Harley ready to roll
Suns coach says Bennell in the right ‘head space’ after drug scandal
GOLD Coast Suns coach Rodney Eade says Harley Bennell will be judged on his actions going forward and is convinced he is in the right space to make his AFL return today.
Bennell spoke for the first time about the drug scandal that threatened to end his time at the club on Thursday, ahead of his return game against the Adelaide Crows.
Bennell missed three senior games after pictures emerged of the star midfielder with illicit drugs during a trip to Tasmania in 2013.
Eade said Bennell had displayed growth by facing up and apologising to fans and said it was now up to him to prove it with his actions.
“There is a fair bit of contrition there,” Eade said.
“He wants to be part of the place going forward, he likes his teammates and wants to be involved, and you can see that responsibility has been taken.
“He acknowledges what he needs to do and we have seen this through his actions so far.”
Eade said that no added pressure would be put on the 22-year-old to perform at the Adelaide Oval and was confident in Bennell.
“We expect him, like any other player, to be able to contribute as a team player,” Eade said.
“We don’t expect him to be at his best but just to be able to play his role.
“It has been a big couple of weeks for him but last week was terrific. He has trained well so I think he is in a reasonable head space.”
Bennell’s family, including mother Kayleen, will meet him in Adelaide in what Eade labelled a “show of support”, but said he needed no extra motivation to play.
“Obviously that means a lot to him,” Eade said.
“I don’t think it will be motivation ... I think he is happy to be back playing footy but he is very close with his mum and siblings as well.
“The fact that they are prepared to fly from Perth to be able to see him is just a show of support for him.”
The Round 17 fixture will be the first scheduled home game played by the Adelaide Crows since the tragic passing of coach Phil Walsh on July 3.
Eade and Suns football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft both played with Walsh at the Brisbane Bears and were among numerous Coast staff to know the respected coach.
The Suns’ leading goal kicker Charlie Dixon will be given until the 11th hour to prove his fitness after missing last week due to an ongoing ankle problem.
Eade revealed the Gold Coast would take 23 players on the trip as a precaution.