The Bendigo Braves games record- holders list is led by club legends David Flint on 318 games and Justin Cass on 306.

Bell’s career includes four conference titles; and he was in the Braves team which claimed the national title in 2005. 

Bendigo born and bred, Bell is determined to cap his ninth season with the Braves with a championship victory on the Bendigo Stadium showcourt.

“It was always a lifelong dream to play for the Braves,” he said. 

“I am very proud to put the singlet on and go out and play for the team.” 

Ten years after his SEABL debut, Bell said his basketball career had been a great experience. 

”I look at my game as doing anything I can for the team, whether that is playing defence getting a rebound or diving on a ball,” he said. 

“I am just happy to be a part of the team and if it is just about being vocal on the bench I am happy to do that.

“I love being a part of this proud club.” 

The Braves face the Dandenong Rangers in Saturday night’s grand final.

Bell said he missed playing the game after taking a break from the sport in 2012.

“It was probably a month or two into the Braves season and I was sitting and watching the games and thought, ‘what the hell am I doing sitting on the sidelines’? 

“I didn’t realise how much I missed it. 

“Luckily enough Harves (Bendigo Braves coach Ben Harvey) asked me to come to training a few times a week. 

“I spoke to Ben and told him I wanted to play again and I was lucky enough to come back.” 

He said a highlight of this season was the club’s 16-game winning streak. 

“A good thing was that we won a lot of different ways, it showed we could adapt.”

Bell said the Braves has a strong chance of winning this year’s title. 

“I think if we stick to what we, we will do well,” he said. 

“If we work on our defence and run our offence the way I think we can run it, we should be fine.”