Harley Bennell Biography

Harley Bennell signs with VFL side Port Melbourne as he looks to re-launch his AFL career. More recently, he has been playing for the Tiwi Bombers in the Northern Territory.

"I'm heading off to Melbourne ... to give it one more crack," he told The West Australian.

"I think coming up here (Tiwi Islands) was the best thing for me, I've only been up here for five months but it's been a life-changing experience."

Harley Bennell is hospitalised just hours after announcing retirement.

Police reportedly found Bennell intoxicated around 8pm on Monday night after they were called to check on a disturbance at a Broadbeach apartment, according to The Courier Mail. The ex-Demon was then taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Harley Bennell announces his retirement from AFL football, bringing an end to a career that featured 88 games with three clubs.

Harley Bennell and Melbourne are sanctioned by the AFL after the forward was found to have breached the league's COVID-19 protocols by visiting, or attempting to visit, premises not approved by the league.

The Demons have been fined $50,000 which will be deducted from the club's 2021 soft cap allocation. Bennell was suspended for four matches, which will need to be served in 2021, and has also been ordered to return to Melbourne.

"He has made a very poor decision, which is incredibly disappointing. He has not only put himself, his teammates and the competition at risk, but he has failed to live up to the values of the Melbourne Football Club," Melbourne CEO Gary Pert said of Bennell.

"Harley knew the rules. He understands the extent of his actions and is incredibly remorseful for his behaviour. He has made a terrible mistake and has been punished accordingly."

Melbourne condemns a racial slur made against Harley Bennell on Twitter.

"There is just no place for this racist behaviour in our game and in society," Melbourne chairman Glen Bartlett said.

"It's incredibly frustrating that comments of this nature continue to be made, and it's important that we, as a football community, don't shy away from what's right. We all have a responsibility to call this behaviour out and hold these individuals to account."

After being out of the senior side for two weeks, Harley Bennell is asked to work on certain areas of his game before again being considered for senior selection.

"We're continuing to work on him around his contest and defensive elements of the game that's required in his role but he's missed a lot of footy, so our expectations are he's not going to be perfect in that space," Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

"He does bring something unique to our team but we just need to make sure that he can fill that role to the best of his ability."

Harley Bennell will play his first AFL game since 2017 after being selected by Melbourne for this week's clash with Carlton.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Harley Bennell is just about fit and ready to play when the AFL 2020 season recommences.

"He's done a lot of training in isolation, but more importantly he's done everything we've asked of him in the last three weeks. He's definitely putting the pressure on," Goodwin said.

"What it will be is a fairytale story for Harley. He's gone through a lot on and off the field and it's been a long time since he's played his last game of AFL football.

"We'll leave it with (high-performance manager) Darren Burgess and the medical team to come up with a decision, but he's going to be around the mark. He's very close and it's very exciting for the Melbourne supporters."

Harley Bennell suffers yet another calf strain.

"Harley pulled up sore following a training session on the weekend and scans have shown a low-grade strain in his calf," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney told SEN's website.

"While disappointing to have this occur again, we deliberately set expectations on Harley conservatively, allowing for some setbacks."

Harley Bennell is not expected to return to senior football until after the middle of the 2020 season.

"We've got no expectation on Harley playing early in the season, we want to get him back into full training first off," Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

"When that happens, we'll be guided by our high-performance team and our medical team. In an ideal world, when would we see him? Middle of the year would be a really good-case scenario for us."

Harley Bennell signs with Melbourne through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).

"We are really pleased to welcome Harley to Melbourne through the SSP, and officially have him as part of our list for the 2020 season," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"Since joining us to train in December, Harley has shown nothing but commitment to his individualised program and to the club. Although he has faced some minor setbacks over the past two months, he has taken this opportunity with both hands, and maintained a strong, positive outlook."

Harley Bennell suffers yet another calf injury while training with Melbourne.

The injury is understood to be minor, but given Bennell's history of calf injuries, the timeframe for return is yet to be determined.

Bennell will rehabilitate with the club, despite not being contracted.

Harley Bennell hopes to be back in full training next month with Melbourne as he attempts to revive his ailing AFL career.

"We've still got a long way to go with the rehab program, but I'll back the medical staff in here and it's really exciting times ahead," Bennell said.

"(I just have to) stick to the program really. I like things straight away, but I'll just take my time slow and steady here, but I can't wait to get the ball rolling."

Despite his well-publicised injury woes and off-field drama, Bennell said he never contemplated quitting the game.

"I never thought of giving it away, I just needed some time away from football," Bennell said.

"I was lucky enough that (infant daughter) Carter came at the right time. It was just a blessing. Amy (Bennell's partner) and baby moved in almost three weeks ago now and we're loving Melbourne.

"We've got some great people around us that can help lead us in the right direction and I'm really excited for the time that Melbourne have given me."

Harley Bennell continues to train with Melbourne in a bid to earn a spot on the club's list during the pre-season supplementary period.

Bennell completed a running session, the first he has done in five months after having surgery on both calf muscles.

"He's had an operation where he's had both plantaris, which is a muscle down the bottom of the calf, taken out," Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said of Bennell.

"(High performance manager) Darren Burgess has had some experience with that in soccer with some success, but that's been more around the healing of an Achilles, so we're still a bit unsure.

"He's emotional about where his footy's been and he doesn't want to waste it. We want to give him that opportunity to train with us, prepare the best he can knowing it's going to be a journey.

