Future’s in balance
Suns yet to decide what Bennell’s fate should be
THE Gold Coast Suns are still weighing up what to do with problem child Harley Bennell.
The gifted West Australian was stood down from the AFL team last weekend over a drugs scandal and he missed the Suns’ excellent win against North Melbourne.
Whether or not Bennell is cleared to return this weekend for the clash with Western Bulldogs in Cairns remains to be seen but the Suns will look at all their options.
“We really don’t know yet what we’ll be doing,” coach Rodney Eade said yesterday.
“We’re working through some discussions at the moment but there are a lot of matters to be looked at.
“They’ll include the AFL, our board, mental health, our doctor and obviously Harley himself.”
Eade said the Suns had not been put under any pressure by AFL over the issue.
Meanwhile, experienced Cairns product Jarrod Harbrow is set to replace utility Luke Russell (fractured finger) in the Suns side heading north to Cazaly’s Stadium on Saturday.
And, in some welcome news, the Suns finally have some selection headaches with all of their big men available.
Strong games in the NEAFL from Zac Smith, Rory Thompson and Peter Wright have piled welcome pressure on selectors.
“We have no injuries with our talls but last weekend Rory Thompson played well, Peter Wright played well and Zac Smith played well,” Eade said.
“All will be in contention but where do we fit them in?”
Keegan Brooksby was solid against North Melbourne but the Suns could recall Thompson to defence and possibly move Sam Day to the forwards.