Harley Bennell will be at Fremantle for the next three seasons after the Dockers and Suns came to terms over the talented young midfielder on Wednesday.
The Dockers will give up picks 16 and 35, and in return receive Bennell and Gold Coast’s second-round pick, which is currently 22.
Bennell played 81 games and kicked 92 goals for the Suns, after being taken at pick two in the 2010 national draft.
However a series of off-field incidents, culminating in an altercation with a bouncer at a Gold Coast nightclub, led to a decision from the Suns to part ways with the Western Australian.
After speaking to a number of clubs, Bennell named the Dockers as his destination of choice a fortnight ago, however the club did not make a firm decision on the troubled young midfielder until they had put him through a rigorous interview and assessment process.
That process included meetings with coach Ross Lyon, football operations manager Chris Bond, CEO Steve Rosich, and player management chief Brad Lloyd.
Lloyd said the club was happy to have secured a player of Bennell’s talent for the next three seasons, while Bennell himself said he was excited about returning home to Western Australia.
Bennell deal DONE: http://t.co/DToc6kSW8d
#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/c0lFnVpxeV
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) October 14, 2015
“My main focus now is to knuckle down and have a solid pre-season over the coming months,” he said at the announcement of his signing.
“I want to thank the Gold Coast for drafting me and the support they have offered me during my time at the club.”
By trading away their first selection for Bennell, it would appear that Fremantle have given up on Greater Western Sydney’s Cam McCarthy – at least for the moment.
The Giants have been adamant they would not release McCarthy under any circumstances, and as the Dockers no longer have a first-round selection to offer, they will likely look elsewhere for a much-needed forward.
Fremantle have been linked to the Blues’ Levi Casboult, and with a high second-round draft pick at their disposal and the Bennell deal done, may now turn their attention to the Carlton big man.
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