"It might take time to get his calf right and not be ready for round one, he knows that, but he's got a love of the game."

Harley Bennell will seek to restart his career by training with Melbourne over summer.

"We are pleased that Harley has accepted our offer to train over pre-season," Melbourne's general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said.

"Harley has been through some well-documented challenges throughout his career and we are happy to offer him an opportunity for a fresh start.

"Both the club and Harley are fully aware of the hurdles that are in front of him to return to playing AFL, but we are committed to working together over the pre-season, and potentially beyond."

Harley Bennell looks certain to score another AFL lifeline, with six clubs frantically doing their due diligence on the richly talented ex-Docker and Sun.

Sydney, Geelong and Melbourne are among those teams, but far from his only options as he seeks to extend his stalled and injury-marred 83-game career.

"We're trying to get as much information as we can from Harley; where his injury is at currently, what the plan looks like for him moving forward and what the opportunities are for him to get back to playing AFL football," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said.

Harley Bennell offers a warning to Collingwood superstar Jordan De Goey not to rush his recovery after his trip to Germany to see the man known as 'Healing Hans'.

Bennell made the same trip in December 2016, except his problems extended beyond just his hamstrings, to his calves, glutes and lower back.

"I felt really good after it when I got back, for a month or two, but then we ramped the weights up a bit too quick in my rehab and I got another little nick, which I wasn't too happy about," Bennell said.

"I thought we'd fixed it, so then I was back to the drawing board."

Harley Bennell has had lots of time to think since parting ways with Fremantle in mid-July, after almost four seasons with more calf setbacks (12) than AFL games (two).

That news came about a fortnight after he and his long-time partner, Amy Crellin, welcomed their first child, a little girl, Carter-Ivy Logan Bennell, into the world.

"I've made some wrong decisions in my time and that's put me in some s--- positions but I've learned from those," Bennell said.

"I just think I've still got a lot more in the tank. I've come this far and I'm not going to give up, just because of my latest injury. I'm not a person who will just chuck the towel in and give up.

"I love training and I love football. Without football, who knows where I'll be?

"Getting a third opportunity at the highest level would be life-changing for myself and my partner and my family – it would be the luckiest thing. It would mean a lot to me and my family."

Harley Bennell has undergone a second bout of calf surgery in six weeks as he bids to find a third AFL club.

The ex-Docker and Sun had an operation on his right calf in Brisbane in late July and he returned for similar surgery to remove scar tissue in his left calf on Wednesday.

There is genuine confidence in the Bennell camp about his ability to reinvigorate his stalled 83-match career.

Sydney is reportedly exploring the opportunity to recruit former Fremantle and Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell for 2020.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says he has reassured disgruntled player manager Colin Young after he voiced "serious concerns" over the Dockers' injury rehabilitation programs.

Young has negotiated early exits for two of his clients, Harley Bennell and Shane Kersten, from their expiring contracts to undergo individual recovery plans after both failed to get on the park for the Dockers this season.

"I think if you've got players at your club and there's been some long-term concern, you're entitled to ask and contact the club," Lyon said.

"You'd like the vehicles to remain private, but no one is working harder to explore and find solutions than our medical and conditioning team."

Fremantle defends its management of Shane Kersten's season-long foot injury after powerful player manager Colin Young called for an immediate review of the club's rehabilitation programs.

Kersten has followed another of Young's clients, Harley Bennell, in negotiating an early release from his expiring contract as the WA-based manager voiced major concerns about the Dockers' injury management.

"I have serious concerns on how the club rehabilitates its players (and) it's my opinion that this area of the club needs an immediate review," Young told The West Australian.

"Immediate changes need to be made or the club is going nowhere."

Fremantle's football boss Peter Bell backed the club's handling of Kersten's injury.

"We have highly experienced, capable and committed professionals with input, when required, from local, national and, at times, international specialists and experts in their field," Bell said.

"Part of their important role is to mitigate the impact of an injury a player incurs when playing or training and we are always looking to enhance and improve our operations.

"Despite Shane not being able to play in 2019, we are confident with how the injury was managed, treated and reviewed, and that the club has done everything possible to support Shane with our player welfare services."

Harley Bennell undergoes surgery on his troublesome right calf in Brisbane in a bid to keep his AFL career alive.

Renowned Geelong-based sports physiotherapist Peter Stanton is working closely with Bennell to solve his longstanding calf issues.

Bennell's surgery last week identified a nerve issue and involved removing muscle that was scarred and causing problems.

Harley Bennell's ill-fated four-season stint at Fremantle is officially over, but the injury-ravaged midfielder is refusing to give up on his AFL career.

After just two games in purple, Bennell has negotiated his exit and will not be at the club in 2020.

"I’m not retiring at this stage," Bennell said.

"I’m going to work really hard on rehabbing my calf injury with a view to giving myself the chance to have another crack at playing for an AFL club.

"I firmly believe that I am capable of getting back out there and playing at the highest level."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has all-but conceded Harley Bennell won't be a Docker beyond this season but believes the injury-ravaged midfielder still has AFL quality football left in him.

Lyon hopes another club will take a punt on the former Sun, with the Dockers and Bennell having exhausted their avenues to fix his troublesome calves.

"It's unlikely he'll be with us next year – I think Harley knows that – but we're going to rehab him, and we'll work through with his management, Col Young, who has really taken care of him," Lyon said.

