Troubled Fremantle player Harley Bennell has impressed Peel Thunder coach Cam Shepherd during his recent expulsion from the Dockers.
The 25-year-old was sent away from the club in January after being thrown out of a nightclub the night before the Dockers were to resume training after their Christmas break.
He has instead continued his pre-season at Peel, the club he played for before being selected by former side Gold Coast with pick number 2 in the 2010 National Draft, spending eight weeks with the WAFL outfit.
Shepherd says that Bennell’s attitude has been outstanding during his time with the Thunder.
“Coming back after that indiscretion his attitude has been strong,” he told SEN Mornings.
“He has been really keen to help out the young Peel boys improve and educate in the game.
“Harley has been wonderful in his eight weeks… we look forward to him building on his career.”
Bennell is likely to represent the Thunder early in the season before breaking his way back in to the Fremantle side after suffering a minor calf injury last month, with Shepherd saying they will prepare him as best he can for an eventual AFL return.
“He had a slight nick in his calf, very minor, three or four weeks ago. We’ll get him conditioned up and get him enjoying his footy, which he loves,” he said.
The Peel Thunder coach expects Bennell to spend his time in midfield and in the forward line this year.
He has only made two appearances for the Dockers since joining the club at the end of the 2015 season due to persistent calf injuries.
Listen to Cam Shepherd's chat with Kane Cornes on SEN Mornings below: