Harley Bennell is heading home to Perth to join the Fremantle Dockers after being traded from the Gold Coast Suns.
Following a tumultuous year, during which the 23-year-old struggled to avoid the limelight for alcohol and drug-related incidents, Bennell will be given a fresh start with 2015’s minor premiers.
The Suns will receive Fremantle’s first and second round selections (16 and 35) in the upcoming draft, while the Dockers will receive Bennell along with the Suns’ second round pick (22).
Originally sent to the Suns with the number two pick at the 2010 draft, Bennell played 81 games and kick 92 goals for the expansion club.
Averaging over 20 disposals in all but his debut season, Bennell should make for a strong addition to the Dockers’ already powerful midfield.
Gold Coast’s General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft said the club had secured maximum market value for Bennell.
“We have done the best deal possible for the Gold Coast Football Club and as a result have significantly strengthened our draft position,” Ashcroft said.
“As a club we’ve taken the steps necessary to build a strong culture on and off the field, and the players led by the leadership group, understand the expectations of representing the club and the Gold Coast community.
“Harley was with us from the start and we wish him, his mother Kayleen, and family all the best for the future.”
Don Freo
Guest
5 magnificent additions to the midfield next year. Harley, the kids (Blakely, Weller, Langdon) and, possibly even better than Harley, Morabito!! 60 plus goals for Fyfey. Mind you, Mora would be a great leading forward.
Don Freo
Guest
That's name calling?
Don Freo
Guest
And then...when it became clear Tom was a 15 yo, and not a try-hard adult (like you), check out the comments then. You'd be better asking about the propriety of the Roar affording Guru status to a kid. Nonetheless, thank you for hanging on my every word. I can see why you eould.
AR
Guest
Here's one of many gems: ---- 6 days ago Don Freo said "Your puerile little snipes indicate you think that…not anyone else... You didn’t take long to betray your agenda while pretending to be objective. You have just undermined any further article you write." ---- Or this one... Don Freo: "A good reason to write no one off, Tom. You may well make mistakes yourself when you get your P plates or finally crack it with a woman." Classy stuff.
AR
Guest
It's there for all to see Don. Embarrassing for you.
Don Freo
Guest
So you didn't read it. Carry on. You're offering nothing with your comments.
AR
Guest
Yes. Of you name-calling and belittling an author who explained he was 15y.o. It was mighty stuff from you. A good day.
Don Freo
Guest
You obviously didn't read that thread. We had a good interchange.
AR
Guest
"They set standards of behaviour for sports people that they would never expect of themselves." Perhaps. But that's irrelevant. What's relevant is the standards of behaviour expected of an AFL player at their club. Clearly, Harley fell short of that standard at the Suns.
AR
Guest
First, you did imply exactly that. Second, that sort of name calling is par for the course for you Don. Reminds me the cringe-worthy thread of you belittling and name-calling that 15 y.o author last week. Keep up the good work.
Don Freo
Guest
Getting rid of Aker was the beginning of the Lions' decline. The press and the public are too judgemental. They set standards of behaviour for sports people that they would never expect of themselves.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Why is this comment awaiting moderation?
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
I reckon if that photo had never surfaced and had not been run on the front page of Murdoch papers then he'd still be at Gold Coast.
Don Freo
Guest
Don Freo did not suggest that...you absolute dill.
AR
Guest
I don't think anyone is doubting Bennell's ability on the footy field. Jason Akermanis was a jet. Clearly in the Lions' and Dogs' best 22...but both clubs (playing groups actually) turfed him out. I'm not suggesting the 2 cases are analogous, but both cases prove that it takes more than just on field talent. Hopefully Harley can fulfil his.
AR
Guest
He's only cheap because he has a history of drug abuse, alcohol problems, anti-social behaviour and disobeying club rules. Good luck to Harley. He's a good player and a good pick up. But describing his departure from GCS as something driven merely by his "humanity" is typical Don Freo nonsense.
Don Freo
Guest
Bob Murphy got detention at school once. It's not happening any more. People improve.
johno
Guest
1. He's from Pinjarra 2. I doubt he'll be living in Mandurah given where the club in based 3. There's plenty of good players from Mandurah who are fine 4. I'm from the 'Drah as well, like every town there's good and bad about it
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
I think if you're trying to avoid trouble, it pretty much spends its late nights and early mornings in Mandurah nightclubs with a bourbon and coke.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
I went to a brawl and a Mandurah nightclub broke out.