"Hopefully, someone out there has got a solution, or a club, or a guru out there can get him right because he's a pretty special talent, because it's devastating he's lost to the game, to be honest."

Scans confirm a significant calf tear that will keep Harley Bennell on the sidelines for a lengthy period.

Harley Bennell will have scans after suffering a lower leg injury in the WAFL.

In his fourth-straight game coming back from more calf woes, Bennell came from the field at Mineral Resources Park after going down in the first quarter and was on crutches shortly after.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon hoses down talk that Harley Bennell will be picked to take on Collingwood this weekend despite his standout return in the WAFL.

In his first game for the season after more calf dramas, Bennell picked up 30 touches and booted two goals in Peel's narrow loss to West Perth, prompting speculation he could be parachuted back into the senior team this week.

"He just needs to continue to build. Really thrilled that he made a return, he just needs to keep building," Lyon told Channel Seven.

An MRI scan confirms that Harley Bennell has suffered yet another calf setback.

Harley Bennell's hopes of reviving his AFL career have taken yet another hit with the injury-plagued Fremantle midfielder hurting his left calf at training.

Harley Bennell suffers another calf strain with no timeline on his return.

Brandon Matera says close mate Harley Bennell is in his best physical condition since their time together on the Gold Coast.

"I say it to him, it's the best I've seen him since the Gold Coast days and it's sad that Freo haven't seen that yet," Matera said.

"The more time he is out there, the better it is going to get for him, the more confidence he gets in himself.

"Freo haven't seen the best of Harley yet and I really hope we can see it this year. I'm really close with him, and he's confident and I'm confident in him to get there."

Harley Bennell's career may be on thin ice after he was asked to leave a Perth pub.

The incident comes less than three months after Fremantle football manager Peter Bell said the midfielder was on his last warning.

Harley Bennell's manager Colin Young says the midfielder has been given one last chance by new footy manager Peter Bell.

"I think Peter was just reinforcing (Bennell) has one hiccup to be out of the club. Basically that's the truth of the matter," Young said.

"Harley will be doing his best to stay committed to his fitness regime and try to be an elite player next season. Peter was just making sure he knew where he stood."

Harley Bennell signs a one-year contract extension to remain at Fremantle in 2019.

Bennell has been hampered by injury in his three seasons at Fremantle, managing just two senior matches in 2017 but is confident about his future.

"I've played 10 games in the WAFL for [WAFL affiliate] Peel (Thunder) which has really helped me," he said.

"As the season went on, I felt I got better each game."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says 2019 could be the last opportunity for Harley Bennell to kick-start his stalled Fremantle career.

"The club's been really supportive and Harley's been good, but going forward, you would think, going into that fourth year, we're all looking for some 'ROI' on the investment – as is Harley," Lyon said.

"It would be, next year, a make and break year, I would think."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says the club will offer Harley Bennell a new contract even if the midfielder doesn't play a senior game this season.

Plagued with injuries and off-field issues, Bennell has notched just two senior games since crossing to Fremantle at the end of 2015, and his lucrative three-year deal ends in 2018.

"We'd like Harley to be here and be contracted," Lyon said.

"So all things being equal, regardless of senior football and progressing, Harley will be here. We really value him."

Fremantle is taking a cautious approach with Harley Bennell after his latest calf episode.

"It's (his latest calf issue) really at the lower end, and it's really gone to the other side," Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

"Soleus is the endurance component of the calf, it's endurance and fatigue … he's trying to catch up a long way, it's going to take a bit of time, unfortunately."

Harley Bennell's immediate playing future is back under a cloud after the injury-plagued Fremantle star sustained "mild tightness" in his calf while playing for Peel.

The luckless Docker was making his fourth consecutive appearance for the Thunder after his last calf setback in February.

Harley Bennell has turned to a ballet physiotherapist in his latest bid to get back onto the field following a string of calf setbacks.

"A ballet physiotherapist, what they can do with their feet and control, it builds up strength and helps your calves," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon explained.

"He's bought in. There's a lot of detail to it and hard work, but as I've always said he works incredibly hard, so he's getting some benefit."

Harley Bennell takes another step forward in his return to AFL football after rejoining his Dockers teammates for a training session.

"Harley's really bubbly, he's been out running today, he has great skills and hopefully he's back in the next few weeks," Fremantle teammate Joel Hamling said.

"He's come back and bought in and worked hard. You could see that today, he's going really well."

Harley Bennell will return to Fremantle headquarters when his club-imposed suspension ends on Tuesday.

It will mark eight weeks to the day since Bennell was banished for being involved in a nightclub scuffle and drinking an excessive amount of alcohol the night before a training session.

"I think he's hit all indicators," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon told Channel Nine.

"With (football manager) Chris Bond and the leaders, he'll come in tomorrow and we'll have the discussion."

Harley Bennell's horror run with calf injuries has continued after the exiled Fremantle star suffered another strain while training at Peel.

Bennell had a scan on his left calf on Wednesday which confirmed a grade one tear in an area unrelated to a previous injury.

The 25-year-old will undertake a 21-day rehabilitation program and continue to train with the Thunder.

Michael Walters says banished Fremantle teammate Harley Bennell is on track to return to the side.

"His work-rate is still there, his skills are still there and we just hope to see him back very soon," Walters said.

