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.
“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.
Don Freo
Guest
Of course you can't. You probably don't even know who he is. Go back to the soccer site.
WhereIsGene
Guest
I can't see this kid having the discipline to play under Ross "my way or the highway" Lyon. Not when he's back at home in WA with his mates, he'll get up to all sorts of mischief before long.
jax
Guest
Agreed
Don Freo
Guest
My reference to Eade is the precious Nanny State standard that would cut a kid loose because he was in a club after his season had finished. Eade's standard is just an anachronistic power play. Those times have gone and his time has gone.
13th Man
Guest
Was probably a lot to do with Karmicheal Hunt as you said. Hard to stay away from it if your a young kid living with a drug dealer. Not really Eades fault, damage happened while McKenna was in charge. Move will be good for him. Roly had a meeting with him on Tuesday and if he had of had his doubts harley wouldn't be a Docker.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
At home Harley was a school captain and determined to stay away from bad influences and environments. At Gold Coast they housed him with an alleged drug dealer and encouraged him to be his mentor. Doesn't have to be Eades fault. He's a hard worker on the track by all accounts, even with whatever was going on externally.
berrlins
Roar Pro
Granted Bennell is probably smarter than Dayle was, the similarity is going home (WA) and getting into trouble. Dayle ended up with an ice addiction and a jail sentence which probably won't happen to Bennell. Anyone thinking Eade is the problem at Gold Coast is kidding themselves, I'm not going to rave about his past experiences with building cultures but he has made moves to sort out the cultural issues the club has and tried to give Bennell chances at the same time. Freo will be good for him but Freo isn't the problem. being near his old mates and the prospect of trouble is the problem.
Don Freo
Guest
The only similarity with Garlett is his race. Dayle's choices were nothing to do with race or culture. He didn't take his chances. Harley already has. Getting away from Eade is an example of grabbing an opportunity with both hands. He'll love the Freo team and the Freo club. He's a kid, he's growing up and he loves his footy.
Jamie Radford
Roar Pro
Making jokes at the expense of a Docker. I'm surprised, but it is a good one.
berrlins
Roar Pro
haha he loved the gold coast culture that's for sure, Ross Lyon is a strict taskmaster if anyone can push him into line it'll Ross but my feeling is that it won't be enough. this story has shades of Dayle Garlett to it although maybe not as dramatic.
Don Freo
Guest
C'mon Lindsay. He has a track record of buying into the culture of the club he is at.
berrlins
Roar Pro
the jury is still out until he proves that he's committed to the cause at Freo, and I would go further in saying I have serious doubts of his ability to buy in to the culture when he is going to be surrounded by more influence (mates getting him into trouble) than guidance. Good luck to him hopefully he grows up.
Don Freo
Guest
Rioli? He plays nothing like Rioli. He is a Matera, Pendlebury, Dean Kemp Rolls Royce type.
Stewie
Guest
The "if" goes a huge distance both ways. He could be a worse debacle than Sylvia, or he could be like Rioli, except more prolific
Don Freo
Guest
What a precious response from Richmond. If you use Dustin Martin to sell the club, of course Harley won't bother to take it further. Disrespect? Let Cotchin or Lids show him around. Martin? Good grief! There's your disrespect, Dan Richardson.
Dylan Matthews
Roar Guru
Bargain pickup for the Dockers, If he stays on track off-field he will flourish back in WA. Emphasis on "If"