Troubled former No.2 draft decide Harley Bennell will launch what’s more likely to be his ultimate try at an AFL comeback with VFL membership Port Melbourne.
The 30-year-old, who has performed 88 AFL video games with three golf equipment, has not featured on the prime degree since an ill-fated stint with Melbourne in 2020.
It ended when he left the Demons’ Gold Coast hub and breached the league’s COVID-19 protocols, resulting in a four-match suspension and $50,000 positive.
Bennell then introduced his retirement from the sport.
However, a latest stint within the Northern Territory taking part in with the Tiwi Bombers has reignited Bennell’s ardour to play.
Port Melbourne confirmed their high-profile acquisition on Thursday.
“I’m really excited to get down to Melbourne to meet my new teammates and coaching staff for 2023,” Bennell mentioned in a membership assertion.
“I’m just happy to be playing footy at a high level again and whatever happens on the way is a bonus, so I’m going to enjoy this one.”
Peel Thunder product Bennell was initially drafted by Gold Coast in 2010 and performed his greatest soccer thus far with the Suns.
He kicked a career-high six targets in a win over Geelong in 2014 however by no means reached his potential amid off-field points and a sequence of sentimental tissue accidents.
Bennell performed 81 video games with Gold Coast, two with Fremantle and 5 with Melbourne.
Port Melbourne soccer supervisor Glenn Balmforth mentioned the membership was excited to have the silky-skilled speedster on board.
“When I spoke to Harley a few weeks ago and it was very evident to me from the start that he has a strong focus and desire to play at the highest level,” Balmforth mentioned.
“He can and play a major role in contributing to group success, which is exactly what we want at our club.
“For us to have the chance to convey to our membership any individual of Harley’s calibre along with his expertise and on-field capacity at this stage within the pre-season may be very thrilling.
“We can’t wait for him to get down to Melbourne and get started, as he is sure to excite the red and blue faithful.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