"He knows that you have to act the best you can whether you're at the club or away from the club.

"You can see now that it has struck home. He's working hard and he just can't wait to get back."

Harley Bennell is hoping gain some valuable match fitness in a WAFL pre-season clash later this month with Peel Thunder as he edges closer to returning to Fremantle from a club-imposed suspension.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon admits the Dockers so far have not received a return on their investment in recruiting Harley Bennell, but insists the 25-year-old can work his way back into the fold.

"Harley's got clear KPIs (key performance indicators) of skinfolds and run and a timeframe that he can grab hold of and walk back through the door. Harley just has to open it himself," Lyon said.

"But this eight-week period is really challenging (for him). Without support, it's going to challenge your desire and determination. So, I think if he can get through it without support, when you walk back through the door with support you're going to be in better shape to progress.

"We're bitterly disappointed. But talk's cheap and we've just got to get into action."

Banished Fremantle midfielder Harley Bennell is a notable absentee from Fremantle's 2018 team photo.

Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe says Harley Bennell's career is on knife's edge following a nightclub scuffle and drinking an excessive amount of alcohol the day before a training session, which he missed.

"He's acted his way out at the moment and he'll go away and really fight for his career," Fyfe said.

"He just needs to get himself physically and mentally in a space to be able to come back and perform.

"He's got some challenges with his body and the guys here at the club are here to support him."

Fremantle orders Harley Bennell to train away from the club for two months and fined the troubled midfielder $15,000 (with $5,000 suspended) following a nightclub altercation.

"In this instance, he consumed an excessive amount of alcohol the day before a training session," Dockers football manager Chris Bond said.

"In addition to a $15,000 fine, Harley will not train at the club for the next eight weeks and also continue ongoing counselling to assist him with making better decisions in off-field situations.

"Harley will train with (WAFL club) Peel during that period and will also be required to undertake and complete a separate training program set by our strength and conditioning staff."

Harley Bennell's AFL career could be in jeopardy after allegations he was involved in a nightclub altercation.

Channel Seven broadcast vision of a man, believed to be Bennell, involved in a scuffle with security guards inside Fremantle nightspot club 189.

Harley Bennell will be wrapped in cotton wool until pre-season training commences after Fremantle ruled him out of Peel's WAFL finals campaign.

"Following that process, our medicos and fitness staff advised that it was in Harley’s long-term playing interests to be rested now, which will also give him the best lead-in to day one of our 2018 season," Fremantle football manager Chris Bond said.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says he would have retired if he'd suffered the same run of injuries as Harley Bennell.

Bennell played his first competitive match in 16 months on Saturday, lining up for Peel Thunder against East Perth.

"I was really nervous watching it because I thought if that calf was to go again, we'd have to pick up the pieces," Lyon said.

"It was a positive step and he had a lot of support there from the club, a lot of family and I think his quality just shone through, didn't it? It was frightening what we saw in patches.

"It's been a tough road, but he's working his way through with great character and great resilience.

"I can tell you, I would've crumbled. I would've been out of the system and I would've flicked the bails.

"He's got great mental toughness, he's a better man than me."

In his first match at any level for 16 months after battling repeated calf issues, Harley Bennell picks up 12 touches and booted a goal in Peel's convincing WAFL win over East Perth.

Harley Bennell is set to play his first game since March last year after being named in Peel Thunder's round 17 team.

"We know everyone will get there and watch him but for Harley, who has persisted and persevered and showed good resilience, it's a step in the right direction," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.

"He'll only play about 60 minutes, but it's a good start."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon reveals that Harley Bennell was in a bad place mentally after re-injuring his calf.

"He had a two-week period where he had a meltdown, where he was really struggling," Lyon said.

"It was self-harming, there was no harm to anyone else. He needed to get some support and gather himself, and he's done that.

"He understands he's walking a tightrope but, for me, he's been fantastic bar that self-harm period."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says the club may have pushed Harley Bennell too hard in his recovery from a calf injury.

Bennell is in the last stages of his preparation to make a long-awaited return to football, potentially as soon as next weekend at Peel.

"Really in reality, we probably pushed Harley beyond what he needed to be pushed - trying to create something like Superman really," Lyon said.

"In theory, he probably could have been playing. But we're learning some lessons on how to handle Harley."

Fremantle's playing group is rallying around Harley Bennell after the latest episode in the troubled star's career at a WAFL match.

Bennell is under investigation by the club after his strange behaviour during Peel's win over Swan Districts when he pulled cousin Traye away from the three-quarter time huddle.

"There's a lot of things that have happened in the past and I couldn't imagine how tough it would be for him," Fremantle teammate Shane Kersten said.

"We as a playing group are sticking by him, and he's one of our brothers, so that's all we can do.

"He's been in good spirits around the club in the last few days, so we'll look to back him.

"We're a not a club to go and hang our brothers out and leave him to dry."

Harley Bennell is fined $10,000 by Fremantle and told to undergo counselling to deal with his personal issues following a club investigation into his behaviour at Peel's match.

Bennell met with senior coach Ross Lyon, CEO Steve Rosich and football manager Chris Bond to discuss his conduct at the WAFL game.

"We have an agreed action plan as how to best assist Harley with his personal wellbeing and his return to playing football," Bond said in a club statement.

"The agreed off-field action plan includes Harley working with an external expert counsellor to assist in dealing with personal issues.

