Bennett buzzing ahead of Back to Manly Day

JASON Bennett was the type of player coaches crave.

A talented striker, he also wasn’t afraid to defend and above all, he was a team player.

With John Kosmina at the helm of the Warringah Dolphins mid-way through 1994, that was enough to entice the Newport resident to agree to terms at Cromer Park.

History shows the Dolphins were NSW state league champions the following year, upsetting Blacktown City in the grand final, 1-0.

“Kossie was definitely the drawcard when it came to me joining the club,” Bennett said this week.

“I always rated Kossie as a coach, I like the way he approaches the game, it was exciting with him at the helm.

“I still talk to plenty of guys from our premiership-winning squad, and it is always great to catch up with them, which is why functions like Back to Manly Day are fantastic.

“Hopefully quite a few turn up on Saturday at Cromer Park.”

Bennett also played in the NSL with Newcastle Breakers, eventually retiring in 2000 following a successful stint with Blacktown City alongside fellow peninsula football identities Stuart Cleary and Steve Riches.

These days Bennett, a carpenter by trade, coaches the 11s and 16s at Manly United and two of his kids – Kobe and Zoey – are on the club’s books in the younger age groups.

“I really enjoy coaching, it is my way to give back,” he said.

“I love the game and I’m happy to pass on my knowledge if it helps the kids on the pitch.”