Melbourne Demons officially sign former Docker and Sun Harley Bennell as a rookie

Ed Chisholm

Melbourne Demons officially sign former Docker and Sun Harley Bennell as a rookie image

The Melbourne Demons have confirmed the signing of Harley Bennell as a rookie ahead of the 2020 AFL season.

The former Dockers and Suns players had initially been invited to train with the club in a bid to gain a contract through the AFL's supplemental selection period rule.

Melbourne general manager of football Josh Mahoney said the Demons were glad to hand the 27-year-old another shot on an AFL list.

“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,” he said in a club statement.

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“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’s positive attitude has seen him been embraced by the playing group and seen him develop close relationships in a short time.

“We’re excited to be able to reward him for his efforts so far and give him further opportunity to reach his full potential.”

The contract comes despite news the calf issues that have plagued Bennell throughout his 10-year career have recently resurfaced.

Having had surgery on both in the past, Bennell strained his left calf muscle during a rehab session last week, which was thought to have put a major dent in his chances of gaining a contract.

However, Mahoney said Melbourne were committed to guiding Bennell through his latest setback.

“Harley’s journey will be long-term, and both he and the club are aligned in where he’s currently at in terms of making a return to playing,” he said.

“He understands the importance of undergoing a slow, modified program, and he knows there may be further challenges to tackle along the way.

“We think that by making this decision early, it will take away an undue pressure and enable Harley to concentrate fully on this program.

“We’re confident that he has the right attitude to embrace these hurdles, and we’re looking forward to working with him throughout.”

Since being drafted with the second pick in the 2010 draft by the Gold Coast, Bennell has gone on to play 83 games, all but two of those at the Suns.

After being traded to the Dockers at the end of 2015, Bennell only played two games due to poor form and a handful of off-field incidents.

 

Ed Chisholm

Ed Chisholm Photo

Ed Chisholm is a content producer for Sporting News Australia.