"We also imposed a $10,000 financial sanction on Harley, $5000 of which is suspended for 12 months."

Harley Bennell, is under investigation by Fremantle for his behaviour at a WAFL game.

Bennell twice interrupted the three quarter-time huddle of the match between Peel Thunder and Swan Districts to speak to his cousin Traye Bennell before being spoken to by Dockers assistant coach Roger Hayden.

Dockers Ross Lyon coach defends the recruitment of Harley Bennell as the club mulls over any potential punishment for his latest off-field indiscretion where he asked to leave a flight.

"We've got a growth mindset and he's been very good since he's been here," Lyon said.

"No, there's no regrets here.

"We're disappointed at a level. That goes beyond me and we'll have discussions with Harley.

"We're all responsible for our own life and happiness and it's a decision that he's going to wish he was in better shape."

Harley Bennell is from a Gold Coast bound flight shortly after boarding due to intoxication.

"After arriving in Melbourne to await his flight to the Gold Coast, Bennell went to a cafe at the airport," the Dockers said in a statement.

"Shortly after boarding the Gold Coast flight he was asked to disembark by Virgin staff who believed he was affected by alcohol. Bennell cooperated with airline staff and returned to the Virgin Lounge."

Docker coach Ross Lyon told Triple M radio on Sunday he had spoken to Bennell. Lyon was told about the incident after his side hung on for a two-point win against Melbourne at the MCG.

"He had already flown from Perth to Melbourne (and) navigated that flight fine. Went to the lounge, went back on, was in business class, sat down and then was asked to leave. He got up, grabbed his backpack, walked off and went to the lounge," Lyon said.

"It's unfortunate that it's occurred but there was no disruption on the previous flight or on this flight, but obviously there was some signs of intoxication and he was asked to leave."

Harley Bennell's chances of making his Fremantle debut this season have been cast into more doubt, with the injury-plagued Docker set to be sidelined for at least two months by his latest calf setback.

Bennell hurt his left calf at training and initial scans indicated only a minor tear, which was set to delay his return to main training by a week to 10 days.

He would then have needed about two weeks training with the full squad to be available for match selection.

However, the 24-year-old experienced more discomfort late last week and follow-up scans have revealed the injury is more severe than first thought.

"Upon further assessment and following the latest scans, we were advised that the extent of the calf injury was more severe than the initial diagnosis last week," general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.

"It is disappointing for Harley and the club, particularly given that he was on the verge of a return to full training with the playing group and back out playing.

"Given his outstanding attitude and approach to injury rehabilitation since he has been at Fremantle, Harley and the club are now planning for him to be available for selection within eight to 10 weeks."

Harley Bennell's latest setback with his troublesome calves is likely to delay his long-awaited return to football by at least a month.

"Obviously he's devastated with that because he's an incredibly hard trainer. He's been so mentally tough and stayed the course," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.

"The scans said it was really at the minor end, so he should be able to get going barring any other misfortune."

Injury-plagued Harley Bennell suffers another calf setback at training with scans confirming a minor tear.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has delivered a sensational spray, claiming speculation around injured midfielder Harley Bennell's calf injury has racist overtones.

Bennell missed all of last season with a right calf injury and will miss at least round one of this season after suffering an injury to his left calf.

Lyon was having none of critics questioning Bennell's work ethic just because he has a 'chequered past', which includes being photographed with what were alleged to be illicit drugs in a Tasmanian hotel room in 2013.

"I heard speculation on radio questioning the injury, that no player had ever suffered a calf injury like Harley had," Lyon said, in reaction to comments made on SEN radio.

"It's my experience that a white footballer has a calf injury and it's a calf injury and a black footballer has a calf injury and it's a drug problem."

Garry Lyon, speaking on his breakfast show, said Bennell had either had a freakish calf injury or had not properly prepared himself to return to the game.

"That speaks of their naivety and their sensationalism because Harley's an incredibly hard trainer, he's not scared to train," the Dockers coach said.

"And the feedback from our playing group is he's taken to levels in rehab that very few have matched. That talks to ill-informed commentary and that would disappoint me."

Harley Bennell says he's "hungrier than ever" to make his long-awaited return to football following his troublesome calf issues.

"I'm slowly and gradually getting some kms into my legs and my calves, obviously," Bennell said.

"It's coming along really well and I'm just really looking forward to getting out there with the boys and I'll hopefully get some games under my belt.

"I can't wait. I'm hungrier than ever and I'm doing everything right to get my body right and get ready for a big season."

Fremantle football boss Chris Bond says he expects Harley Bennell to be back playing in 2017 after a successful trip to Germany for treatment on his troublesome calves.

"He's not in the main group as yet, but he's certainly been able to get a fair few kilometres into his legs and he's working really hard," Bond told 6PR radio.

"We're really confident he's going to be playing a great deal of football this year, and that's what we want to do.

"In regards to exact dates we're not too sure, he's just working through in really good spirits and training very hard."

Harley Bennell will travel to Germany in December for further treatment on his soft tissue injuries after straining his calf muscle at training.

Harley Bennell returns to training early and after missing all of season 2016.

"My body feels good and the mind feels good. I'm feeling fresh," Bennell said.

"I had, well not a bad season, but injury-wise 2016 wasn't so good so I'm just coming in to get the body right, get the legs ticking over and ready for a big season in 2017.

"I'm hungrier than ever."

