Most players dream of starring in a big finals win.
Harry Bell did it twice in one crazy weekend – playing in different positions in different grades and scoring tries in both – before being cheered into the office like a conquering hero.
On Saturday the 20-year-old tighthead prop packed down in an elimination final for Bond’s 2nd grade, scored a try and helped steer his team to a gritty 26-24 win.
By Sunday, he had swapped jerseys and positions – coming off the bench at loosehead prop in the Premier Men’s elimination final against Souths. He crossed for another try in a 34-0 victory.
And then came Monday.
Walking into his job at the Gold Coast Suns AFL club, Bell was stunned when staff gave him a standing ovation.
“It was a good weekend and then I walked into the office on Monday morning and everyone was clapping,” he laughed.
Bell, a John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholar and former Australian U18s representative, admits the whirlwind left him exhausted but proud.
“Two finals in two days, and two tries – I was pretty happy with the weekend,” he said.
“I was happy with how I played in both games. I was able to stamp my authority in 2nd grade and make an impact in premier grade.
“I’ve been happy with my form since mid-season and I’m just trying hard to put my best foot forward each time I play.”
A prop for both sides
Bell has always been a tighthead specialist, but 2025 forced him to expand his repertoire.
With Bond well stocked in front-rowers he has added a new skill-set to keep his name on the mind of coach Mick Heenan.
He now moves between 1st and 2nd grades – and between tighthead and loosehead.
“I play tighthead in 2nd grade and then loosehead in prems,” he said.
“Props kick on a bit later than other positions and I still play a young brand of footy.
“I like to run the ball – I don’t yet play like an old head where scrummaging is my bread and butter.
“I’m working on my scrummaging all the time, but also on how I get around the ground to breakdowns.
“So the ability to play on both sides of the scrum is becoming a string to my bow.
“I started as tighthead and have played a lot there, but I am getting a lot more comfortable at loosehead as well and it is becoming really handy for selection.’’
Sliding between grades
The constant juggling between 2nd grade and premiers could frustrate some players.
For Bell, it’s part of the challenge.
“Week to week I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve started a few games in prems, other times I’ve been in the 2nds and then come off the bench in prems,” he said.
“Sure, there’s days when you think, ‘I just want to be a permanent starter in prems,’ but you just have to keep working and putting your best foot forward.
“And if I stay in 2nd grade and come off the bench for prems, it would be incredibly cool to be involved in two finals campaigns for two different sides.”
He also relishes bringing back experience from the top level.
“The experience you get in 1st grade that you can bring back is so underrated,” he said.
“The way you have to prepare and the intensity in which you approach the game is at another level in prems and I feel like I bring that to 2nd grade – along with the confidence you get when you’ve been at a higher level.”
Growing as a leader
Alongside 2nd grade captain Toby Mayes, Bell has also found his voice as a leader.
“Toby has been unreal as a captain. Managing the players and the way he talks to refs is so good – the boys really play for him,” Bell said.
“I’m a more motivational character. I feel like I’ve really grown in voice and I’m happy to have my say before games. I just try to get the players switched on and ready to rally behind what Toby is saying.”
Life off the field
Off the rugby pitch, Bell is preparing for an even bigger role – fatherhood.
He and his partner Olivia Besant are expecting their first child, a baby boy, in November.
“We are so excited now, we just can’t wait to meet him,” Bell said.
“It feels like we’ve been waiting a long time, but it’s worked out well – it’s a quiet time in the off-season. I’ll be able to chip away at training and uni and spend some quality time with the baby.”
The Sports Management student has already put his Bond education to work, landing a role in memberships with the Gold Coast Suns where he works alongside fellow Bondies Zac Merrion and Sam Clark.
For now though, his focus is on finals rugby.
Staring down the barrel of a wasted year after managing just one win between them in the first five rounds, the Premier Men and 2nd grade sides have staged a remarkable revival and are now just a step away from Grand Final berths that appeared out of reach not that long ago.
“In 2nd grade we snuck into the four when a few results went our way and I feel we are now the most feared team in the comp,” he said.
“We’ve beaten every team left in it. And in prems we believe anything is possible.
“Sunday’s performance was unbelievable – we were watching from the bench thinking ‘this can’t be real’, and when I got out there you could just tell we had them on the back foot.”