh start at somewhere brand new.

“It was immediately fun and different. It took time getting used to the contest side of it – everyone hits harder out here – but it took me a couple of weeks and it’s been great for my game in adding to the contest side of it.”

Filled with players coming from Dandenong and Gippsland, Bell quickly became accustomed to the new environment. Although being delisted was less than ideal, the ruck/ forward began to add more strings to his bow at Casey Fields.

Now into his second year at the Demons, Bell has become a regular ruck option for Casey. His ability to lead the ruck stakes at times and add another presence up forward has helped the Demons rocket to the top of the ladder this VFL season with an unbeaten record to date.

Upon reflection, Bell said his patient outlook means he has given himself plenty of time with Casey to continue developing and getting the best out of himself.

“I have to remind myself that I’m still young, especially as a tall player I have more time to prove myself,” Bell said. “I’m not finished in my development and I’m taking that with me while I continue trying to get better and better.

“Who knows what or where I can be in a few years’ time. I see tall players getting picked up by AFL clubs as mature-age recruits at 25, so why can’t that be me?”.

Since coming to Casey, Bell has fallen in love with the environment. While young players continue to push standards, Bell has enjoyed working on his body and game to get the best out of himself. He mentions the likes of Ryan Koo, Tommy McCrae and Bryce Milford as new players who have come onto the scene at Casey Fields and “taken no backwards steps in relishing the opportunities they get”.

While this environment continues to foster young talent, Bell is keen to get to work.

“Casey runs a really good show, it’s a great environment for players to develop and learn,” he said. “The list is so young that we all compete hard and try to improve.

“I’m trying to work on getting stronger, particular in the lower half and in my legs. So far it’s helped me with my stability in the contest, but I’ll continue to try and improve everywhere.”

Bell also praises Casey ruck Majak Daw for his mentoring of the tall prospect. Bell says Daw is “a class athlete who gives good tips” and has continually made an effort to help Bell prosper. With this experience guiding him forward this VFL season, Bell can see himself improving by the week.

It’s why he made the decision to nominate for this year’s mid-season draft. Occurring in the next couple of weeks, Bell thought there was nothing to lose in entering the list of prospects who remain hopeful of being added onto an AFL list.

“It’s one of those things where it doesn’t cost you anything so you may as well throw your hat in the ring,” Bell said. “I’ll be doing it every year just to see where it takes me, particularly if I play some good games here and there. It’s a routine option to take.”

But while he still yearns to return to the top flight of football, Bell is also excited about what the next few months have in store for the Casey Demons. The VFL side are currently the team to beat in the competition as it nears the halfway mark of the season.

If the Demons can continue churning out wins, Bell is hopeful he can play his part in helping Casey to a flag tilt while also preparing himself for another shot at AFL footy.

“At the moment I’m looking at Casey and trying to stay in the team and perform,” Bell said. “If I find myself there in finals and have a good run at a premiership then I’ll be working to get the team as close as possible.

“Anything else will be a bonus to get picked up. If I can make Casey better and improve my game then I’m excited about what’s to come.”