Harley Bennell's season is in jeopardy after suffering another setback in his rehab from a calf injury.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon denied that there was anything suspicious about the nature of Bennell's unavailability.

"There is no mystery, Harley's had a calf injury - a significant one - and he's had a relapse," Lyon said.

"There's no mystery, unless you want to attack it from a mischievous point of view.

"Harley's trained incredibly hard. Been fantastic. There's no mystery here."

Harley Bennell has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to complications with his calf injury.

"Harley sustained a calf injury on the 19th of March and since then has been undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation program," Fremantle's head physiotherapist Jeff Boyle said.

"During this rehabilitation phase, Harley has re-torn the area of the calf that was previously damaged and based on that information we feel that we need a longer period of time to rehabilitate the calf.

"We've sought opinions from national and international experts, their indication is that we just need to take a longer period of time to allow this tissue to heal properly and then to reload the calf so it can sustain the running conditioning we want him to be able to achieve."

Harley Bennell won't be available to make his Dockers debut until the second half of the season as he is set to undertake an eight-to-10-week program to rehabilitate his injured calf.

Harley Bennell's return date from a calf injury is still unknown, with Fremantle consulting calf specialists from around Australia to try and determine the best course of rehabilitation.

Bennell injured his calf playing in the WAFL a week before the AFL season started and has been restricted to walking and stationary ball work at training ever since.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon said the club has consulted Australian Institute of Sport head of physical therapies Craig Purdam to look at the ongoing calf problems that Bennell has experienced.

"His return to play is not imminent and we're working through it," Lyon said.

"We certainly won't be taking shortcuts, so when he returns will be when we feel he can sustain it. He's had some inherent calf issues over a period of time that have just haunted him a little bit.

"Our guys are mapping out a strong plan and I'll have a meeting later today just to firm that up with Harley and our conditioners.

"It won't be an insignificant period of time, because we don't want to take any risks."

Fremantle doesn't have a return date for Harley Bennell's comeback from a calf injury.

Bennell missed the Dockers' disastrous opening round 65-point loss to the Western Bulldogs after straining his troublesome calf while playing for Peel Thunder on March 19.

The setback continued a history of calf issues for the 23-year-old, who suffered ongoing problems during his five seasons at the Suns and undertook a carefully managed 10-week strengthening program before his latest injury.

"He's still going to be a while. We haven't got a firm (timeframe) what it will be with his calf at the moment," Dockers football operations manager Chris Bond said.

A calf injury suffered in the WAFL will delay Harley Bennell's debut for Fremantle.

"He's worked incredibly hard. We're really disappointed. Everything was on track," Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

"He's in a good frame of mind. He's determined. He's made great inroads here. He's stacked a lot of good moments. He needs to stack a lot more good moments and keep his focus."

Fremantle recruit Harley Bennell remains in the Dockers' rehab group just 11 days out from their first NAB Challenge match against Richmond.

Bennell has been on a restricted program since Christmas as he battles a calf issue.

Harley Bennell did not train with the main group at Fremantle's open session on Wednesday as the club continues to manage his training loads in the lead-up to the Christmas break.

Dockers assistant coach David Hale said there was no cause for concern with Bennell.

"I think they're just de-loading him at the moment, going into Christmas," Hale said.

"He'd done a fair bit of work the first few weeks so I think they're just monitoring him going forward."

Harley Bennell reveals that a dinner with Ross Lyon helped convince him that Fremantle was the club he wanted to be traded to.

"Ross got me and my mother around for a barbeque," Bennell said.

"We shared some stories. He had some funny stories. That was nice of him to get my mother and myself around.

"We went over a few things. He shared his lifestyle growing up and I shared mine."

Richmond footy manager Dan Richardson slams Harley Bennell for a lack of respect during trade discussions.

"We flew him over from Perth to find out a little bit more about him and where he's at, and we don't feel he gave that process a great deal of respect," Richardson said.

"Nor did his management, and that's why we moved on.

"He's now a Fremantle player. Maybe that's the way it was going all along, which is the reason why it transpired with us the way that it did."

Fremantle secures the services of controversial midfielder Harley Bennell on a three-year deal after a trade with Gold Coast.

Bennell had nominated Fremantle as his club of choice after parting ways with the Suns.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Dockers announced they had sent draft picks 16 and 35 to the Suns in exchange for Bennell and pick No.22.

"I'm excited about returning home to WA and joining Fremantle," Bennell said.

"I want to thank the Gold Coast for drafting me and the support they have offered me during my time at the club.

"My main focus now is to knuckle down and have a solid pre-season over the coming months."

Harley Bennell nominates Fremantle as his preferred new club.

Bennell attracted interest from other clubs, particularly Richmond, but the Tigers pulled out of the race after meeting with the midfielder last week.

New Essendon coach John Worsfold says he is interested in recruiting Harley Bennell to the Bombers.

"(There's) plenty of interest in his talent and we need to do some research into his desire to commit to the standards that will be expected at the Essendon Football Club," Worsfold said.

"I think we need to explore it because his talent warrants that, but it is the package that comes and we need to really find out where his mind's at.

"To what level we explore it will depend on some of the answers we get to these questions."

Harley Bennell meets with key Richmond personnel at Punt Road on as he searches for a new home in 2016.

Bennell was driven in via a rear entrance by development boss Mark Williams, flanked by the player Williams helped mentor, Dustin Martin.

The three spent two hours inside Tigers headquarters and met with coach Damien Hardwick and chief executive Brendon Gale.

Captain Trent Cotchin was also present, along with fellow leadership group member Ivan Maric.

Tigers football boss Dan Richardson said the meeting was about learning more of Bennell's intentions for his football future.

"We've got some interest in Harley, we'll see where it goes after the meeting today," Richardson said.

"(The meeting is) just getting an insight into what his journey's been, where he's at and where he wants to go with his football."

Harley Bennell settles a public nuisance charge out of court.

It's reported Bennell got himself into hot water after slapping a cigarette out of the mouth of a bouncer outside a nightclub.

Gold Coast announce that Harley Bennell will be traded from the club after yet another disciplinary breach.

Bennell, who was charged with disorderly behaviour after allegedly arguing with a security guard outside a Surfers Paradise nightclub just 24 hours after the Suns' final game of the season.

"He's only a young man and obviously he's made some poor choices, but (I'm) certainly disappointed for him that it's come to this but I think as a club, we've done everything," Suns coach Rodney Eade said.

"As a person, we rate him highly but he just made too many bad choices, but the support will still be there for him.

"He probably didn't think it'd ever come to this and I think it's a big wake-up call … he probably realises that he's not bulletproof."

Harley Bennell collects 39 disposals against Adelaide in his AFL return but Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says there is still room for improvement.

"For the couple of weeks that he's had, to be able to come back and win as much of the ball as he did and work as hard as he did it was really pleasing," Eade said.

"He knows where he's at, he knows what he's got to do, he knows how hard he's got to work."

Harley Bennell is ready to move on after the most tumultuous time in his footy career.

Bennell admitted he feared being sacked following drug and alcohol scandals this season, but said he now wanted to make good and be an indigenous role model.

"Football's everything to me," Bennell said.

"When I was young I grew up kicking the footy in the backyard with my brothers. I always wanted to play AFL.

"It's been a disappointing 2015 for myself, put it that way. I'm disappointed in myself and I want to repay the club."

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says Harley Bennell has shown genuine remorse for his indiscretion and is ready to perform for the Suns.

"We all make mistakes It's a reasonably big mistake, but it was two-and-a-half years ago," Eade said.

"There's a fair bit of contrition there. He wants to be part of the place going forward.

"He likes his teammates, he wants to be involved and you can see there's been responsibility taken and he acknowledges what he needs to do.

"We've seen through his actions so far, it's only a short period of time, but his actions have been very positive."

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says Harley Bennell needs to show effort both on and off the field in the next week to regain his place in the senior team.

"We know he's talented. It's not so much his performance as far as quality, but it's about he effort," Eade said.

"If there's effort in his preparation and effort in his game, there's a fair chance he'll be back in."

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says Harley Bennell is fit and ready to play, but no guarantee to return next week.

"He wants to play. But we don't think it's appropriate that he does play for a whole range of reasons," Eade said.

"You've got to make sure the individual's in the right headspace.

"There'll be more education with him as well about what expectations are but around the use of any (illicit) product."

Gold Coast's leadership group will leave the process of punishing drug-tainted midfielder Harley Bennell to the Suns' management.

"Management's going to take care of that. They're going to gather the facts and they're going to work through it," Suns vice-captain Tom Lynch said.

"We may have some discussion, but senior management will take care of that and give their opinions."

Photographs from 2013 have surfaced in the meida showing Harley Bennell in a Tasmanian hotel room with what has been claimed to be illicit substances.

Bennell is subsequently omitted from the Gold Coast side to take on North Melbourne this week.

"We're worried about the headspace Harley's in and worried about his welfare," Suns coach Rodney Eade said.

"From a club point of view and players' point of view, we think it's appropriate he doesn't play this weekend.

"I don't think it has set in yet, the enormity of the press coverage, so we think it's best he doesn't play."

AFL Players' Association boss Paul Marsh slams News Corporations's decision to publish images on the front page of its newspapers of Gold Coast player Harley Bennell with allegedly illicit substances.

"Extremely disappointed. We were aware this was coming yesterday, we spoke to the Herald Sun to try to get them to not run the photos," Marsh said.

"We don't see that it serves any purpose and it's putting one of our members in a very, very difficult position.

"Let's not forget that we're dealing with a human being's life here. We've got a player now – for an action that he took two-and-a-half years ago – who's going through hell."

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says he is confident he can get best out of Harley Bennell.

"I've coached blokes that are free spirits, that play on instincts, and Harley's an instinctive player," Eade said.

"There's just some rough edges to his game we need to teach and that's the same with any young players.

"I think he wants to get better, he wants to improve.

"He's on the right track and he just needs some more guidance on how we want him to play."

Suns coach Rodney Eade says the club will not trade Harley Bennell and Brandon Matera who were recently banished to the NEAFL for defying the club's edict on alcohol consumption.

"Both Harley and Brandon are very much part of the future as far as I'm concerned (and) as far as we're concerned," Eade said.

"They buy into what we want to produce here and the way we want to go about it.

"We don't want to trade them and we certainly want them here."

Gold Coast has dropped Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie and Brandon Matera for Saturday's match against Adelaide for failing to meet the club's discipline standards.

It is believed players were asked to steer clear of alcohol to concentrate on recovery in the wake of Saturday night's drought-breaking win over the Brisbane Lions.

The trio breached the directive on Sunday.

They were challenged by the leadership group on Monday before the leaders, Suns management and coaching staff agreed on the punishment.

Bennell, McKenzie and Matera will all play NEAFL this weekend before being considered for senior selection again.

Gold Coast is satisfied with the way livewire Harley Bennell has responded to training after being disciplined for a breach of team standards.

Bennell is believed to be one of several Suns players punished by the club after a recent night out.

"They're a pretty good group and they train hard and work hard, but when you get so many young blokes, every now and then someone might actually step out of line with what's expected of them," Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade said.

"But we've addressed that and spoken to Harley about what he needs to do to make himself the best footballer he can be. He's certainly responded in the right way."

Harley Bennell's 27 disposals and club record-equalling six goals were a huge factor in the Suns' 40-point romp over the Cats which solidified Gold Coast's position in the top eight.

"I know he doesn't want to get pumped up too much, because he knows he'll get a lot of close attention from opposition coming up," teammate Jarrod Harbrow said about Bennell.

"We've got a couple of tough weeks coming up and he's going to get a lot of attention. His class and how he sees the game is a different level to most players."

Harley Bennell signs a new three-year deal with Gold Coast and will remain at the Suns until the end of 2017.

"We are a really tight group, we have been through the hard times together, our journey has been unique and we are as determined as ever to share that success that every player wants," Bennell said.

"We think we have made up significant ground over the last couple of years but we know that if we are to achieve the success that we all want in the future, that the hard work has only just begun."

Harley Bennell will miss at least another two matches after aggravating his calf injury.

"Unfortunately I pulled up sore again last week," Bennell said.

"It has been a pretty frustrating start to the season, but all I can do is concentrate on getting it right."

Harley Bennell says he was consistently frustrated by hamstring injuries in 2013 and hopes to be over them in 2014.

"It just kept cropping up and it was annoying having to go back and start again and tick all the boxes," Bennell said.

"I just have to strengthen my core, through my hips and hopefully I can play more games next year."

Harley Bennell wins the Polly Farmer Medal for being best afield in the Indigeous All-Stars big win against a depleted Richmond in Alice Springs.

"I've known Harley since he was in the AIS Academy - I was his mentor there and to see him come on, he could be one of the really good players in the AFL, a real top liner,'' All-Stars coach Michael O'Loughlin said.

"He's starting to realise the work rate and professionalism and dedication you need to succeed at this level and he's building a career not for one, two or three years, but to get a 10-plus year career out of it.''

Harley Bennell ends 2012 on a sour note, charged with disorderly behaviour and failing to obey an order given by a police officer during New Year's Eve celebrations in Western Australia.

Bennell was one of several people arrested when fighting broke out in the nightclub district in Mandurah, south of Perth. He was taken to Mandurah police station and released on bail in the morning.

Exciting young talent Harley Bennell re-signs with Gold Coast for a further two seasons.

"I'm rapt to re-sign with the Suns," he said.

"I have got a lot of mates here, I'm enjoying my footy and I believe we are building something pretty special."

Contract negotiations between Harley Bennell and the Suns are moving slowly, but Gold Coast is confident he will stay.

"We're going through the normal process of a negotiation. There's nothing different to the normal process and with those things they take time to get done," Gold Coast's football manager Marcus Ashcroft said.

"From our point of view we expect Harley to be with us long term, and there's been nothing to suggest through the negotiation period that there'll be anything different."

After being dropped twice last year for failing to attend compulsory training sessions, Harley Bennell has turned his life around both on and off the field, culminated by a 37-disposal and 3-goal display against Fremantle.

"He went and moved in with Karmichael (Hunt) who became his mentor. K is driven and a highly professional person and that was a really good thing for Harley," Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said.

"For all these young kids it's a massive year, throwing in living away from home, learning to cook, clean, those grey clouds appear above your head and it becomes hard.

"Harley is very close to his mum and his brothers and his father is a bit crook at the moment as well, so that's an issue, so we manage and help him through that."

Harley Bennell is close to a Suns recall but coach Guy McKenna will wait on what his leadership group decides.

"It was more about him buying into the program," McKenna said.

"We know he's got the talent, it's about his character buying into the program. If I get the tap on the shoulder from Gaz (Ablett) and the boys I'm sure he'll be in line for selection."

Gold Coast development coach Andy Lovell says the club will work with Harley Bennell to help him overcome his homesickness after Bennell was dropped from the side indefinitely for failing to attend a training session.

"Harley's not the first player to ever get homesick at an AFL club," Lovell said.

"He's a long way from home, as we know, and he freely admits how he handled the situation wasn't ideal, but as a footy club, we recognise he's an 18 year-old young man and does not have the experience that he needs."

Gold Coast youngster Harley Bennell has been dropped to the reserves after missing a compulsory training session.

"[Unless] Harley demonstrates to the leadership group his intent to adhere to the strict guidelines that the playing group set themselves, he will be unavailable for senior selection," Suns football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft said.

"We will continue to support Harley during this time. It's our priority to make sure he understands the levels of professionalism required for him to become the player that we know he can be and we hope to see him recalled to the senior side sooner rather than later."

Harley Bennell makes his AFL debut for Gold Coast at the Gabba with 17 disposals (8 kicks and 9 handballs), a mark, 5 tackles, 1 hitouts and a goal in a 119-point loss to Carlton.